- Joined
- Nov 21, 2020
- Messages
- 16
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- US
- State
- MA
- City
- Boston
Hello all,
I have lurked on this website for the past few weeks and just would like to express how incredible this community seems to be. I wanted to discuss my with this community to get some thoughts on what I’ve been experiencing. I will apologize on the length of this post but will try and be as brief as possible.
I am a 30 year old male with no medical issues. For the past 3 weeks or so I’ve been experiencing a wide range of symptoms that have me stressed out. I would welcome any
- Numbing/weakness on my entire right side.I would describe the sensation as a hybrid between numbness and weakness, but it is hard to put into words (it is something I’ve never quite experienced)
- This numbing/weakness would then alternate sides (right to left and vice versa) virtually on a daily basis
- While the numbing/weakness feeling seems to have subsided, my left forearm and hand have been cramping for the past few days (I would describe this as cramping but it’s not as painful as a thigh or calf cramp)
- During this time I think I have been much more conscious of my day to day actions. I do not feel any weaker (though I know this is perception), have not been dropping anything, have not had any issues with my normal activities, no issues walking/climbing stairs, etc.
I have had two appointments (one with a general doc, the other with a neurologist). Unfortunately both were telehealth because of COVID. The neuro did do a pseudo physical exam, though I assume it was more limited in nature due to the fact it was remote. This consisted of walking, lifting a few things, touching fingers/noses, etc.
The general doc brushed off ALS (appointment lasted all of 10 min). The neuro also did not seem to think this was ALS either, but wanted to do an EMG regardless. This fact concerned me.
My questions that I would love any feedback on:
1.) Would ALS symptoms appear this quickly? I know each case is different but just generally speaking.
2.) In terms of symptoms onset, where does the hand/cramping begin? My hand/forearm cramping have been bothering me quite a bit. Does cramping usually proceed weakness?
3.) How painful are hand/forearm cramps? In general, I would describe these as painful, more of a nuisance. Regardless, they have definitely elevated my concern level.
Thank you again for your time! It really amazes me the support this community provides for one another.
I have lurked on this website for the past few weeks and just would like to express how incredible this community seems to be. I wanted to discuss my with this community to get some thoughts on what I’ve been experiencing. I will apologize on the length of this post but will try and be as brief as possible.
I am a 30 year old male with no medical issues. For the past 3 weeks or so I’ve been experiencing a wide range of symptoms that have me stressed out. I would welcome any
- Numbing/weakness on my entire right side.I would describe the sensation as a hybrid between numbness and weakness, but it is hard to put into words (it is something I’ve never quite experienced)
- This numbing/weakness would then alternate sides (right to left and vice versa) virtually on a daily basis
- While the numbing/weakness feeling seems to have subsided, my left forearm and hand have been cramping for the past few days (I would describe this as cramping but it’s not as painful as a thigh or calf cramp)
- During this time I think I have been much more conscious of my day to day actions. I do not feel any weaker (though I know this is perception), have not been dropping anything, have not had any issues with my normal activities, no issues walking/climbing stairs, etc.
I have had two appointments (one with a general doc, the other with a neurologist). Unfortunately both were telehealth because of COVID. The neuro did do a pseudo physical exam, though I assume it was more limited in nature due to the fact it was remote. This consisted of walking, lifting a few things, touching fingers/noses, etc.
The general doc brushed off ALS (appointment lasted all of 10 min). The neuro also did not seem to think this was ALS either, but wanted to do an EMG regardless. This fact concerned me.
My questions that I would love any feedback on:
1.) Would ALS symptoms appear this quickly? I know each case is different but just generally speaking.
2.) In terms of symptoms onset, where does the hand/cramping begin? My hand/forearm cramping have been bothering me quite a bit. Does cramping usually proceed weakness?
3.) How painful are hand/forearm cramps? In general, I would describe these as painful, more of a nuisance. Regardless, they have definitely elevated my concern level.
Thank you again for your time! It really amazes me the support this community provides for one another.