bigguy
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2012
- Messages
- 37
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- US
- State
- Texas
- City
- Austin
Hey everyone, I've been perusing the threads for a couple weeks now, and just decided to sign up and submit my own query.
I first noticed weakness in my left arm (mostly in the shoulder) after carrying a duffel bag weighing around 20 lbs for about a mile and a half on September 3rd to my apartment. I should note that the areas in question are weak in that they are tiring easily, such as when I towel-dry my hair or walk long distances. A few days later I developed widespread fasciculations. Now, my fasciculations don't seem as diffuse and are more concentrated in my left shoulder and bottom left thigh where the thigh meets the buttock. The fasciculations affecting the thigh are pretty big thumpers while the ones affecting my left arm appear anywhere from my fingers to the back of my shoulder and are of variable strength. I'm still getting fasciculations in other parts of my body as well but I'm not having any accompanying weakness there. . I also get pain in the bottom of my left elbow when shaking my hand/fist back and forth. I've had fasciculations all my life, typically after exercise and occasionally randomly, not accompanied by any other symptoms.
I'm due to see a neurologist in 2 days, but judging from what I've read online he might not be the best specialist I could possibly get :-? , but he was the only one able to book an appointment within the week. Should I ask him for an EMG on my affected body parts? Can I even do that or would I have to get a referral for a later appointment? And what are your thoughts on what this might be? A neurological problem or just stress? I had an episode of health anxiety (first one ever) that started 4 weeks ago with bizarrely varied symptoms and appears to be now letting up (or maybe not?)
I'm 19, slightly obese, and of South Asian descent (Indian) if that helps at all. A blood test came back normal except for a low-normal vitamin D level. I have not seen my PCP since these symptoms started, but a week before they began, he told me he didn't see any problems with the rudimentary neurological exam he conducted on me.
Thanks in advance
I first noticed weakness in my left arm (mostly in the shoulder) after carrying a duffel bag weighing around 20 lbs for about a mile and a half on September 3rd to my apartment. I should note that the areas in question are weak in that they are tiring easily, such as when I towel-dry my hair or walk long distances. A few days later I developed widespread fasciculations. Now, my fasciculations don't seem as diffuse and are more concentrated in my left shoulder and bottom left thigh where the thigh meets the buttock. The fasciculations affecting the thigh are pretty big thumpers while the ones affecting my left arm appear anywhere from my fingers to the back of my shoulder and are of variable strength. I'm still getting fasciculations in other parts of my body as well but I'm not having any accompanying weakness there. . I also get pain in the bottom of my left elbow when shaking my hand/fist back and forth. I've had fasciculations all my life, typically after exercise and occasionally randomly, not accompanied by any other symptoms.
I'm due to see a neurologist in 2 days, but judging from what I've read online he might not be the best specialist I could possibly get :-? , but he was the only one able to book an appointment within the week. Should I ask him for an EMG on my affected body parts? Can I even do that or would I have to get a referral for a later appointment? And what are your thoughts on what this might be? A neurological problem or just stress? I had an episode of health anxiety (first one ever) that started 4 weeks ago with bizarrely varied symptoms and appears to be now letting up (or maybe not?)
I'm 19, slightly obese, and of South Asian descent (Indian) if that helps at all. A blood test came back normal except for a low-normal vitamin D level. I have not seen my PCP since these symptoms started, but a week before they began, he told me he didn't see any problems with the rudimentary neurological exam he conducted on me.
Thanks in advance