Could This Be ALS? - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Message Board

colleendol · 06-05-2003, 08:45 AM

Since March 2003, I have been experiencing painful muscle and joint pain in my legs and arms. My infectious disease doctor ran some tests: FANA, Serum LDM, Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-DNA Antibody, Lyme, Ebstein Barr, Paravirus, CMV, Lupus. All came back negative. I have a MRI of the brain in December (they were checking for MS), a lumbar puncture and in April a Nerve Conduction Test. Everything was fine.

Should I worry about ALS? I do trip once or twice a week - mostly over toys, but sometimes going up the steps. I havent noticed any weakness, just pain. I was at the Neurologist a few weeks ago and he tested my reflexes and made me walk a line and tested for strength in my arms and legs. (not feet and hands). He wasnt looking for ALS though.

What are your thoughts?

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Colleen

reneeintx · 06-05-2003, 10:52 AM

colleen~

What about fibromyalgia?? Were any of these test for fibro?? If you're really really worried, I'd ask for the EMG just to set your mind at ease about ALS. That's what I did.

I think all of us trip and most never think a thing about it, unless you look up unusual diseases on the net and diagnose yourself

that's what I'm guilty of. My main symptoms are twitching and being tired.

I was told I have benign fasciculation syndrome(an overactive nervous system) I'm hyperthyroid too. I take synthroid and xanax.

I think the main symptom of ALS is weakness..and very profound, such as trying to turn a key. My sister knew a lady that had ALS. Her first symptom was she couldn't hold a diaper to put on her baby. She kept dropping it beause her hands just wouldn't hold it. BTW~she was in her 30's

I really don't believe what you have is ALS. Keep searching for an answer!!

Renee

colleendol · 06-12-2003, 01:26 PM

Thanks Renee- That helps.

I now notice twitching in my legs and body when I go to sleep. I dont know how long I've had them- Maybe I never noticed them before now.

I still dont notice any muscle weakness. I think that is the first sign of ALS. I belive you have to have the muscle weakness that causes the twitching and cramping. It seems like some things I read contradict each other. I've read some things that say you can have the twitches first? Is this true?

What where your symptoms when you thought you had it?

[This message has been edited by colleendol (edited 06-12-2003).]

reneeintx · 06-12-2003, 06:17 PM

Hi Colleen,

My neurologist did say some do present with twitching first

scary...

The neighbor next door to me has a co-worker in his 30's that was diagnosed with ALS and his first symptom was falling to the ground(not tripping) while jogging, due to weakness.

My very first symptom was a left eye twitch(dec 02) for about 2 weeks, then my right eye started, soon my whole body was popping allover. The twitching has subsided to a lesser degree. I've been taking 2,000mcg's of vitamin b-12..maybe this is why. When I do twitch wildly it's
my calves and arches of my feet. I have lots of feet cramps, where my toes want to move to one side..HOW PAINFUL.

I still don't have muscle weakness either, and hope I never do.

I was shopping today and tripped over my feet twice, but maybe it's because of my BIG FEET

Did you ever have thyroid testing? People with thyroid problems sometimes have aching joints, although I don't with my hyperthyroidism.

Let's cross our fingers and hope are symptoms go away or at least not progress.

Renee

Lutonian · 06-13-2003, 09:54 AM

I do not have many leg cramps,no fascilutations.
I have painful hands and arms.Also Foot drop and recently inflamation of the leg. I was told that possibly I could have ALS,but these symptoms do not match.
I have had 2 falls, in the house. So going out I use 2 walking sticks for my balance.
I have had many tests but still not diagnosed.