Status
Not open for further replies.

PDaddy

Distinguished member
Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Messages
264
Diagnosis
04/2008
Country
US
State
CA
City
Claremont
I probably don't have ALS, but you folks are great in calming us down. Me; 53 years old, male, overweight, acid-reflux (take Zantac daily), but basically very healthy. About 6 years ago my left arm was getting tingly off and on, so I went to a Dr. and had an MRI and it was determined that I have some arthritis in my neck that could be pinching some nerves. I went to Physical Therapy for that which really did nothing. The tingly feeling in my lefty still happened off and on, but not too often so it wasn't really a problem.

About 2 months ago I noticed my left hand (I am right handed) starting to get noticeably weaker, then the fingers on my left hand started twitching slightly. Then the twitching became worse and worse, and now my right hand (fingers) are also twitching like crazy. My upper arm muscles are also noticeably twitching away. I feel more and more self-conscious in meetings at work where someone may notice my fingers or arms...

Also, I am very noticeably more emotional. I would NEVER cry at movies and now I tear up, and when something good happens my face tightens up under my lip/jaw and I can't talk for a few moments.

And sometimes my hands will cramp up if I get them in an odd location (behind my back or something) but they un-cramp quickly.

I don't see Dr.’s often, the last time was for my neck, and prior to that was 1992 when I sprained my ankle... My wife thinks my symptoms are all from my neck. So, ...
 
I'd say your arthritis could be worse since 6 years ago. Probably wouldn't hurt to start there.
AL.
 
Need to start with a good doctor.
 
Thanks guys, I will try to make an appt soon, once I find a Dr... All the ones I've used to see have all retired! :oops:
 
That could be a blessing in disguise. A fresh set of eyes looking at you is probably good.
AL.
 
Thanks Al, I am closer to seeing a doctor, or, actually finding one. I looked up one of my symptoms and it has a name, Emotional Incontinence. This is my worst symptom, I could live with twitching fingers, twitching arms, a weaker left hand, or occasional cramps in my fingers, but when every time something good or bad happens, my face or jaw tightens up and I can't speak, that sucks! I attend meetings at work, and this is a problem.
 
Guess your wife likes that part. Can't speak. Sorry. Have a warped sense of humor sometimes. Looking up one symptom at a time will drive you crazy and you'll end up on 10 different forums. Better to use the time finding and seeing a good doctor.
AL.
 
Thanks Al, if my wife gets mad at me she will tell me joke after joke to shut me up! ;-)
 
Minor update - I finally had my GM doctor appointment yesterday and am scheduled for blood test, xray & MRI (for my neck), and Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) with a Neuro specialist. I will see the GM again in 3 weeks, I'll report back then. Interesting to note is, my prescription for the Neuro also says "R/O ALS" - I assume that means to "rule out" ALS! But I am thinking more and more that my neck is getting worse from the arthritis, which is probably getting worse, which is causing all of these symptoms...
 
Minor Update

I finally saw a GM yesterday and he prescribed blood tests, x-ray, MRI, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) with a Neurologist. On the slip for the Neurologist it said "R/O ALS" I assume that means to "rule out" ALS! I will see the GM again in 3 weeks, I will report back then.
 
Good luck, PDaddy!
 
Acronyms

I'm back. I saw the neurologist today for the EMG and NCS, last Friday I had the MRI and XRAY. The Dr. said I have a bulging disc in my neck at T1 (effects the little finger and more) AND MND Motor Neuron Disease in my legs AND arms (but my legs are still strong!). So, he thinks it is (or could be?) ALS. He will get me into Loma Linda for "final" tests and put me on the drugs or trials. So, my wife is quite upset, she was with me during the appointment...
 
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis

PDaddy, I was sorry to read this today. Best of luck with your follow up appointment/2nd opinion. You and your wife will find a ton of support with the good people here.
 
Thanks mama/2, I will post later...
 
Hi Pdaddy. I am sorry they suspect ALS. No wonder your wife is upset! Maybe at some point she will join us. at any rate we wil be here for you both. Be sure to check back when you get the second opinion! Cindy
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top