ALS? - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Message Board

wheezy · 08-24-2003, 12:42 PM

HI,
I am a 30 year old female and i am scared to death!!!
It all started 7 months ago when i found a lymphnode behind my right ear. Then i started to get twitches all over. I started to feel tingling in my left leg mostly when i was walking (went away). I started to have tremors and problems with my vision and ringing in my ear. I would feel occasional tight chest but not always. i went to neurologist right away and he did reflex test and another test on my arms with electric impules(?) and an emg on my arms and an eeg. Everything was normal and my blood work was normal too. Then I started to read about als. I noticed that me right lower leg is smaller than my left leg. I never noticed it before, but i was not looking for it. I also have a lot of stiffness and soreness in my back and spots on my lower back that go numb from sitting too long. I know this is long but if you can help me i would appreciate it. could it be ALS?

[This message has been edited by wheezy (edited 08-24-2003).]

wheezy · 08-27-2003, 11:30 AM

Anyone? PLease help I am so scared!! Would an EMG done on my arms have found abnormalities if i had it?

KaysMom · 08-27-2003, 03:42 PM

I'm not sure about ALS. I "think" an emg would have picked up something, but I'm not sure. Did the neuro guy send you for an MRI? What you describe sounds like disc in your back maybe. I have bad discs, and get those same symptoms. Everyone has nodes behind their ears. Unless it noticably large, I wouldn't be too concerned. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

slaughter17 · 08-27-2003, 05:09 PM

I would recommend looking at what GI_WILD posted on "criteria for diagnosing ALS" It has a ton of info on how doctors make the diagnoses. The ringing in your ears does not sound like ALS. I wouldn't be to worried. ALS is the last thing any doctor will diagnose. Go back to your doctor and demand more tests done. It took well over one year to diagnose my dad with ALS. Can you describe your symptoms a little more to us? It is helpful with more discription. Like how long this has been bothering you. Etc.

reneeintx · 08-27-2003, 05:29 PM

wheezy,

I'm sorry noone answered your question. Kaysmom is right though. An emg would've picked up abnormalities.

I too twitch, and thought I could have something drastic going on, and was VERY SCRARED. I started twitching in late November 02. I had an emg in late January. No abnormalties what so ever.

I've been told an emg and pick up abnormalties even before weakness sets in.

Basically I was afraid to answer you..because I don't want to tell anybody wrong information.

There are different conditions out there that mimic ALS symptoms. This is another reason why I'm hesistant to reply.

Did you see a neuro that specializes is neuromuscular diseases? The reason I ask is because a regular neurologist might not see ALS enought to diagnose it.

I'm not saying you have it because I don't think you do with a clean emg. I'm just saying that maybe if you saw someone that works closely with ALS patients, you
wouldn't be so anxious and worried. They can reassure you.

I also think if EVERYONE looked carefully over their body they would see differences such as..one leg, arm smaller than the other, bones sticking out more than they should. I bet your leg was always like that, and you never noticed.

I really do believe you don't have ALS, and I also know no amout of convincing from anyone on this board can keep you from worrying. Can you get a repeat emg at a later date??

Renee