Very much afraid.

[ticker]

Hi steerpike. I am sorry you are feeling so bad. I know it is frustrating when you cannot find out what is wrong.

To me is sounds like you may have Lyme disease. Lyme Disease is a multi-system bacterial infection caused from the bite of an infected tick. It is the second fastest-growing infectious disease in the United States after AIDS. This is very significant, yet little is being done to educate people about its seriousness and prevalence. Many people who are bitten do not know it because ticks are tiny and they inject a numbing agent so you cannot feel them. Lyme Disease is difficult to diagnose because no test is completely reliable. As a result, it is grossly underreported. Many people have it and do not know it. Often, doctors falsely believe that Lyme exists only in the northeast, when in fact it has been reported in every state.

Below is a Lyme Disease symptom list. You can have any combination of symptoms.

Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol

When Lyme disease is a possibility, it is very important to see a knowledgeable doctor. Many doctors do not understand Lyme and treat with outdated protocols. No Lyme test is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab.

Besides Lyme, ticks can transmit several co-infections including Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. Many people who have Lyme are co-infected, and it may affect treatment choice and progress. It is important to be tested for these by a Lyme reputable lab such as IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA. Are you being tested for Lyme there?

If you would like a doctor recommendation for your area, let me know.

Don't give up, you will find out what is wrong.

[chigs489]

It does not sound like ALS. That manifests differently.

What it DOES sound like is

a) the virus/bacterial infection you got caused an "auto-immune" issue of some kind. This happened to me last year around this time. I got sick and then a couple weeks later had all sorts of muscle pain, twitching, etc. I freaked out, but then after a few months it went away. One thing that hepled was getting into the gym and lifting weights.

b) possible reaction to an antibiotic. When you had the throat infection, did you take ANY of the following drugs?: Avelox, Cipro, Levaquin, Tequin, Floxin? These drugs cause MAJOR neurological issues, along with ripped tendons, myalgia, etc. The effects can last for years after the dosage is taken. I took Avelox in 2004 and suffered nerve damage in my elbows, peripheral neuropathy, etc.

c) possible MS -I don't want to scare you, but get it checked out. Talk to your neurologist and have an MRI just to be sure. Again, I doubt this is what it is, but get it checked anyway.

Don't panic. I've had all of these symptoms, and in EVERY case, it was due to a drug reaction, anxiety, an infection, or even an injury. ALS is rare and progresses suddenly. Put it out of your mind.

[steerpike]

Hi and thanks for all the attention!

My neurologist is sure I don't have MS or ALS, despite the odd symptoms (had an MRI and NCV test) I'm guessing I should take his word for it, as he's been practising for at least 30 years. The internet really has no expertise, only lists of symptoms.

Frighteningly, I met a man with ALS the other day... I assumed he was mildly disabled until he rolled up his pant leg to reveal a tiny, severly atrophied leg. He says he gets twitches at night too. (Shudder) Needless to say, this didn't help my paranoia at all. Words of advice: never talk to strangers in the waiting room.

Still, I'm not sure I have Lyme disease either, although I'm currently being treated for it. Interestingly, after 3 weeks of Amoxicillin, a great deal of my strength has returned. Also no more exercise intolerance/fatigue. Today, I even went for a 3 mile walk, with no cane. I still have stiffness in hands/fingers and an odd sensation in my legs. And twitches. The cognitive crap is gone, thankfully. No atrophy or weight loss has been noted.

I feel it's definitely something bacterial, whether Lyme, or strep, or something else. Unfortunately, my Lyme MD may be shutdown, as the ignorant medical community doesn't believe Lyme exists in the pacific northwest despite evidence otherwise. So, as a precaution, I've had him arrange for 6 months of Amoxicillin. I really, really hope it's enough to clear the infection.

Chiggins, how long did it take for your post-infectious muscle problems to clear up. And does the 1066 in your name refer to the Norman Conquest?

[chigs489]

steerpike,

it took about 4-5 months actually. I had twitching all over the place, and cramping too. I started getting into the gym and lifting weights, especially in my legs. Didn't do much at first, but then things really started to improve. My leg press went from 190lbs to over 500lbs in 4 months. I knew that if I had ALS or MS, there was no way I would see a strength gain like that.

The exercise reduced stress -which was a big factor in the twitching.

I also began drinking tons of Gatorade and Pedialyte -under the assumption that dehydration was part of the problem. This helped as well.

The one thing that made twitching worse was lots of running. Something about the impact... so instead of running, lift weights, hydrate, relax, and don't drink too much alcohol.

It's been over a year, and I feel fine. Still get a little twitching here and there, but I don't even notice it anymore.

The MRI has cleared you -you are FINE! Good news!

So go out and enjoy life.

and yes, 1066 is the Norman Conquest