Worried that I may have beginning symptoms of ALS

[Bigred22]

Hello, I am a 26 year old female (4 months pregnant) and I am very worried I may have beg signs of ALS. First, both of my wrists feel weak, when I move my wrists up and down I feel an odd uneasy line of motion that affects both wrists in the same area. My grip is still strong and my hands feel okay but my wrists seem
Weak.... My hands go numb when I lay down and I sometimes get leg calf cramping in my left leg when sleeping. Maybe it's my pregnancy getting me all worried, but I am so scared. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[MaxEidswick]

Hi -- ALS/MND is a scary disease to consider/fear. We empathize. This note is not to deter you from your investigations, but just so thoughts on how we can help each other ...

>Hello, I am a 26 year old female (4 months pregnant

statistically you are safe ...

Here are some first considerations that may help:

#1 - Read the STICKIES at the top of this forum. Many questions are answered there. 99% of new questions are addressed.


#2 We are not doctors or diagnosticians, but people who are dying from or caring for people with ALS. Some of us have to type with one hand, one finger, via dictation, or even with our eyes, so reading/replying to the anxiety-ridden can be very tiring.


#3 if you think you have a motor neuron issue, see your Primary Care Provider and get a referral to a motor neuron qualified neuro, note: most are NOT ALS/MND (Motor Neuron Disease) experienced!


#4 an EMG, properly done, is the gold standard test for ALS. But also, an abnormal EMG can indicate HUNDREDS of other, non-fatal, diseases. So listen to your doctor.


#5 ALS does NOT present with pain, cramps, or fatigue. In ALS, you feel perfectly normal but your muscles simply won't work. Typically, the first sign of ALS is a foot or a hand that inexplicably just won't lift up. It doesn't hurt or feel weak, it just is limp. That is paralysis.


#6 ALS is about failing, not feeling, so forget the "feeling" symptoms


#7 If your main issue is twitching go to the bfs forum. If you have weird neuro symptoms try neurotalk. There are also forums for health anxiety.


#8 Your doctor is wise to look at other diseases. ALS is rare. In order for it to be ALS, it has to be nothing else.


#9 Many of us cough/gag/choke and/or can no longer speak. It is difficult to have anxious people constantly chasing this disease, when we can't escape it. There seems to be this cult of ALS wannabees/groupies. You don't want to fall into that bucket do you?


#10 Anxiety can be a real problem that can endanger your physical health. It is what leads many folks here to this forum -- it is a self-fueling fire. Try to avoid using google and/or this forum if you can -- if you cannot stay away and off this forum it should tell you something important!


Lastly, if you are still interested, go to alsa dot org or mda dot org ...


We sincerely hope you do not need to be here! But find out first. If you do need to be here let me say "Welcome, sorry you are here!"


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Max - Monday, August 18, 2014 12:03:01 PM
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onset 9/2010, diagnosed with ALS by Stanley Appel 8/29/2013
It Is What It Is ...

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[Nikki J]

It does not sound remotely like ALS. It is normal to worry more during pregnancy but worrying about ALS is not good for you or the baby.
Leg cramps are common during pregnancy. You also have an increased risk of carpal tunnel. Talk to your physicians. I am sure they will reassure you

 

[Bigred22]

Thank you for your reply.

 

[Dusty7]

Pregnancy can cause swelling, and swelling can cause pressure on nerves, especially in areas like the carpel tunnel (wrist). It is perfectly normal. When lying down or sleeping, try to keep your wrists straight and not bent in a 90 degree angle. A good way to do this is to hug a big fat pillow or a big teddy bear. This will help reduce the nerve impingement.

Calf cramps during pregnancy are also normal. Talk to your doctor about a magnesium supplement. Stretch your calf muscles during the day and before bedtime, stay hydrated and stay active.

Do not worry about ALS and have a happy and healthy pregnancy.