Experiencing weakness in hands...very scared

[mintchip]

Hi all,

In the past several months I have experienced weakness in both of my hands (the right more than the left) that comes and goes. Lately it's been quite noticable and distressing as it seems to be getting worse. There is also a sensation of the circulation having just been cut off (not yet pins and needles, but the feeling you get before that happens). I've worried myself sick that this could be something serious like ALS, especially since I occasionally experience difficulty swallowing. I also get some numbness. Sometimes my hands literally do get weak--my boyfriend has me do test squeezes of his finger--but sometimes they are stronger yet they feel weak.

I am a healthy woman in her early thirties. I spend all of my workday on a computer and have for a long time. I exercise and eat right. I do wear high heels (I mention this because I am wondering if this could cause a pinched nerve or similar problem?)

Anyway, I am wondering what the most likely cause for this problem is. I am so worried about ALS; can ALS symptoms seem to come and go? How quickly can the cause of this be determined if I go to a neurologist? I'm literally terrified because this is the scariest thing I've ever experienced.