WORRIED I have ALS

[cmc0607]

Hello all. I am a 24 year old male. Beginning in the end of June early July I started experiencing weakness in my legs and arms. A few months prior to that I was experiencing pain and tension in my lower back. I felt as if when I went to lift something, even something light, my hands would shake and tremor. Since then I feel as if my weakness throughout my entire body has gotten worse and I have been experiencing muscle spasms and twitching. I also have a pain throughout my body, which I cannot decide if it is actually pain or cramping or a little of both. I have had jaw ache (which comes and goes) and the feeling of excess saliva in my mouth. I have made an appointment with a dentist to check out if even a wisdom tooth could possibly be causing that. I have seen my doctor regarding my symptoms and he sent me to see a neuro. I have visited with him a handful of times on the account that I cannot get the idea that I have ALS out of my head. It is absolutely driving me crazy to the point they have made me see a psychiatrist. I have had an upper and lower EMG, which have both come back normal and multiple blood tests which has also come back fine. My doctor keeps telling me it ma just be my anxiety, however I truly believe it is something physical. They have prescribed me anxiety/anti-depression medicine, which has not helped, if anything made the situation worse. I have felt extremely fatigued, which could be being caused by the meds. I have an appointment with an ALS clinic for a second opinion. I just don't know what to thinkg anymore. Just any advice or kind words would be great right about now. Thank you.

 

[Al]

For now I'd say believe the Neuro and try to get on with your life. Are you depressed about school,job, relationship? These can cause lethargy which can be mistaken for weakness and anxiety can cause the jaw tensing/ache and tremors. I'd be looking at your life in general maybe causing symptoms more than ALS.

AL.

 

[cmc0607]

Thank you for the advice. I would love to believe the neuro, however I am having a very difficult time doing so. Everytime I say I am going to forget about it being ALS I either feel worse or feel another symptom come on. My family, job and relationship are all in good standing. It all just came out of nowhere and just seems to get worse before getting better and is just all so scary. Thank you again.

 

[wright]

What you are describing certainly isn't typical of the onset of ALS. For all four of your limbs, your back and your jaw muscles to be affected all at the same time is very atypical; ALS most often sneaks-up on you. It sure sounds like a weird virus, or some type of metabolic problem or autoimmune problem or anxiety driven.

You got your EMG and it was clean. That is a very good sign. Tell your psychiatrist that your meds have made you worse and he/she will change them.

If you've been on this forum for any length of time, you know that Al is ALWAYS right. Listen to his advice and get on with your life and concentrate on feeling better.

Take care.

 

[cmc0607]

Thanks again. I have started to ween off of the meds. Just to fully clear my mind I am going to get the second opinion and then work on finding out what it is, or just taking a step back from everything and giving my mind a chance to relax. Thank you.

 

[codya13105]

you sound exactly like me man...im a 25 y/o male....been having localized twitching in both muscles that run above my elbow....and other twitching that isnt constant in other parts of my body....i cant stop thinking i have als....i see a neuro on friday....hopefully all goes well....but iam really worried!

 

[cmc0607]

Good luck to you with your appointment. Are you having an EMG performed? I am going to the ALS clinic at the end of this month. I got nothing but positive results, and still can't seem to believe them because the feeling throughout my body is unreal. I cannot stop thinking of the fact that I have it as well. And the internet has turned into my worst enemy. In the beginning of this all I did was researched every little thing, which led me here.

 

[Al]

Thanks for the vote of confidence wright. Actually I have been known to be wrong occasionally but I think yoou 2 guys will be OK. Age is on your side. You've maybe got something going on but probably not ALS. See a good Neuro and believe him if you can't believe wright or I.

AL.

 

[codya13105]

thank you for the comforting words....i told the dr. today i was worried about ALS....and he just gave me that smile like I was crazy...hopefully all goes well...my main worry is that my twitching is usually confined to one area in my arm...but anyway...keep me in you prayers, and if you dont pray, keep me in your thoughts...love


cody

 

[awieleba]

I think that you both are going to be fine. But ALL neuros will smile and tell you that you dont have als if you are under 30 and come in saying that you think you have it. They asssume anxiety. My first neuro did that and so did the specialist. Needless to say as things get worse for me (not you) they are taking me a little more serious!

I hate that condesceding smile when you are afaid for a good reason. Twitching is not normal. I know it CAN be normal, people have this and it means nothing but when it first happens to you it is scary and only time can reassue you. When things dont get worse or evolve then it will put your mind at rest.

take care and wil pray for all of you, and me!

april

 

[codya13105]

thanks....you will be in my prayers as well.

 

[cmc0607]

thank you for the words of encouragement. i will keep you in my thoughts as well. and that smile is the WORST. i wish everyone the best of luck.