Could this be ALS or something similar? - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Message Board

CJFla · 05-14-2003, 11:49 AM

I am a 27 year old female.
In July of 2002 I started having shooting pain and then dull pain in my right leg, the pain would come and go. At first Dr’s thought I had a blood clot because of BC pills, I stopped taking BC pills and had a test done for Leiden factor 5 which cam back positive, I had several Doppler ultrasounds all negative, I did have a positive D-dimer but Dr. said it was non-specific test and would not rely on it. This went on and off for months with the leg pains then I started being tired all the time and was having horrible headaches, which sent me to the ER twice… I was told over and over it was stress the Dr. tried me on several antidepressants, it was a joke…. So finally I did a little research and compiled a list of things to be tested for a few of them were B-12, ANA Lups, Hypothyroid. The thyroid test came back in November at TSH 18 so Dr. put me on Levoxyl and just last week I had a TSH of 2.8. The problem now is that I still have pain and numb weak feeling in my right leg most of the time, I also get muscle twitches and spasms it is somewhat in my left leg but not nearly as bad. This past week I woke up with pain and severe weakness in my right hand and arm, the same on the left but not nearly as bad. I also have been having shooting pains up the sides of my neck and also in my right jaw line. I was told this was stress as well and that I should get a massage. I did get a massage and it was nice but I still have shooting pains. I also have a slight increase in saliva but I have had a cold lately. I also have severe endemotrious discovered when I was 21 and a slight Kyphiosis and scoliosis from childhood. Could this be ALS or some other neuromuscular thing.

reneeintx · 05-14-2003, 04:10 PM

CJ_

I don't think you have ALS. I've been reading about it over the past 5-6 months and have read about all kinds of neurological maladies. There are so many problems that can be linked to the nervous system it's unbelievable.

From what you are describing it sounds like some sort of spinal problem. Maybe compression, or siatica. You did say you have scoliosis, maybe that has something to do with it.

Most people that have ALS don't experience pain, some do but a very, very few. I think your age and gender is on your side also.

Go to the neurologist and he/she can do an EMG test that looks for muscle weakness and along with that they do a NCV test that tests your nerves to see how long it takes them to respond to a shocking sensation. Both of these tests are a breeze. The EMG uses needles like in accupuncture.

If they don't find anything on either of these test ask your neuro about seeing a back specialist.

Good luck to you,

Renee

You're one lucky gal to live in Florida. I wish I did!!!

CJFla · 05-15-2003, 07:32 AM

Renee,

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been so scard during this past year not knowing what's wrong with me. I would much rather deal with something like MS rather than ALS. I am terrifed of having something that with change my life span. I was just married last June and then got sick in July, I feel so bad for my husband but he has been so wonderful through all of this. I also have an 11 year old daughter and I could not imagine not being around to watch her grow up. I feel so horrible for all of the people afflicted with these problems. Again thanks for the reply. I am compling a list of things for the Dr. to look at today when I go, I will add MS to the list.

Courtney

Lutonian · 05-19-2003, 04:50 AM

I am worried too, incase I have ALS. I have weak ankles and at school children , running behind tppk my shoe off at the heel. This happened twice and after that kept going over on my ankle. My Achilles Tendon was sore and I over stretched it. Then on holiday someone stood on my foot. Now my dorsiflexion is bad at the Fibular head,which is compression. I have had an MRI and was clear. EMG and Nerve Conduction tests showed some muscle impairment. I went into hospital for another EMG and Nerve conduction and have come out worse. Muscles sore. They said my arms were affected. Well I use a walking cane as I also have Foot Drop and pressure bearing down on a cane can weaken muscles. Also transferring ones weight on to the other leg can weaken muscles.
I still have not been diagnosed, they brought up ALS and I was upset I said it would have showed up in the MRI. I think the doctors were grasping at straws.
One said, condition due to Ankle injury, then another doctor a different opinion.

cassandra2000 · 06-07-2003, 08:16 AM

Hi Courtney
I wonder if you have had any chiropractic adjustments? You would need to have full spinal x-rays first which the chiro can do. Compression of the nerves at the spine could cause your symptoms.

On MS you will need an MRI of your spinal chord. MS shows as a decaying of myelin (the white matter) of the spine. This means messages travel much slower than they should.

Good Luck. I hope a chiro or physical therapist who does manipulations can help as this would probably be your cheapest option and also the option with the most chance of a fullest recovery.

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I see the future but no one will ever believe me, that is my curse.
Cassandra