NathanOregon
New member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2020
- Messages
- 2
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- US
- State
- OR
- City
- McMinnville
Good Morning all. I have been following this forum and want to first say how awesome I think it is that you all take time to address so many anxious concerns. It is very compassionate and empathetic, and I have been praying for a number of the people here that reply regularly. I have read the "stickies".
I am a 40 year old male. My paternal grandfather died of ALS (60 years old), as did his daughter (55ish) and his son (late 40's). My father is still living, and is now 70 years old.
About a month ago I was resting at the end of the day when my left thumb started to twitch. I laughed it off with one of my kids, then went to bed without any worry. The next morning I woke up and was getting ready for work and it twitched some more. I was raking leaves earlier the day before, so I attributed it to that. But, just to be sure, thought I would "Google" a solution. Big mistake! As many have found out, ALS is the first thing to come up. I don't recall having any noticeable weakness at that time, but as weakness is a primary symptom, I started "testing" my arm and grip strength (lifting stuff stuff, maneuvering, I bought a dynanometer, etc), and I think I wore my arm out he first week. I stopped doing all of that, by the way, realizing I was becoming my own worst enemy. I still check my grip strength with the dynanometer (left arm (weak one) is at 125 lbs, and the right is @ 131). My thumb continued to twitch, and in the first few days the rest of my body joined in (random in nature, generally only at rest). I also started feeling weak all over my body. Fast forward a month. My thumb stopped twitching about six days ago. It feels like it wants to twitch, but does not. The rest of me is still twitching all over (mostly feet, calves, back, butt, thighs, eye, etc) mostly in the morning. My left arm continues to feel very weak, and is shaky as well. I spoke to my GP, and because of my family history, he referred me to a Neurologist (I saw the first week), and he did an in-office exam (strength, walk on toes, reflexes, etc- all normal the first week). He did not think it was ALS, but scheduled me for an EMG next month. I am concerned about the weakness that I feel in my left arm/hand. I originally attributed it to a self-inflicted injury caused my my neurotic desire to prove that I don't have clinical weakness, but it hasn't improved in a month's time. My eyes also have changed this last year (floaters in vision, nothing else), but have been examined (if that matters?).
I apologize for the long-windedness, but I was trying anticipate any questions you may all ask. I appreciate any of your insights, and will continue to pray on your behalf.
I am a 40 year old male. My paternal grandfather died of ALS (60 years old), as did his daughter (55ish) and his son (late 40's). My father is still living, and is now 70 years old.
About a month ago I was resting at the end of the day when my left thumb started to twitch. I laughed it off with one of my kids, then went to bed without any worry. The next morning I woke up and was getting ready for work and it twitched some more. I was raking leaves earlier the day before, so I attributed it to that. But, just to be sure, thought I would "Google" a solution. Big mistake! As many have found out, ALS is the first thing to come up. I don't recall having any noticeable weakness at that time, but as weakness is a primary symptom, I started "testing" my arm and grip strength (lifting stuff stuff, maneuvering, I bought a dynanometer, etc), and I think I wore my arm out he first week. I stopped doing all of that, by the way, realizing I was becoming my own worst enemy. I still check my grip strength with the dynanometer (left arm (weak one) is at 125 lbs, and the right is @ 131). My thumb continued to twitch, and in the first few days the rest of my body joined in (random in nature, generally only at rest). I also started feeling weak all over my body. Fast forward a month. My thumb stopped twitching about six days ago. It feels like it wants to twitch, but does not. The rest of me is still twitching all over (mostly feet, calves, back, butt, thighs, eye, etc) mostly in the morning. My left arm continues to feel very weak, and is shaky as well. I spoke to my GP, and because of my family history, he referred me to a Neurologist (I saw the first week), and he did an in-office exam (strength, walk on toes, reflexes, etc- all normal the first week). He did not think it was ALS, but scheduled me for an EMG next month. I am concerned about the weakness that I feel in my left arm/hand. I originally attributed it to a self-inflicted injury caused my my neurotic desire to prove that I don't have clinical weakness, but it hasn't improved in a month's time. My eyes also have changed this last year (floaters in vision, nothing else), but have been examined (if that matters?).
I apologize for the long-windedness, but I was trying anticipate any questions you may all ask. I appreciate any of your insights, and will continue to pray on your behalf.