DT90
New member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2020
- Messages
- 4
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- UK
- State
- NY
- City
- Chester
I do apologise for what follows, but I am incredibly worried. I am a male in my early 30s. In early September I began noticing rippling in my right calf. Soon there was twitching all over including my trunk and left eyelid. I had subjective feelings of weakness in my right leg and left hand. I was referred to a neurologist who is an ALS specialist. My clinical examination was normal. It included a test of my strength, my reflexes and a look at my tongue and mouth etc. Nonetheless, while he was very unconcerned, to be on the safe side he referred me for an EMG of the arms and legs. I had this and was told it was entirely normal. However, I was also concerned that I was slurring my words and was sounding nasal so I had a bulbar EMG too- the neurophysiologist told me there and then that this was also normal. However, I have now started worrying about the very rare respiratory onset form of the disease. From what I have read widespread twitching can be an early symptom. I have also noticed that in the last two weeks my voice has become nasal and hoarse and breathy and that I have a weak cough and I am not sneezing though have watery eyes. When jogging I've noticed jolts in the stomach when taking a deep breath though I can still walk long distances without difficulties and am not currently noticing breathing difficulties when climbing stairs. While I am genuinely reassured by the EMGs on the arms, legs, and bulbar areas, I have not had one on the thoracic/diaphragm area and I am now really stressed about it all. I am seeing my neurologist shortly and I don't wish to try his patience as he is convinced I have BFS but I'm really worried and don't know where to turn or what I should think. I am thinking of organising some lung function tests which I gather can show muscle weakness where there is a significantly reduced reading in the supine position. At any rate, any thoughts would be welcome as I am so terribly worried.
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