scared sick

sorry to waste anyones time, i am not diagnosed, and currently have no insurance, so i guess i am seeking advise or even better reassurance. 27 female. My symptoms began 4 years ago, headaches followed by some double vision (mostly things that were lit up like street lights and alarm clocks). Normal head ct, seemed like the vision problems went away with news of good ct results, but then came extreme anxiety and twitches and tremors. These lasted a many months, then i became pregnant with my third child and for the most part i didnt have any symptoms for years, other than when i paint my nails my pinkie fingers twitch, mostly my right hand but it can be both. So, i thought whatever it was that i could have had was gone. Now about two and a half months ago first came the stress of a move, and some financial stresses, then a migraine, followed by several less painful headaches and pressure in the head, then double vision. Another normal head ct. Next was the urinary frequency simultaneous with a deep pain in both of my thighs, like the bones were burning and in pain. Both of these symptoms subsided. Next was the anxiety, had three actual attacks but can feel it growing as i dont know what the root of my problem is. Then i had a patch on my face by my temple that felt a little numb or like something was stuck to it. Now i have the tremors and twitching. The twitching started in my legs but it can be anywhere, and everywhere...face neck, abdomen, butt, tongue. And thats when i learned about ALS...so the symptoms that have developed as maybe i read too much could be real or not, but i definately have some scallops on my tongue right behind where my eye teeth would be. My tongue is still very strong, i can move it fast and count teeth with it and no problems eating. I think i have always sounded a little lispy because i remember asking people to listen to me talk and see if they noticed it, but nobody every has, and still nobody notices, but i am paying alot of attention to it now. When i look at my tongue while it is at rest i notice a few twitches every few seconds. Everything i read says that if your tongue twitches then ASL is probable. I am scared out of my mind as i have three small children and i can't bear the thought of not being able to take care of them. Is it likely that i have als even though my symptoms include bladder, and vision problems, and i have had them for four years, and i am in my twenties.

Hi,

Simple answer. No it is not likely. You will get more information here. I do have one suggestion. Because you have a lot on your plate with 3 children and you are very young, and you also have finance and insurance issues, you are under tons of stress. Taking care of your situation will help even if you do have a serious disease. I would suggest you go to a community health clinic and line up some help to deal with the multitude of problems you have besides the physical symptoms. I truely would start there, as the idea of a progressive/terminal disease like ALS is more stress and trouble than you need to think about. Solve the problems you can first, even in baby steps. You will feel better no matter what, if you take control of what you can. .I wish you the best. Peg

thanks peg, i will look into that. i know its unlikely because of some symptoms point away, i would take a diagnosis of being just crazy or even MS graciously when comparing it to als. All i can think about is my kids, so i am worrying myself sick.

the top if your tongue can twitch in benign fasiculation syndrome. The middle and back part of my tongue twitch which is common in als. Also.. do not test by sticking your tongue out. Open your mouth with your tongue resting on the bottom of your mouth. Notice it is not twitching now?

I am not sure if other bulbar onset pals feel this... but my tongue fasiculations are so strong I thought I had a jaw tremor. It confused my general neuro as I was presenting with ALS and Parkinsons complaints. My specialist neuro asked me to open my mouth after saying that and noted fasciculations. It is very noticeable when I lay on my back on a pillow on a flat surface.