Is there a possibility i may have ALS

Hi there,

          I have been having really strange symptoms for the past 9 months which after extensive tests has lead me to believe I could well have ALS.  It started with chest pain on the left side which eventually went to all over body pain.  After 6 and half months of this i started experiencing perceived weakness in my left leg.  Then i noticed a tremor in my left hand and perceived weakness in left arm.  This worried me about ALS because of the typical nature in which Als starts in one place then spreads.  In my left leg the weakness feels associated with the calf.  Within the last two weeks i have had fasciculations in my calf and quad on the left side and last night it started in my right foot a little.  I have had a brain mri, chest ct, thoracic, lumber and cervical mri and a ridiculous amount of bloods all of which were normal.  i have also seen the same neurologist three times who believes nothing is wrong neurologically due to neurological examination.  he says there is no weakness, however my left side feels weak to me and uncomfortable all the time.  These symptoms in particular the weakness are persistent and are really worrying me.  I am due to have an emg soon but of my own accord.  the neurologist said i'm ok.  If this is not ALS what on earth could it be?

[brandycolwell]

i have no medical degree, but just trying to offer some hope.

there are so many other things it could be- some very serious, others as simple as a vitamin/mineral deficiency ( though those are also serious, they are relatively easy to reverse)

there are ALS specific clinics from what i have read, maybe see a specialist just to rule it out and ease your worried mind.

please dont think im dismissing the validity of your anxiety, not at all. its really hard when your health comes in to question, to just stay calm, almost impossible, really. it seems that our minds go straight to the worst thing because we're so scared. i pray that you find out that this is something treatable and benign. best wishes and healt hto you :)