physical

[pldo]

Today at work they told us we need to get a physical and check out okay before they will offer us contracts. I do not now what to do- the twitching is worse. It used to go away for a day or two- now at least every day. I also have problems swallowing- sometimes I feel as if my tongue will not move the saliva back- and then I start to hyperventilate. it happens through out the day- not when I am eating though. Doctor says most likely GERD/bfs. But now my tounge is twitching and scalloped. I am so scared because I have an infant and a great job which i now might not be able to keep Any advice?

 

[brooksea]

You've been told you don't have ALS right? Do you have to go to a specific clinic for your physical or can you go to your own doc? Either way, I guess you don't really have a choice. If you have BFS, how would this interfere with your job duties? That's what I would be preparing a defense for if anyone brought it up. And if they want to know about the fascics, you could tell them you've already been tested and give them the results. So maybe you could prepare ahead of time for some probing questions from the clinic examining you and have your paperwork with you so there will be no delays in keeping you on contract. And most of all remain confident that you know what you are talking about!

I'm sure others can give you more advice.

 

[pldo]

I have been told no ALS for now. . . no weakness except for the swallowing issues. The twitching I was told was due to BFS. I need to go to one of their physicians and I am worried about what he/she is going to say.

 

[brooksea]

Can you get your results from the neuro and have them on hand just in case you need them? Has the swallowing issue been documented if not I would think they won't discover it because you will see someone inexperienced most likely with any neurological diseases.

BFS is suspected to be triggered by a viral infection and stressor and is seen a lot in medical field. It supposedly does no harm to your body, other than probably aggravate you greatly. I think I would reaad up on BFS so as to be able to present a knowledgeable front on what you already know you have been diagnosed with.

I hope everything goes well for you. Let us know.

 

[CindyM]

Hi PLDO. I'd take Jimmercat's advice and march in with head held high. In fact, I'd practice saying over and over to myself, "The Docs say I have BFS and GERD." Say it until you convince yourself. Then, if they notice the fasciculations or scalloped tongue, I'd look them straight in the eye and tell them it is a benign condition. So it is, without clinical proof otherwise!

PS. If it is a GP, he or she might not notice. They spend all day looking for irregular heartbeats and sore throats. My guess is they will want to listen to your heart and lungs and do a blood pressure check-maybe even test for high sugar and such. You've got nothing to lose, really. Not going won't insure your job and if they do notice you will be one step closer to a DX and financial help in the form of disability and government insurance. That's how I'd chose to look at it. Cindy

 

[pldo]

What do you think the scalloped tongue and trouble swallowing could be?

Good advice about the other issue. Anyone know of good sights that explain BFS?

 

[guwainengle]

I just had a work physical-- they checked blood pressure-- PSA- Chloersterol, listened to heart adn lungs and checked vision-- and a urine test.. Took about 5 minutes-- That was just for the urine-- haha.. They don't look in yuor mouth and really don't ask questions too much-- you may have to fill out a family history ? but that is brief too-- Usually the employer does not want to spend a whole bunch of $-- I would not worry about it-- and if they see twitching-- say you were up all night long and could not sleep-- that usually explains it-- and possible is true if you are like me--

G

 

[brooksea]

http://www.gicare.com/pated/epdgs25.htm

and

aboutbfs.com

scalloped tongue can be caused by continuous clenching and grinding of teeth.

If you are stressed and have BFS you may also be grinding your teeth at night without knowing it. just a thought...

 

[guwainengle]

I just had a EGD done 2 times in the last month-- it helped with my swollowing issues-- but they really knock you out for a good day-- they had to dialate it both times-- they say stress and gerd-- no wonder why? no scalloped tounge yet-- but cramps in hands and feet and twitches never ending.G

 

[patricia1]

What do you think the scalloped tongue and trouble swallowing could be?

Good advice about the other issue. Anyone know of good sights that explain BFS?

How is your speech. I was told if you have trouble swallowing and scalloped tongue and slurred speech Its ALS So if I were you I would see a ALS specialist to do other test to rule it out Good Luck Pat

 

[Jamiet]

Pldo,

What is your job description? Are youalreayd employed? I deal with this type of stuff on a daily basis. Give me a little info, i can explain your rights.

I.E. - If you are already employed, and you don't have major issues why you can't work, then really they can't terminate you. Also, if they do find you have a disability, then, you are covered by the ADA. So, you've gotem by the gonads ok!

Walk in with your head high, don't lie, you need to put down what the Neuro diagnosed you with, thats BFS. Don't mention about the tongue and swallowing because thats from biting your teeth and hyperventilaitng due to the nervousness of taking a physical, right?.....hint hint.

I wouldn't worry much, the standard physical, they are looking for broken backs, blood issues, such as diabities, blood borne pathogens, hep c, etc etc. They won't be looking for ALS.

Good luck


Jamie

 

[pldo]

I am a teacher and already employed. I teach pre-k, so not that much lifting. A lot of talking...

Patricia- Now I am really scared! Every once in a while I have slurred speech- scalloped tongue worse when I wake up. Sometimes caughing after eating- especially really cold foods. sometimes trouble with ordinary saliva, sometimes wake up caughing.

 

[patricia1]

Thats how I started I am not saying you have als but I would see a als clinic and specialist. For peace of mind Pat