Hi all, it has been a rough few weeks. I went through some testing at Mayo and saw a Gen Neuro and have to go back. There was some difficulty with the EMG test because some of my muscles were too weak for the part where you push down after insertion and want to redo it.
Symmetrical Hyperreflexia of upper extremities and patellas was noted, is this a bad sign? it’s new for me accompanied with all these other symptoms. Reflexes were always normal or almost non responsive before all this.
My hip/pelvic/glute/thigh atrophy (esp R side) is getting worse! and making it so hard to walk or sit. It's so darn uncomfortable and upsetting to look at.
Also facial & abdominal weakness continues. Lower back pain started full force.
Constant shaking in fingers from what appears to be weak wrists. Legs continue to shake with minimal exertion.
Fasciculations have gotten worse, constant and all over from waking to sleep. Today alone, the side of my foot has been going non stop since I woke up and the stronger ones moves my big toe.
Constant twitching in other muscles at the same time. If that has been going non stop for a few years and getting worse as weakness progresses, this can't be a good sign? Benign should come and go or at least not be constant, worsen or be accompanied with weakness and muscle loss..
I also don't understand why constant muscle twitching wouldn't be picked up on an EMG but sounds like they have to insert near the twitching muscle.
This all doesn't look good that I am getting weaker and more atrophied. I don’t even recognize my body physically or how it feels and works any longer and mentally I am in a downward spiral.
I met a couple recently who knew of others with ALS, saw me and said my symptoms mostly match, I'm very worried. A few Dr's have also noted EMG can miss in early stages but should show with frank muscle weakness and loss, but could I be the exception for the few who don't have flashing EMG tests right away, especially if Dr's don't see this muscle loss as significant as what I am experiencing. I have put on a few pounds of just fat and they see this along with my age.
Thank you