Worried sick about ALS. Respiratory onset.

[RichardRR]

Ok, so here is my dilemma.

I believe that I am having respiratory onset of ALS. All the symptoms are there, can't sleep on my back, uncomfortably aware of my breathing all the time, and I feel like I have to breathe in deep all the time. This has been going on for a year or so and has not improved. I have been to the emergency room numerous times for numerous reasons, none of which had to do with breathing. Last year I went to get my breathing checked by one of those things you blow into and it was fine, not the best, but fine.
My eye has also been twitching a lot lately. I have not experienced any of the other symptoms really, except I am always tired and I usually haveto tale a nap during the day. Oh, and my dad served in the navy during the gulf war if that makes a difference. And I have had no family history of ALS.

So here is where it gets hard to think I have ALS, but bare with me.
I am 18 years old, I have had thyroid cancer, I am male, I am 5'11 and weigh around 140.
I have already been through a lot, but how I see it is why not pile on one more thing? Anyways, any help would be appreciated. If anyone needs anymore info, let me know. No lung problems otherwise.

Also, I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, I'll let you know how that goes.

 

[RichardRR]

Oh, and I have also had some swallowing issues and food getting caught in my throat times. My voice is also not as strong as it used to be.

Sorry for the long read, thanks!

 

[sadiemae]

Can you swallow water?

 

[RichardRR]

Yes I can swallow water, I just have problems with harder foods sometimes. Like it takes a little longer for it to go down.

 

[sadiemae]

well you just passed the first test. If you can swallow thin liquids your swallowing issues are not ALS related.

 

[RichardRR]

Great, one down! Thank you

 

[Ms. Pie]

Can people understand you when you speak?

 

[brooksea]

If I were you, I would ask the doc to investigate the thyroid issue thoroughly. What you describe (with the exception of the all too common eye twitch) is indicative of thyroid issues.

 

[RichardRR]

People often ask me to repeat myself and I have to concentrate very hard to say words correctly most of the time.
And my thyroid levels are fine,or so they say /:

 

[RichardRR]

Oh shoot, I've also forgot to mention I've had my thyroid removed.

 

[vzandt]

My mom had her thyroid removed because of cancer. She has the same issues as you. Sometimes we have her repeat herself. She needs to sleep with her head elevated because of breathing issues.has a problem with swallowing food sometimes. See your doctor. It doesn't sound like als.

 

[hasan77]

I have got a new food recipes side .its so nice

 

[Tokahfang]

For what it's worth, I too had a friend who had surgery to remove his thyroid because of cancer, his voice years later is almost back to normal. There were other side effects, too, but I don't know what they were in particular. If any specific symptom becomes hard to handle, I'd go to the relevant specialist.

 

[notme]

If you're having breathing issues, you need to see your doctor. Not because of ALS--but because of possible lung issues. A chest x-ray and/or CT may be ordered. And a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea.

ALS would normally start in an arm, leg, or in the bulbar region--not with the lungs per se.