Differences between als and ms?

[Csweet]

I am a 34 year old female living everyday in fear!  I have had 2 strange attacks and have not yet been diagnosed with anything.  The first attack occurred in July 2002.  I was folding laundry when my left arm felt like it drew up and then suddenly I was lying face down and could not move the left side of my body for about 3 minutes.  When I finally felt as if I could get up and walk my left leg felt stiff and I still couldn't get it all together....really strange.  I had lasting affects from this for over 5 months.  My left arm would tingle and go numb.  My left knee would ache.  Muscle cramps & stiffness.  I remember at night having my pinky and ring finger on both hands go completely numb.  When I would wake-up and try to get out of bed I would be severly dizzy.  I had problems sleeping b/c my head felt like it was vibrating at times.  I went to a neurologist and had every imaginable test ran.  NOTHING!  I was told it was stress related or a result of migraines.  Which, I admit to having on occassion, and sometimes very severe.  I have at least 2 a month.  Then everything suddenly quit hurting, going numb, etc.  I still had some muscle cramps, I would get a dry mouth to the extreme every night, have not made it through an entire night since without getting up and having to go to the restroom. However, I have lived with this and quit going to the doctor for anything since mid-2003.  Suddenly, on Dec. 8, 2006 I had another attack.  This time my left side got real heavy!  I am still having the after-affects????!  Any clues???  Is this serious?  I'm scared!

[cat457]

Somebody posted this about the MS/Lyme/ALS segment:
Not sure when ABC/Primetime will air the MS/ALS/Lyme program. They are lengthening the segment and having trouble scheduling interviews with some of the IDSA people. It may be mid-February or later now. But once it airs, I'm sure it will be quite informative.

[cat457]

I recall a posting a while back where someone with Lyme complained of heavy legs... perhaps they will post again.
In February, Primetime is suppose to air an MS/Lyme segment under Medical Mysteries... be looking for it.
The reason I didn't think you had ALS is that you mentioned these symp's started in 2003- 3 years ago. I forgot to tell you in my last posting the following differences between ALS and MS (my apologies): A large percentage with ALS are dead within 3-5 years. It progresses very rapidly.  ALS is a neuromuscular disease affecting the muscles and is often fatal but rare disease afflicting 30,000.  MS is a neurological disease affecting the Central Nervous System and is liveable.  People with MS live for many years.  
If there is something seriously wrong with you, I hope you can get a diagnosis soon so you can seek treatment.  
Good luck and keep us all posted.

[Csweet]

Thank you for commenting.  I do have an appointment with a different neurologist than the one I saw the first go around.  They could not get me an appt. until March, so until then I guess I try to live without fears!!  I'm glad to hear you don't think it is ALS.  Do you have much information about Lyme disease.  I've researched it a lot on the net, and yes many of my symptoms match that, however would I have a sudden attack?  The attacks I'm experiencing are sudden feelings of heaviness and the inability to walk for a brief second and then it returns.  I'll have after affects from these attacks (I've only had 2 and they have been 4 years apart) that last a while??  My last attack was on Dec. 8th and my left arm still feels heavy at times and weak.  My left hand feels like it is throbbing sometimes and across the middle of my back I feel a prickly feeling. Also, I have noticed my jaw is hurting and twitching some and my neck is killing me?!?!?  Did I fail to mention I have a 10 month old "miracle" daughter.  Told I'd never have kids and then suddenly became pregnant at 33 years old!  I really need to stay healthy.

[cat457]

I'm not a Doc, so I can't diagnose but I doubt it's ALS. That disease progresses very rapidly.  I would go back to Neuro again, (if you haven't been since 2003) and get a complete neuro work-up including MRI.
You may also want to explore the possibility of seeing a Lyme Literate doctor to rule in or out Lyme Disease. This disease mimics everything from ALS to Fybromialgia to MS to RA.  
That's my two bits.
Good luck and best of health.