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HL93

New member
Joined
Jun 21, 2018
Messages
7
Reason
Learn about ALS
Diagnosis
00/0000
Country
US
State
NJ
City
Belmar
Hello All:

Before I begin, I want to say two things: thank you and I’m sorry. Thank you for the peace of mind you bring to scared individuals like myself each and every day, despite the great challenges you face. That selflessness amazes me. Secondly, I want to apologize for starting a second post after I was given valuable information a month and a half ago regarding my ALS fears. The fact of the matter is that I have new symptoms and still a two-month wait until my appointment with a specialist, and I am seeking guidance, perhaps selfishly. I hope I’m not wasting your time, and if I am please let me know and I will be on my way.

My GP seems to think I have rheumatoid arthritis based on a very high RA factor (41.4) and generally persistent pain in my right shoulder. In addition, I’ve had body-wide muscle twitching for four months now. This is what initially brought me to see the doctor and since my blood work came in two months ago, my GP has waved it off as fatigue or anxiety. During my last appointment this past week, he said the same. However, now my right arm and leg sometimes move involuntarily. Not an extreme jerk, just a slight “flail.” In addition, I sometimes feel as if an arm or leg muscle is “giving out” when I am holding something, kneeling, putting more pressure on one leg, etc. I don’t feel weak, but I do feel muscle pain, and I wonder if that pain is a result of overexertion by certain muscles to compensate for weakening ones. Also, if it means anything, these issues predominate on the right side of my body.

During my last GP visit, I asked if he thought any of this is neurological and he said no. I just don’t understand how this works into rheumatoid arthritis when twitching and flailing are nerve-related phenomena. I still have a two-month wait for my rheumatologist appointment, and I am terrified.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciate. Again, I am beyond grateful for your time.

Thanks,
Chris
 
Twitching is common, nonspecific, and meaningless. Pleases ignore the twitching.

Rheumatoid arthritis can not be diagnosed without a trained physician (preferably a rheumatologist) examining your joints and finding signs of inflammation. The rheumatoid factor itself is not diagnostic of rheumatoid arthritis and is a fairly nonspecific test. When you see the rheumatologist, s/he will want to examine your joints, get X-rays, and run some other labs including antiCCP antibodies, ANA, sed rate, and hepatitis C antibodies.

Meanwhile, I can reassure you that your presentation does not suggest ALS. Please work with your doctors.
 
Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate your time and reassurance.
 
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