Sorry for the long post, but legitimately concerned.

[fattiemcgee]

29/m, 6'1, 200 pounds. I've had atrophy in my right shoulder for a year and a half now. Prior to that I've had scolosis (diagnosed around 18 years old) I've had a cervical spine MRI (just showed a very straitened cervical spine), brain MRI (chiari malformation which several dr's said is insignificant), muscle twitching in my right bicep, palm near my thumb, and shoulder. I had a EMG done on my right arm/shoulder and it showed superscalpular nerve entrapment (mild). I also have scalpular winging on my right side (and some on my left but much worse on my right). All this was preceded by a horrible neck cramps which I received a botox injection for (fixed the pain). My handwriting has suffered along with a diminished right bicep, fatty muscle around my thumb, and shoulder. After some months passed, the twitching moved onto the right leg. My ankle definitely was affected by it. The twitching subsided some since a few months ago, but I definitely feel it more when I work out or walk longer distances.

Several days ago I woke up with the same pain on my left side (upper trap/neck). I now have twitching all up and down my left side with some on my lower calf, shoulder, bicep, ankle, and bottom of my foot on the left side. I went to the ER twice yesterday. They ran the gambit on me. Blood work, CT on brain, MRI on brain. All normal. I saw a neuro today. He ordered another EMG on two limbs, 2 more types of blood tests (B12 and vitamin D), and another MRI of my cervical. I see an ALS specialist on Monday. I do not have any problems swallowing, some slurred speech (but I've slept 2 hours the past 24 - so I'm not putting that into anything yet). I also have a slight problem walking due to perceived weakness in my lower calves/ankles - coordination is somewhat cornering as well. Are any of these symptoms of what people here that have been diagnosed had?

I also assume my reflexs are normal from the neuro today. He didn't say anything concerning about them. Same with "drop foot", he did not mention having it though my feet do sit at a pretty noticeable angle close to the surface they are on when laying down. He also said that if I had MS it would have shown up on the MRI. Also, if I had ALS with symptoms a year and a half ago I would not be able to walk into his office on my own. Is this true? He explained things pretty well. He also said if blood and MRI are negative he could attribute this to stress. I worked fixing sick building syndrome for 4 years with a government agency. I'm not really suspetible to that. Is stress a possibility? I'm not overly stressed besides my newish job?

I also have had zero episodes of falling. I can walk on my toes and the balls of my feet but they require some effort the past few days. Tie shoes seems muddled with my right hand. Very laggy etc.

 

[fattiemcgee]

Also forgot to add I had pretty bad twitching on my upper right cheek when I was going through that first part. It affected my smile and eyebrow raising somewhat.

 

[Atsugi]

You just gave a pretty detailed history, there, fatti. Thanks. Give it to your neuro.

I didn't see much of a case for ALS in there, but I'm not a doctor and I can't see you to examine you. Your doctor is right to say if you have ALS from 18 months ago, the odds are you wouldn't be walking.

Don't sweat it. Keep the appointment but I wouldn't worry about ALS if I were you.

 

[fattiemcgee]

Ok, thank you for the reply. I'm pretty curious as to what it is. Still very nervous about it. I know none of us are doctors but since some people here been through this (strong-willed mind you!).

Also, any good way to donate for ALS causes? I'd like to through people who know good non-profits.

 

[Atsugi]

At the top right of this page, there is a big red "donate" button.

 

[fattiemcgee]

Thank you. I will tonight. Also, gave all that info to the neuro. Why he set up the testing. Bloodwork and MRI are scheduled for today. EMG in 3 weeks.