Persistent Muscle Stiffness -- Worried for a few years

[mgn25]

Hello,
The muscles on my right arm and right leg have been stiff for a few years now.  The right side feels as if they are tiring more quickly than left side, even a little weaker, fatigue at an earlier stage.  However, the right side is not weaker, strength is still there, no atrophy.  And if I am exercizing (which is a rare feat) the feeling of fatigue on my right side is something I can work through until the left side tires out.  But the stiffness persists.  The muscles and joints in my hand are a bit sore from the constant stiffness.  I am 27 and in fine shape otherwise.  This suggests a neurological condition, however, if you try googling these symptoms, ALS pops up frequently which is rather disconcerting.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Additionally, would symptoms of ALS, at this early stage take this long?  Should I exhibit other symptoms already?  What else?  

[mgn25]

Thank you for your advice Doctor, I will certainly keep you apprised of my progress.  I'd be interested to know whether you have heard of such symptoms before.  What else you may think it could be.  As one doctor put it, it could just be something we can't explain and it won't bother you.  I'd rather get to the bottom of this.
Thank you again for the gnerosity with your time.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

You are doing very well for yourself!

According to one report the average survival time for ALS patients from time of disease onset has increased from 3 years to about 4 years.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543907
Since in the last three years there has been no progression in your symptoms I think the chances of ALS are very less. But then again a neurological examination is necessary to rule it out completely. I hope this helps!
Do let me know the results of your neurological examination.

[mgn25]

Thanks for the time you are taking Doc, it is much appreciated.  I should have gone into medicine rather than law.
I will be headed to the doctor and hopefully getting a referral later this week.  But I would some additional comfort.
I understand that initial ALS symptoms are overlooked frequently.  How long does it take for some of these symptoms to manifest themselves?  For example, I have had the stiffness for 3 years.  And although I may feel fatigued or weaker, I am not actually weaker.  Thus, constant stiffness, no actual weakness or anything else for the last 3 years.  
I noticed the stiffness at the same time as well, it wasn't slowly in one limb over another, both my arm and my leg started feeling stiff at the same time.
If this were/is ALS, should I be noticing anything else by now?  Is one symptom for this long without other symtoms something that others have gone through?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

That’s a good sign I would say.
A thorough neurological examination is needed however. It is advisable to get it done as soon as possible. Let me know if you need any more information. Take care!

[mgn25]

Thanks Doc,
I have no other symtoms.  No actual weakness, twitching, cramping.  Only stiffness.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Do you have any other symptoms other than one sided body weakness?
There can be many reasons of one sided body weakness like a transient ischemic attack or stroke, brain hemorrhage, ALS.
The initial symptoms of ALS are often overlooked which are muscle weakness, twitching, cramping and stiffness.
The diagnosis is confirmed by repeated neurological examination. I would suggest you schedule an appointment with a neurologist and as soon as possible. Good luck!