I swear I am not a hypochondriac!

[OldFatChick]

I have been diagnosed with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease and Hypothyroidism, but I am also having symptoms that do not fit into either disease.  I have been trying to narrow down the possible causes so I can have an informed, intelligent discussion with my doctor, and I have been researching symptoms like crazy.   One disease keeps popping up with alarming regularity so I wanted to ask the opinions of people who have the disease whether it is my imagination or if I should ask to be tested for ALS.  I have muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, burning in my toes (sometimes in other parts of my feet and sometimes in the back of my right hand), achy legs, difficulty standing after I've been sitting for a while, frequent choking, chronic nausea, loss of appetite, I have had esophageal spasms, sometimes it feels as if I can't get my lungs to work.  All in all, it has been a very unpleasant ordeal.

[Sandy M]

Have you seen a Neurologist for a full neurological evaluation?  If not - suggest you see one and mention your concern about ALS.

Sandy

[OldFatChick]

Not yet.  I have a rheumy appt Tuesday & an internal medicine appt Wednesday so I will see what they have to say and go from there.  I am not having twitches, so I guess I am just trying to err on the side of caution.  I really don't think that is what it is, I just wanted input from someone who has the disease I guess.  You can get lists of symptoms but it isn't the same as asking someone who's been there.