Bulbar ALS

I have not received a diagnosis, but after searcing the Internet and comparing my symptoms, I am really frightened.  I have been having voice problems for over a year now.  Seems like it is hard to talk, although no one ever seems to notice but me.  Husband and daughter always say they cannot tell.  Now it seems as if my tongue feels funny and doesn't work as well.  I am female and almost 62 and in good health and very active otherwise.  I recently had upper endoscopy to check my esophagus, which was normal and an MRI of the brain three weeks ago that seems to have only shown a bad sinus infection.  I do have muscle twitching at various locations on my body, but have had these for several years.  I  have cervical spondolysis mostly C5 and C^, which a doctor told me when I was 40 I had the neck of a 60 year old,  but thankfully no pain with it.  Mostly just neck pops and stiffness.  Chiropractic treatment and some physical therapy have helped this.  

I was have what I thought was a globulus feeling in my throat, but seems to have gone away after the endoscopy.  My worst bad habit is drinking a large fountain Dr. Pepper almost every day.  My PC thought I was having acid reflux, but after the good report of my esophagus I would assume that has been ruled out.  I actually was in hopes that would prove to be the case because the only other reason I can find online for the voice problem seems to be the bulbar ALS.

I do have a cleft lip and palate, but all things considered that is very good.  I had excellent surgeons even back when I was born.  

I am scheduled to see ENT doctor in two weeks.  I almost do not want to go for fear of diagnosis.  I know GOD will give me strength, but oh my, how frightening after reading about this disease.  

[squirtatious]

First off, stop researching lol. We can scare ourselves senseless, I know I did...take a deep breathe hun, and believe your fine. A dr will check u out and see if there's anything in that dept to worry about. In the meantime, if you have to google anything, fill it with posituive endeavors. Take care and greatest blessings to you *hugs*

[Kara2011]

Thank you for taking time to encourage me.  I agree with you totally I think that is truly what I have done.  I hope your outcome was positive.  

[Kara2011]

I know squirtatious has given me advice to stop researching, but I am just so scared. There just does not seem to be any other diagnosis for my symptoms than bulbar ALS.  

When I talk midway between my throat and breastbone it feel like I need to clear my throat often in order to have a clear voice.  The thing that scares me the most is the feeling that I am not enunciating some of my letters, such as s.  When I answer the phone at work and say our company name it seems like my tongue gets hung up and I have to slow down to say it clearly.  

I read of a case, which is just like mine.  Female, about the same age, and her family did not notice the voice changes either.  I keep telling my family it seems hard to talk.  I have no weakness symptoms, but the past week or so my hands from the end of my fingers to the last knuckle get very red.  My daughter and granddaughter both noticed it.  I think it may be related to anxiety.  I actually had this several years ago when I was anxious about something else.  

Do any of you think this could be something other than what I hope and pray it is not?

Squirtatious ~ would you tell me a little more about your experience?  I have almost worked myself up into being physically ill.  I so appreciate your time and help.  Thanks to all!