Help with Shoulder Pain Worries

[dentist2012]

I am sorry for posting again, but I am having a very hard time coping with this and really just need some support. My right shoulder started feeling "tired" yesterday, and a little bit sore (like a lactid-acid type soreness). I had my EMG on the right side two weeks ago--including my shoulder--and yet I still worry that this is a symptom of something sinister. The EMG would have picked up something on my shoulder two weeks ago even though there were no symptoms, correct?Part of the issue is I don't know a lot about EMGs or nerves or how soon EMGs can detect issues, etc.I feel like a such a fool for how I worry about this, I am starting to get depressed. I made an appointment for a counselor to talk about all of the worry and anxiety, but that isn't until August. My GP isn't available again for a consult on anxiety until August as well. It is going to be a long few weeks.Help.

 

[MeaganGranger]

Hey there!I am glad I am on here early to catch up with you and calm yah down! The EMG would have ABSOLUTELY picked up the dreaded disease two weeks ago. It would have picked it up before the twitching even started. You can never have the EMG too early if you are exhibiting any symptoms. I was worried about this too, that it just wasn't fully "expressing" itself yet, and my neurologist insisted that this was not the case and that there was no need for a repeat EMG. The people on here will tell you, the docs at least, that ALS is systemic, which means that it doesn't matter where you are showing symptoms, the EMG will pick it up on other parts of your body. In the dreaded disease, twitching occurs as a last ditch effort to save a dying muscle, so by the time you experience twitching the disease has already been in progress for a long time, and the EMG would certainly pick it up even then. This was one of my big worries, and knowing the above, was an incredibly helpful anxiety killer, so I hope I was able to provide a little of that to you ) Please take care,Megan

 

[priorityhigh5]

Good Morning ) The fatigue you talk about is part of BFS..in fact it could also be part of a whole bunch of other simple things as well, such as a strained muscle, being sleepy, dehydration, ect ect. No it wasnt too early to get the EMG...it would have detected if there was a problem...for sure.YOU are not a fool...but you ARE BEING FOOLED...by BFS. It is convincing you that there is something wrong, which in turn makes you worry, which in turn makes you stress more, which in turn makes you "test" more, which in turn makes you twitch more, which in turn makes you feel more fatigued, do you see the pattern here? Its a tough one to get out of...and we all share TONS of wonderful coping techniques..but in the end, beating the anxiety is up to you..we can support you with words of encouragement along the way, but that final last step is one that we all have to take alone. If someone tells you that you are okay, it is just a bandaid over a wound, a layer to help you heal, but the cure is up to you. Smile, you are just fine hun...and I hope these next few weeks go by quickly for you so that you can get an anxiety appointment...however if you still find yourself struggling with this, maybe you should try to get in and see a different doctor? Anxiety is the only part of BFS that WILL hurt you...if you let it.

 

[bfhopeful2]

I agree with everything said, but I would also add that August seems too far away for someone who is experiencing a lot of anxiety. I would call another doctor, even if you have to travel some. Or call back your doctor and tell them it's an emergency. I mean seriously why would you have to wait that long? It sounds ridiculous.