fear of disease and dying

  hi I need help
  I have a promblem with anxiety my doctors says
  Iam always scared i have some awful disease right now i fear
  ALS or MS
  Here are my symptoms
  I feel like i can't talk right like Iam slurring my speech
  I my tongue feels funny  and dry at times
  I dont have problems swallowing but at times i feel like something is stuck in my throat
  the slurring of the speech scares me the most
  do i have als or am i going crazy
  Iam a mother of three small children One who is very sick
  He has a brain tumor
  I can't get sick now i need to take care of him
  Thanks
  
    I need help!!!!!!!!!!

[HFHS M.D.-HG]

_
Dear  Mary,
                  You seem to be quite worried about having Amyotrophic  lateral sclerosis (ALS)  or  Multiple sclerosis (MS). Before jumping  to conclusions, it would be helpful to consult your physician for a comprehensive evaluation.
                   ALS may develop  in young adults, but more commonly develops between 60-70 years. Symptoms are usually  weakness, atrophy   (thinning of muscles) and muscle twitching . Presenting symptoms may be slurred speech or difficulty in swallowing.        
                   MS usually occurs between ages 15 and 50 years. The most frequently encountered symptoms in MS are weakness, sensory disturbances, eye problems, bladder problems and sexual dysfunction. The course of the disease is characterized by exacerbetions and remissions.  It is also possible that your symptoms are stress related or due to depression or anxiety. There are other neurological and psychiatric disorders that could explain the symptoms.  
                      For a confidential evaluation at Henry Ford Hospital Behavioral Services clinic, you can call [phone]. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should  not be replaced by evaluation with a physician.
Key words: MS, ALS