Stressed about possible diagnosis

[nds]

Hi! I'm new here and have read the intro stickies but would love some grace and support. I'm a 51 year old mom who has been having twitches all over since early August. I have no noticeable weakness or physical limitations; however I have noticed some tingling and numbness in my feet, hands and upper back. I have noticed some sporadic tremors in my middle finger when in certain positions.

Just today I noticed some sporadic pressure in my chest and feel like my swallowing is impacted when drinking water.

I have seen a neurologist and will have a follow-up for results to my creatine kinase and emg on 10/3. In the interim, I can't sleep and my stress has led me down the Dr. Google rabbit hole. I'm praying this is not ALS.

 

[lgelb]

The odds are greatly in your favor. This sounds more like a postviral thing, maybe poor sleep, things like that. If your mattress/pillow are old, that's something to look at. And being stressed about your health seldom improves your physical wellbeing.

You will know more soon. Meanwhile, when you are worried about yourself, it can help to give someone else a helping hand.

 

[nds]

Thank you for your words of encouragement. The repetitive twitching keeps me stressed and I've lost a few pounds-- about 10. That has also made me anxious. With every glance, I think I see dents in my legs so I have decided not to focus there.

 

[nds]

I'm still experiencing twitching and feel like there are some swallowing issues as well. My family says they haven't noticed any speech or voice changes. I'm doing a sleep study tomorrow because my PC doctor believes I may have sleep apnea.

As i am still somewhat anxious about ALS symptoms, can you please advise if anything in these EMG results look concerning? Is it possible to have bulbar onset but normal EMG of limbs?

 

[nds]

Remainder of the results

 

[Nikki J]

That is not an emg report. It is a nerve conduction study. Ncs is the shock part of the test. Did you also have needles which would be the emg. There would be a table. Also whatever you had should also have an interpretation. If you have them please post

 

[nds]

Omg.... you mean i need to get another test and wait for results. Yes, I did have the needle. Here's is the summary portion.

 

[nds]

Thank you. There is no portal. I picked these up today. I will have to go there tomorrow. I specifically asked about the needle portion and he said it was normal and I could pick up results. This is frustrating. I'm going to have to find a new neurologist. Thank you for your support.

 

[Nikki J]

The summary includes interpretation of the emg. It was normal You don’t need another test

 

[lgelb]

...and whatever recommendations come out of the sleep study, I'll bet that following them can greatly improve things for you. If you are not a regular exerciser, even walking, that could be of benefit, too. In this transitional weather, taking sips of juice before, during, and after eating can also help.

 

[nds]

Thank you. I will also go by the office tomorrow to inquire about the table.

By the way, this group is a blessing. My anxiety is through the roof, but seeing how you show up for others reminds me to remain grateful and to live in the moment-- not in my fears.