Help! Worried About ALS Symptoms

[SgcPuppy567]

Hello All,

I'm currently a nervous wreck -- worried that I have ALS. I have an appointment with a Neurologist on Tuesday -- but -- I was hoping someone could tell me whether or not my symptoms sound like BFS (or ALS)?

1) I have muscle twitching -- mostly in my left tricep. I can feel them (almost pulse-like) but can't see them. Not constant -- but -- intermittent. I then get sporadic twitching from time to time (all over the place).

2) Muscle aches. My thighs, calves, arms, shoulders all ache from time to time.

3) Sensory issues -- my arms and legs and fingertips feel numb sometimes and "tingly" other times. Very strange.

4) I have this "vibrating/buzzing" feeling in my left foot that sometimes migrates up my left leg.

5) My right hand is very very crampy and "stiff". My PCP thinks I have Carpal Tunnel *and* ANXIETY. Could I have both at the same time? Could I have CTS/Anxiety/BFS all at once?

This all started after a 4-day illness in December. I woke up one morning and had a supposed Panic Attack (didn't know what was going on and went to the ER where I was told it was a Panic Attack). Strange, migrating symptoms have been persistent since.

Does this sound like BFS? ALS?

I'm 39 and realize this is a bit *young* to have ALS, but, I have found MANY MANY MANY people (on the Web) who are in their 30's with ALS.

Help!!!

 

[MarksmanS]

Dan,

I have started suffering similar symptoms two months ago after a viral battle. Remember that als is very very rare and you mentioned no muscle wasting or weakness. ALS almost always presents this way. Only in 6.7% of the cases does it show up as twitching and no perceived weakness. And then, the neurologist or gp still sees it because you are not necessarily aware of symptoms but the doctor notices wasting or weakness.

Also tingling sensations and the like are NOT a symptom of ALS. This points away from it. In fact, my neurologist said that buzzing and the like is never als and this, presenting with no weakness or wasting, but fasics point to a benign condition.

In my case, one month into it, he would not even order an emg - he felt it would be a waste of time and money.

So don't panic though this is really really hard and I am going through the same fears. Make sure you sleep even if your doc has to order meds. Lack of sleep will make the whole thing worse....

Mark

 

[Diego4Life]

Dan, just another word of reassurance. Sensory symptoms are not ALS. Weakness is the hallmark as I am sure you have already read.

Diego4Life