I have really been trying to get over this disabling fear of*** and I think I am doing pretty well..... but, I swear my tongue is atrophied. I really think it is getting worse. Now when I look at my tongue at the back the left side is smaller and not as rounded and the red bumps on the back of the tongue are uneven. The left side one is up further. I still am having times when I am not talking quite right and of course the swallowing. I need to know if a md would know from looking if it was atrophy or not. I am scared and I just dont even know what to do or think anymore........ Thanks, Barb
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Overcoming Fear of *** - Uneven Tongue?
- Thread starter BarboFour
- Start date
Hi BarbTry not to worry as I suspect that you have just noticed tongue assymetry that has been present for ages and is of no medical consequence. Your symptoms don't sound like ALS. They sound like BFS and anxiety and a tongue that is slightly assymetrical. You will feel a lot better once you've had a check up from a doc who I'm sure will be able to reassure you that all is well.All the bestSimon
simon, I really hope what you are saying is right. I just dont know how all of this can be nothing but bfs and anxiety, considering my swallowing issues/ speaking/ tongue. I can say that it will be a year in june that I have been having problems. All over twitching from head to toe.Alot in tongue face area since september. I know it might sound a little crazy but I am really concerned. Thankyou for your reply, Barb
twinTwosome
Well-known member
Hi Barbo! It seems that this worry about bulbar started for you back in January, right? If that is so, then things would have progressed greatly since then. It's been 4 months, which is a long time in the progression of bulbar ***. You would have noticalbe problems (to other people) swallowing and talking. I'm pretty sure everyone's tongue is bigger on one side than the other. I know mine is. Try to relax!
Hi Twin, Im not sure when I posted first about my concerns but I know for sure I was getting concerned by october08. I just kept trying to tell myself that alot of tongue twitching was no different than alot of any other type twitching. I really dont think the swallowing has gotten any worse at all but it seems like my speech has. Its kinda like the left side of my tongue gets in the way when I talk I think. I have a friend that I asked about how I sound and she said sometimes it sounds like I am over pronouncing my words. I have had what I think are speaking problems since october but it seemed to go away and come back and go away. This time it just seems to be there alot. Would there really be alot more going on by now ? I seem to be able to do everything I always could do with my tongue and things. If there was true atrophy would I still be able to do everything. Would a barley noticable speech problem be the only effect ? It is driving me crazy. My tongue also feels really stiff in the morning wich is wierd to me. I still get alot, alot of twitching everywhere else too, would that be happening? You said your tongue is bigger on one side, that makes me feel a little better about that part of all this. Its just I dont remember noticing it before and I have been looking since probobly october. I really feel like I am going bonkers. Any answers to these questions would really help. Thanks, Barb
twinTwosome
Well-known member
I wish I could tell you more, but I'm certainly no expert. It just seems with it being so long, you would be having a lot more problems. Seven months is a long time to have mild symptoms with no progression. I have read that swallowing liquids or a voice change (hoarseness, trouble projecting, slurred speech) are the first symptoms. I doubt these symptoms would come and go over this period of time. Maybe one day from the next at first, but by now, problems should be obvious. Can you go to your GP to get checked out? I think they would be able to tell if there was a problem.
rachiewithaheart
Member
Hi,My symptoms seem similar to yours, except that my tongue is pretty symmetrical but looks slightly wrinkly at times at the sides. I have issues with my speech which seems like a stiffness and like I am not holding my tongue right (although I never bite it). As I started looking for symptoms before I got them, and it has been since October that I first noticed slight issues (although they do seem worse), the lovely people on this forum have assured me that I have anxiety and that is what is causing it.It is difficult at times as the feeling in my mouth is a constant reminder, but I also know that it would be too much of a coincidence for me to have something so rare, after looking for symptoms (after twitching all over and which has proven to be benign through an EMG in December). When I am being sensible (which is rare for me - Ms. Anxiety), I realise that the stress about speech is probably making me hold my tongue and such different and then it feels wrong when I speak, which increases the feelings etc. My speech actually gets somewhat better in and straight after a shower and I wonder whether the relaxing is a factor(?).It is very difficult to get out of the circle of anxiety and I still think about it 24/7 and it really is getting on top of me. I just hope that as more people describe these symptoms on here then everyone can be rest assured that it can be a part of BFS and the anxiety related to it.I do have a question though:If someone is having speech issues, wouldn't there be some weakness when trying to roll the tongue or push it against the cheeks etc? Just curious and may be this could help Barb as well as she said that she can do everything with her tongue.Also, could someone describe what thick speech is, which is listed as a BFS symptom?Thanks
I have many of the jaw and tongue stiffness/fatigue feelings. Go check out a TMJ website and you will see MANY people with the same symptoms. Remember when you get nervous, you can start clenching your jaw (Bruxism) and wear it out pretty quickly. Mine started about a month ago and I am not loving this at all...but I assume its all part of this fun disease.
AndyStreams
Well-known member
Hey Barb--My tongue is totally asymmetrical, and it is scallopped with divots on the side (mostly from my teeth I think.) I also get tongue twitches, but I understand that they make us worry more for some reason.If you said you first noticed a problem in October 08, please know that bulbar als would be presenting in a super obvious fashion by now, 7 months later. And the truth is, anxiety can cause tons of speech and swallowing issues. Anxiety produces extra acid in your stomach, so even though you may not feel the acid reflux in your throat or esophagus, it can cause the pathway to feel tighter and even spasm. I had a esophagial spasm that made it feel like I had something stuck in my throat for weeks. Also, the additional workout you're giving your tongue by constantly testing it will make it sore and tire easily. Really, try not to worry and if you really think like you need to be seen by a doctor, please do so. I'm sure they will tell you that you're fine. Best,Andy
Andy thankyou for your reply it always helps to hear from others who either have had or have similar things going on. I first started twitching all over this time last year in the beginning of june and I noticed my tongue twitching in september and was concerned by october. I really dont know what to think of it all . I have on and off again speech problems but to be honest I have been told its not noticable. I notice it for sure when its happening though. Swallowing seems to be always off. Although I have never choked or anything like that. It just seems like things arnt going down right. Some days my mouth seems to produce alot of saliva and some days normal. I have been told I have gerd, hiatial hernia and ulcer, mabey those things can cause some of this. Do you think or know if this was bulbar or true atrophy if I could still do all the tricks and things with tongue? I mean I can still do everything with my tongue that I always could.
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