Query on MND/ALS

[vickim]

Hi Dave

Here are some reasons for abnormal CK levels

Abnormal results

Elevation of CK-I may be seen in stroke, extreme shock, or brain tumor.

Elevation of CK-II is seen after a myocardial infarction. It begins to rise three to six hours after the heart attack, and may peak within 24 hours. It should then return to normal. For this reason, it is a useful marker for recent myocardial infarction, but not for one which occurred more than a day before the test.

Elevation of CK-III indicates skeletal muscle damage. This may occur from normal exercise, trauma, or muscle disease. CK levels may be very high early on in muscular dystrophy, but may fall to normal later as muscle tissue is lost. Elevated CK is also seen in myositis, myoglobinuria, toxoplasmosis, and trichinosis. Hypothyroidism may also cause elevated CK

I think you can dismiss the CK I and II. CK III indicates muscle damage. Als is not a muscle disease. It is a brain and nerve disease. Drinking alcohol can raise your ck.

 

[DaveSmith]

Thanks Vickim that is very useful in terms of trying to understand. I have an appt with my doctor in an hour so I will find out which part of my CK levels were slightly elevated.

 

[vickim]

Good luck. I hope everything turns out ok.

 

[DaveSmith]

My CK levels were 360 and he didn't know what group of CK levels it was as it didn't give him that info apparently

 

[vickim]

Did your dr explain any of it? Did you ask any questions?

 

[DaveSmith]

Yep he just said it could be a red herring. And nothing. He said unless I am having any symptoms of anything he wouldn't worry. But I explained that my arms ache intermittently and feel weak.. Not clinical weakness however. I also mentioned that over the last few months when playing football I've noticed I feel hot and cold and quite fatigued early on but sometimes I get better the longer I play. He's decided to refer me to a neuro who is specialist with muscles. He was initially going to refer me to a rheumatologist.

 

[vickim]

Well I guess you will have to wait to see the neuro. It could be anything at this point. Be patient and listen to the drs.

 

[DaveSmith]

Oh dear! That's got me worried now :-S

 

[vickim]

Why on earth would that have you worried?

 

[DaveSmith]

As you said it could be anything and I'm just worried that it could be the worst case scenario.

 

[vickim]

Why go there? I am not a dr but I doubt it is als. More than likely it is something simple and fixable. Don't let this take over your life. Relax and be patient. Stress will make the twitching worse.

 

[DaveSmith]

Thank You Vickim... I think I probably need a good slap in the face. I hope you are having a good week.

 

[vickim]

I don't think I would slap you in the face, but a good swift kick in the pants might do the job. :mrgreen:

 

[DaveSmith]

Haha I would say harsh.. But it's probably fair!

 

[DaveSmith]

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would come back and let you know that I saw a neuro today and he did the usual physical checks to see if any symptoms of neurological diseases and he couldnt find anything wrong, He just agreed to do a recount of my CK levels. SO awaiting the results of that. One question I would like to ask though is I am experiencing alot of twitches under my foot, when i say twitches it feels like worms or insects moving around under foot, and is more noticeable when applying pressure to the foot or spreading the toes happens moreso on the right foot mainly the toes but felt in plantar and near heel and also on the other foot. Im getting fasculations in my back nose, calf chest aswell, which im not as worried about. I did mention the constant twitching in my right foot to the Neuro but he didn't seem to be to bothered. And only suggested that we do further investigation if my CK levels come back extremely high not just slightly elevated. Does this sound like more Hyper excitbaility in nerves form the likes of a thyroid issue such as graves or hashimoto or hypothyroidism? I guess I need to book a doctors appointment and see if i can get a referral to see a Endocrinologist.