Status
Not open for further replies.

rhondab

New member
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
4
Reason
Learn about ALS
Country
US
State
TX
City
Arlington
I've posted once before, several months ago, but things are slowly getting worse. In July of last year, I noticed in 2 spots that my muscles were sunken in. Soon after, I began twitching, and by August/September I noticed some mild weakness in my arm, making cooking and holding a phone to my ear a little difficult. My right leg aches, but I don't know if I would call it cramping. I saw a neurologist around that time, who confirmed the atrophy in my leg and arm. He performed an EMG and said that there was chronic denervation/reinnervation in my right forearm, but did not believe this was an indicator of ALS. He recommended that I come back in a year, only to ease my fears.

Over the months, I've noticed even more changes. The atrophy in my leg has worsened in that one spot, looking like a large crater. When I lay in bed at night, it feels harder to move my leg around. I also ache in my right leg, and now my left leg is starting to ache the same way my right leg started months ago. To make things even worse, my left ankle has become so sore within the past 2 weeks, no injury, and my right shoulder feels like I've injured it, but haven't. Also, my shoulder is kind of stiff, kind of painful when I move it in different directions, like when dressing. In addition to all of this, the muscle twitches that I have, have moved to parts of my body that I've never had them in, and at times my muscles feel really tight.

I have been told that no active denervation means no als, but with all of these changes in my body, I'm afraid something has been missed. Is this "all in my head" or does it warrant another doctor visit? Thank you for your time.

Rhonda
 
I understand your fears, but let me say this- if you already had atrophy, and IF it was ALS, that EMG wouldve picked up on it, even with the changes you are seeing now. Those EMG's will pick up on it long before the muscle will atrophy.
Have you had MRI's or anything to see if you have disc problems?
Have you been tested for anything is specific?
I hope this helps a bit
 
Please contact your physician and ask him/her what they think is causing your symptoms. Have you had any other testing done?
 
When I asked my doctor what could cause the atrophy he didn't know, but wasn't concerned. He said the chronic denervation could be from an old injury, even though I've never injured my arm. I have had some blood work done, nothing major, and my thyroid has been checked as I've been on medication for my thyroid for years. All of that has been normal. Do you suggest I go to an als specialist, or just go back to my neurologist?
 
Rhonda,

That answer depends on this question.....Will you be satisfied with a regular neurologist? Or will you question his ability? Okay 2 questions! The choice is yours.

Good luck,
 
Go to your primary care physician and let him/her take a look at what you are seeing. If you need a specialist's attention, your PCP will know where to steer you.
 
So, do you think there is cause for concern? I try to keep calm and not worry about it, but then I think about my young kids and stress out about it. Thank you for taking the time to read and giving me your advice.
 
We are not doctors here and can only give you our opinion. You already know you have a neurological problem, as noted by your first exam. Its been almost a year since your appointment, so to put your mind at ease, either call the PCP or call your neurologist. But my questions remain the same, will you be satisfied with the answers from a "regular" neurologist or will you second guess him. If its the latter, then I would call the PCP and have him evaluate you again and help you decide the right path.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top