Absolutely terrified. Help!!

[Sarah116]

Ok, I apologize in advance if this is a little long.

I am a 19, almost 20 year old woman. I was diagnosed 3 months ago with mononucleosis and am still recovering... recently, a friend's uncle was diagnosed with ALS. To be honest I hadn't heard much about the disease beforehand. A few weeks ago, it felt like I had a tourniquet around my elbow, making my forearm and hand feel kind of warm and fuzzy, also felt "flushed" like I could feel blood moving. Sometimes felt a little numb and tingly. It seemed to have gone away, or at least I didn't notice it... my mono symptoms also weren't as bad. However, a few days ago I started to not feel so good again. Constant, persistent pressure-like feeling in my head and ears, tight throat, and the arm sensations are back. And now I even feel it in my right leg as well, mostly the foot. Granted, I was very very active before I got sick in April.... and have basically done nothing but very minimal walking the last few months. But after reading about ALS, my right arm and leg are freaking me out. I have never felt this before. My muscles also feel kind of stiff. I crack a LOT when I am getting up from bed, a chair, my car, anywhere.

Does this sound like the beginning of ALS? Or does mono affect your arms and legs in this way? (have not heard of it doing that, and believe me I have done lots and lots of research.)

Thank you so much for your input. I am terrified. I was formerly a very outgoing, active, healthy individual.

[JDS2805]

From what I've researched on ALS- Lou Gehrigs Disease- it is rare in itself. People with mono have different symptoms. When my wife had it, she just had the severe sore throat and swollen glands. When I got it(first thing she gave be before her hand in marriage) I had the sore throat, swollen spleen, severe fatigue, and a lot of muscle and joint pain. Depending on how bad you have it, it can take people anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months to fully recover from the symptoms of mono- i was out for almost 3 months. ALS actually attacks your nervous system. I have heard of cases where a person can get a mild case of arthritis after dealing with mono. Wishing you all the best!

[Sarah116]

I will add that I have had cramps in my calves and knees, as though I had been exercising a lot, even though all I've done for the last couple of months is lie around recovering from mono... occasionally I would leave to run errands.

Are the cramps constant with ALS or do they come and go?

I am so worried..