Hello, I'm new here. A little over 2 weeks ago I was suddenly hit with tremendous weakness all over my body one evening with no prior symptoms. Since then I have had generalized muscle fatigue and some weakness along with twitches throughout both arms and legs and occasionally elsewhere. I generally have had less energy than ususal and the sudden weakness and twitches are freaking me out. I am also getting dull pains in my hands, feet, and forearms. I had some blood tests and my doctor is sending me to a rheumatologist, not sure what that means. I'm only 25, please someone ease my anxiety.

Hi,

I hope this puts your mind to ease- as far as possible ALS. One of the big things about ALS is that it usually starts just on one side- like with weakness in one hand or weakness in one foot. It would be extremely rare that it would start with overall weakness and not a very noticeable problem with one body part (arm, hand, leg, foot etc.) I think that it is very wise for your primary care physician to make a referral to a specialist. I don't think ALS is something that you need to fear that greatly, not with your symptoms and also your age. True- it has affected people in your age range-- but that also is extremely unusual.

Tip (or anyone), Have you ever heard of ALS starting in both hands and arms at the same time with the same pain in both arms?

I know I'm probably just overreacting, but when one day you're perfectly fine working out at the gym and the next day you can barely move around and you're get twitches everywhere on your body and fatigue sets in easier and its still going on 3 weeks later, you start freaking out. You punch in the symptoms on the computer and things like ALS pop up. I'm still a nervous wreck. Trying to figure out whats wrong with me just sits on my mind all day. I see the doctor next week and hopefully I get some questions answered. Thanks to those trying to ease my mind about ALS.

Hi,

I have been around many people with ALS (even though it is supposed to be so rare). No- I have never seen a case in which the weakness started in both sides with pain involved.
There are so many things that could be causing the symptoms you are experiencing- all much more benign than the horrible diagnosis of ALS.

I appriciate the advice but I am still freaking out. The twitching and fatigue seems to have gotten worse. Sometimes I don't feel like walking because my legs are too tired, especially around the knees. When I'm sitting around my legs and elsewhere just seem to twitch non-stop. I get a twitch in my calf, then my thigh, the foot. and it's in both legs and arms, and back. It's totally ruining my day cause my anxiety is so high and I can't enjoy the things a 25 year old should cause I'm too fatigued and nervous. I can't get ALS out of my head and I'm scared.