Thyroid Connection

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Maximus Prime

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Learn about ALS
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Hello everyone,

In late July I was having issues with my left achilles tendon and was suspected of tendinitis on August 3rd. On the 7th, there were visible twitches of my left forearm where the muscle would contract almost fully for several hours. By the 13th there were now brief twitches presenting in my legs and occasionally in my arms, back, etc. Over the next few weeks I noticed strange symptoms such as fatigued chewing muscles while eating and profound weakness in my legs. On the 21st I began noticing some kind of "rushing" sensation or similar to how you get chills that run down the back of your neck down to my lower extremities.

There are other symptoms and events that have happened, but this is what the doctors have done so far:

Tested for nutrient deficiencies
MRI of the brain
Bloodwork for neuromuscular and similar diseases

The bloodwork came back with high antibodies against thyroid peroxidase. My neurologist referred me to an endocrinologist which I won't be able to see until January. I have asked her for nerve conduction studies in the meantime.

My question to you all is: do thyroid disorders cause persistent muscle twitching and weakness? Am I wrong to ask for an EMG? What are your thoughts? Thank you for all your help!
 
Thyroid disorders can certainly cause weakness, reflex abnormalities and other ALS like symptoms. It is one of the things my neurologist tested in her rule out. A friend of mine who carries a highly penetrant FAlS mutation was sure they had started ALS and it turned out to be thyroid. Their symptoms resolved with treatment and they remain fine two years later
 
Twitching means nothing, as does fatigue.
By profound weakness, do you mean you are now wheelchair bound?
Unless your legs have actually failed you I don't see any ALS symptoms in your description.

Can you maybe see if you can get on a cancellation list for the Endocrinologist as people often cancel appointments for all kinds of reasons. I would be doing all I can to get that sorted quickly.
 
Early on there were times I struggled to walk short distances. Exercise seemed to aggravate symptoms. These episodes haven't been as severe lately, but its almost like the muscles are getting smaller. I'm trying not to use medical terms but perhaps it feels like a catabolic state?

Anyway, I'll take your advice and try to find an earlier appointment for the endocrine specialist. I'll report back once there's more information. Thank you guys!
 
ALS doesn't work that way which is great news. All the best, do let your doctors direct things, researching on google and throwing medical terms around won't help but could take things off track and slow down diagnosis.
 
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