jjmwk
New member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2019
- Messages
- 4
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- UK
- State
- LN
- City
- Glasgow
Hello
I have come accross this forum and am astounded by the positive attitude and supportive nature of those diagnosed with this disease towards others. Not to mention the determination held by so many to continue living as normal a life as possible. I find you all truly inspirational.
I first off want to say that I suffer from health anxiety. I have done for years and if what I describe sounds nothing like ALS the last thing I want to do is offend anyone, but I am just lost at the moment.
I started having widespread fasciculations and cramping feelings in June 2018. At the time I was concerned but never really considered anything sinister. This has continued and resulted in numerous blood tests all of which were normal. I was referred to a rheumatologist in December 2018 and had an examination of tone, strength, reflexes etc and was told there was no evidence of disease.
At this point I was relieved, but the pains and twitching seemed to get worse and I went back to the GP who tested for creatine kinase levels, which came back elevated at 600, and so was referred to a neurologist for further examination. The GP said he was not concerned but wanted to rule out unlikely causes. At this point I again felt reassured, as in the 10 months of this I have developed no muscle weakness.
But then came some symptoms of swallowing problems. Four weeks ago, I started noticing a cough after eating, I ate the meal and then a few minutes later would feel a tickle in my throat and start coughing. The cough has persisted and I now notice that when I drink water, at times I feel as if some small drops are being aspirated. Again, I don't choke or gag and can continue to drink, but when I finish I have the persistent irritation and need to cough.
I have been to see two doctors regarding this, both of whom think the cause is GERD and LPR, and admittedly I do have a lot of reflux problems, but it is the aspirating of water that worries me greatly. I am convinced that this is either the start of bulbar ALS or related to my other muscle symptoms and is an atypical progression.
I guess I have a few questions for those in the forum:
1. In ALS, is it likely that dysphagia would present before any signs of dysarthia? I have a hoarse voice but I do feel this is from the coughing. As far as I can tell I don't have any tongue weakness or chewing problems.
2. With dysphagia in ALS, can it come and go or wax and waine? Or is it steadily progressive, and how quickly would it progress?
I am 30 years old and have a 2 year old son and my wife is expecting our 2nd child. I am struggling to cope with the worry that I might not see them grow up and feel it is tearing me apart. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
John
I have come accross this forum and am astounded by the positive attitude and supportive nature of those diagnosed with this disease towards others. Not to mention the determination held by so many to continue living as normal a life as possible. I find you all truly inspirational.
I first off want to say that I suffer from health anxiety. I have done for years and if what I describe sounds nothing like ALS the last thing I want to do is offend anyone, but I am just lost at the moment.
I started having widespread fasciculations and cramping feelings in June 2018. At the time I was concerned but never really considered anything sinister. This has continued and resulted in numerous blood tests all of which were normal. I was referred to a rheumatologist in December 2018 and had an examination of tone, strength, reflexes etc and was told there was no evidence of disease.
At this point I was relieved, but the pains and twitching seemed to get worse and I went back to the GP who tested for creatine kinase levels, which came back elevated at 600, and so was referred to a neurologist for further examination. The GP said he was not concerned but wanted to rule out unlikely causes. At this point I again felt reassured, as in the 10 months of this I have developed no muscle weakness.
But then came some symptoms of swallowing problems. Four weeks ago, I started noticing a cough after eating, I ate the meal and then a few minutes later would feel a tickle in my throat and start coughing. The cough has persisted and I now notice that when I drink water, at times I feel as if some small drops are being aspirated. Again, I don't choke or gag and can continue to drink, but when I finish I have the persistent irritation and need to cough.
I have been to see two doctors regarding this, both of whom think the cause is GERD and LPR, and admittedly I do have a lot of reflux problems, but it is the aspirating of water that worries me greatly. I am convinced that this is either the start of bulbar ALS or related to my other muscle symptoms and is an atypical progression.
I guess I have a few questions for those in the forum:
1. In ALS, is it likely that dysphagia would present before any signs of dysarthia? I have a hoarse voice but I do feel this is from the coughing. As far as I can tell I don't have any tongue weakness or chewing problems.
2. With dysphagia in ALS, can it come and go or wax and waine? Or is it steadily progressive, and how quickly would it progress?
I am 30 years old and have a 2 year old son and my wife is expecting our 2nd child. I am struggling to cope with the worry that I might not see them grow up and feel it is tearing me apart. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
John