I'm new here, so bear with me if I'm repeating what everyone else says in their first post.
I have been diagnosed with ALS by a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disease. She wants me to get some more tests done--an MRI of the lower back, a spinal tap (to identify if it could be MMN), and consult with a neurosurgeon about my neck (which does have some problems).
I have made an appointment with an MD who specializes in holistic approaches, and has MS herself.
My onset has been unusual. In 1999 I went to a neurologist about tingling and numbness in my right arm. He pointed out that my hand was starting to atrophy. Since then the hand and arm has gotten significantly weaker. In 2003 I consulted with an Ear Nose and Throat doctor about some difficulty swallowing and a fullness in my throat. This January, immediately after having hernia surgery, I noticed muscle twitching all over my body--arms, legs, chest, etc. I think I've lost some muscle mass and tone all over my body. I also have been on a low fat diet for the last year, and lost about 40 pounds. I'm 5'9" and 155 pounds now.
That brings me to the diagnosis of ALS. My neurologist is pretty certain that's what I have, but she says the main way to know for sure is to watch my progress over the next few months.
The main new symptom that is bothering me is some dizzyness and instability. It occurs when I turn over in bed, sit up in bed, lie down, and sometimes when I stand up or reach up to a high shelf in the kitchen.
I've started to drink a lot more water--I really wasn't drinking much at all, mostly coffee, before. So the dizzyness could be partially from dehydration.
By the way, I also have a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. And I've been hard of hearing my entire life and lost 10 db of hearing in one ear about 3 years ago.
I'm also just starting to consult with a Chinese Energetics practictioner.
So, any advice? Thanks, everyone.
Andy
I have been diagnosed with ALS by a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disease. She wants me to get some more tests done--an MRI of the lower back, a spinal tap (to identify if it could be MMN), and consult with a neurosurgeon about my neck (which does have some problems).
I have made an appointment with an MD who specializes in holistic approaches, and has MS herself.
My onset has been unusual. In 1999 I went to a neurologist about tingling and numbness in my right arm. He pointed out that my hand was starting to atrophy. Since then the hand and arm has gotten significantly weaker. In 2003 I consulted with an Ear Nose and Throat doctor about some difficulty swallowing and a fullness in my throat. This January, immediately after having hernia surgery, I noticed muscle twitching all over my body--arms, legs, chest, etc. I think I've lost some muscle mass and tone all over my body. I also have been on a low fat diet for the last year, and lost about 40 pounds. I'm 5'9" and 155 pounds now.
That brings me to the diagnosis of ALS. My neurologist is pretty certain that's what I have, but she says the main way to know for sure is to watch my progress over the next few months.
The main new symptom that is bothering me is some dizzyness and instability. It occurs when I turn over in bed, sit up in bed, lie down, and sometimes when I stand up or reach up to a high shelf in the kitchen.
I've started to drink a lot more water--I really wasn't drinking much at all, mostly coffee, before. So the dizzyness could be partially from dehydration.
By the way, I also have a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. And I've been hard of hearing my entire life and lost 10 db of hearing in one ear about 3 years ago.
I'm also just starting to consult with a Chinese Energetics practictioner.
So, any advice? Thanks, everyone.
Andy