Hudson
Member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2017
- Messages
- 10
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 02/2018
- Country
- US
- State
- New York
- City
- New York City
I had sought guidance in June and received helpful feedback. I have an update and would appreciate any thoughts.
I am a 65-year-old male. In mid-2016, I started to have swallowing issues with food occasionally stuck in my throat. I also started to have intermittent issues where my speech wasn't as crisp as it normally is. Weakness in my right hand surfaced in late 2016, and I went to a top neurologist. After a battery of tests, I was told in February 2017 that I likely had either MMN or ALS, and I started receiving IVIG treatments every two weeks. By June 2017, there was little improvement, so the doctor increased the IVIG dosage, which I continue to receive.
As of today, I have swallowing issues on a daily basis, with occasional episodes of gagging. My speech is noticeably less clear than it was six months ago, although it is still intelligible. My right hand, bicep and arm are much weaker than those on my left. If I lie down on my back, I can't lift my head; I need to turn to a side to lift it. My gait is sometimes less fluid than normal. My weight has declined from 180 to 172 pounds in the past year.
I still exercise six days a week but less vigorously. For example, once a week, I run about three miles but no longer run six. (I did bike about 20 miles a day for a week while on a trip in early September.)
My neurologist continues to say I either have some form of neuropathy or ALS. He and another doctor have told me that ALS can progress at different rates and that I don't have "Lou Gehrig's Disease," i.e., the most lethal form of ALS.
I would be grateful for any reactions.
I am a 65-year-old male. In mid-2016, I started to have swallowing issues with food occasionally stuck in my throat. I also started to have intermittent issues where my speech wasn't as crisp as it normally is. Weakness in my right hand surfaced in late 2016, and I went to a top neurologist. After a battery of tests, I was told in February 2017 that I likely had either MMN or ALS, and I started receiving IVIG treatments every two weeks. By June 2017, there was little improvement, so the doctor increased the IVIG dosage, which I continue to receive.
As of today, I have swallowing issues on a daily basis, with occasional episodes of gagging. My speech is noticeably less clear than it was six months ago, although it is still intelligible. My right hand, bicep and arm are much weaker than those on my left. If I lie down on my back, I can't lift my head; I need to turn to a side to lift it. My gait is sometimes less fluid than normal. My weight has declined from 180 to 172 pounds in the past year.
I still exercise six days a week but less vigorously. For example, once a week, I run about three miles but no longer run six. (I did bike about 20 miles a day for a week while on a trip in early September.)
My neurologist continues to say I either have some form of neuropathy or ALS. He and another doctor have told me that ALS can progress at different rates and that I don't have "Lou Gehrig's Disease," i.e., the most lethal form of ALS.
I would be grateful for any reactions.