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

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 http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif 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 http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

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

Renee http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

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).]

Hi Colleen,

My neurologist did say some do present with twitching first http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif 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 http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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 http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

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.

Hi. My father has ALS. His first symptoms were not tripping or falling. It was muscle cramps and twitching in his legs and feet. It took a long time to get diganosed because there are so many diseases that mimic ALS. He then started to get weakness later in the disease. People who have ALS are very different from one another. Someone who has it may notice they can't speak very well and go see a doc about it. Where as another patients symptoms may start with tripping over their feet or muscle cramps. ALS affects everyone person different. Some live with ALS and do not know they have it until the last few months. Some patients may notice a huge change in a few weeks and go to the doctor about why. It really depends on the person. If you are concerned about having ALS I recommend talking to your doctor about getting the right tests done. The sooner you know the better. Some doctors refuse to test for it until it is the last option. You need to be the one to tell him to test you for it. Good luck. Let us know what you find out...

My mother had trouble speaking, and was exhausted and weak. She finally found a doctor to diagnos the problem. He took a finger and slapped it on top of her arm a few inches before her wrist starts. It made her hand and fingers jump. That was his sign that she had ALS.

Shane K

Colleendol,

Have similar symptoms that are progressive. It all began with a black widow bite 2 years ago. I have severe joint pain, nerve pain, electrical shocks, and constant fasciculations. No muscle weakness. All MRIs, etc, like yourself, have come back normal. At a loss of where to go next. Have you had any developments?

Hmm, that is very interesting to me about the spider bite, that is. I had a severe reaction to a fire ant bite on my foot about eight years ago. Symptoms subsided somewhat but would resume intermittantly manifesting primarily at night- I called it achy cracky because of it mademe feel sick achy and cracking joints- alll on left side of body. Dr laughed at my story when the flare i had that sarted mid may and still hasn t completed subsided I suggested could be related to the ant. Also had one sided numbness, all the classics but only shocks whenI turned my head to the left not neck to chin.
anyone with any info besides Lyme reactions? I mean different insects that maybe could caause it.
Thanks good night and sorry for my spielling tonite. GEEsh.
best

Ellla
I hope you don't have ALS it goes with out saying . Love and light.

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?


It doesn't sound like it, but may be too early. My mom is going through all the tests now. She is going for another MRI Sept 6, 2005. She has extreme slurred speech and weak motor skills. They thought it was conversion disorder. I cry alot, because noone is ever prepared to lose their mom at an early age. Hang in there
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Colleen