Loss of Grip Strength - Discussing Experiences

[LisaQ.]

Hi Leo,
I can't speak for anyone else, but yes I've experienced a loss of grip strength in both hands with my bfs, and a general clumsiness. Others have complained of this as well. Just look up the word "hands," or "hand" under the search feature and you should find lots of examples.

At first I was convinced I had some nasty disease because I, like you, couldn't button my own coat. I also had great difficulty feeding myself finger foods.

Even still, I struggle with getting certain bottles open, and finger-picking on my guitar isn't what it used to be.

I'm not sure if it is because bfs causes us to do so much typing on our computers, ( I typed for a living for many years, though and never had too much of an issue,) or if it just makes our hands clumsy and weak enough that our fine motor skills are decreased, but I can tell you it does improve over time. Anxiety certainly doesn't help it.

I have no problems buttoning my coat now. Buttoning my lip is another problem altogether.

As for the leg weakness, yes my bfs did change the way I walked at first. Again, this is something that improved over time, and I've seen this reported on the boards as well.

Getting control of your anxiety really does help these symptoms to improve.

Hope this helps to ease your mind.

Blessings,
Sue

 

[darric1]

Leo,

Your story is much like mine. I do have a slight loss of grip and like you it is the only thing my neuro is trying to pin point. I have had every test in the book which includes a ton of bloodwork, MRI's, EMG's, x-rays, etc., etc.. They have excluded everything nasty but my doctor wants another EMG in 6 months for my hand. I was borderline carpal tunnel on my first two EMG's. I think I would have a BFS dx if it wasn't for my hand weakness.

Search my posts and you will see I have the same complaint. In any case, like you, I have nothing nasty and the weak hand is just from carpal tunnel, sleeping on it wrong, stress, or BFS. Your doctor told you flat out that you are fine so you MUST believe him. He would not of told you this if he wasn't 100% sure because otherwise he would open himself up for lawsuits.

I should also say that the only reason my neuro wants another EMG is to make sure my carpal tunnel doesn't get worse not because he wants to check for ALS again. He said nothing nasty is causing my symptoms, just like you.