STATEMENTS FROM THE PAST?

[concrete]

YOU PROBABLY REMEMBER ME , I AM THE GUY THAT BENCH PRESSES 5OOLBS...
STILL HAVE NOWEAKNESS AND W/OUT AND OR RUN ALMOST EVERY DAY.
39 REARS OLD IN GREAT HEALTH.
I REALISE YOU DONT LIKE TO USE THE TERMS NEVER OR NOT.
I WAS GOING THROUGH  OLD ALS QUESTIONS ON YOUR SITE AND SOME  STAND OUT IN MY MIND AND PROBABLY OTHERS AS WELL, COULD YOU CONFIRM THEM OR EXPAND ON THEM JUST A BIT.
I AM REALLY STARTING TO UNDERSTAND THE CHANCES I HAVE ALS ARE VERY REMOTE AND I AM FEELING MUCH BETTER ABOUT IT BUT NEED FURTHER HELP TO ELIMINATE FEAR ENTIRELY.
I DID GO BACK TO THE NEURO DR. WHO DID MY EMG 4 MONTHS AGO, HE DI EXAM IT WAS FINE AND HE HAD NO REASON TO REPEAT THE EMG.
HE SAID THE EMG WOULD HAVE PICKED UP ON ALS WHEN THE FASCICULATIONS FIRST WHERE PRESENT 4 MONTHS AGO BECAUSE IN ALS... FASCICULATIONS ONLY OCCUR LATE IN THE DESEASE AND THEREFORE THE PROCESS OF WASTING/WEAKNESS IS PRESENT BY THE TIME THEY APPEAR, HE ALSO TOLD ME HE HAD NEVER SEEN A REPORT WHERE A PATIENT HAD (FASICS) AND A (NORMAL NEEDLE EMG) AND THEY HAD ALS?
DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS.I ALSO READ IN YOUR FORUM THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS:1-WITHOUT MUSCLE WEAKNESS ON NEURO EXAM, AND A NORMAL EMG EXAM ,YOU DO NOT HAVE ALS, DO YOU AGREE?
2-THERE HAS TO BE ONGOING DISEASE OF SOME TIME 5-10 MONTHS BEFORE ONE WOULD SEE OBVIONS FASCICULATIONSWITH ALS AND THEREFORE AFTER 6+ MONTHS OF THEM YOU WOULD FOR SURE HAVE WEAKNESS IF YOU HAD ALS, IS THIS SOMETHING YOU AGREE WITH?
3-FASCICULATIONS W/OUT MUSCLE WEAKNESS IS ALWAYS NOT ALS...?
4-WEAKNESS WITH ALS IS NOT MINOR AND PROGRESSES RELENTLESSLY.?
5-CLEAN EMG=NO ALS

GOD BLESS

[saragt]

Hey Concrete, I also have anxiety disorder, and know how frustrating it is to be certain something is wrong with you and have nobody listen. However, I have been coming to this site everyday for the past three months, and can never get a question posted. So I can see the frustrations of others having the same problem when they see someone get three questions on here in a relatively short amount of time. Everyone has an equal right to use this board, and it's so awesome of the Cleveland Clinic to offer this, but let's just try to operate on a mutual respect for one another and try to give everyone a chance to ask their questions. There are obviously people who would really like info from the doc's, too, or we wouldn't keep coming back. Awhile ago someone gave me a link to a site called neurologychannel.com. They have a forum there as well where a doctor answers, and there doesn't seem to be a limit to the number of questions they take everyday, but sometimes it takes a couple of days to get a response. I would just like to get a question up here because the doctors here seem very thorough and I respect their opinion. I hope your symptoms get better, and that you can understand that we're not just a bunch of jerks here, we're just people in the same boat who really would like a fair chance at asking a question. :)

-Sara

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

1. Unlikely to be ALS, but the entire clinical history and evolution of signs/symptoms are important. In your particular case, it does not sound like ALS.
2.There is no magic time limit of when you should have fascics after the onset of weakness. But in most cases, weakness does precede the fasciculations.
3.You can definitely have fasciculations without ALS. It can be caused by anything from BFS to a bad disk pushing on a nerve root.
4.Yes
5.Not an absolute truth. Again, the clinical history, examination and overall picture have to be weighed in. In your case, probably not ALS especially if you had what you felt were fascics during the exam and it did not show up on the test.


A frequent comment that's included in my posts is that nothing in medicine or life for that matter is 100%. And you're right, I try not to say always or never, especially when I'm making a comment on someone I've never seen. If you are really concerned about your health, consider sitting down with your physician and tell them what you're feeling. Best of luck.

[concrete]

you and i have the same fasciculations in the lower legs most of the time .
if you would like to discuss e- mail me at
***@****
i read a mayo clinic report that said
"als begins and progresses relentlessly"
sounds like you are for sure in the clear after as long as you have had fasciculations...
thank you for your support.

[Croz]

You can get reassurance by reading the archives, which I think you have done--it is chalk full of reassurance.  Hope you get some resolution to your health issues.

[caynetina]

I understand how scary the "unknown"might be.  I have fascis due to severe nerve root irritation in my neck.  From extensive research I've done prior on ALS even though I'm not a professional it really would sound as though you are NOT stricken with this horrible disease.  You mention you suffer from an anxiety disorder, if you're not already being treated for this -this may be a good option for your to start on a medication to help alleviate the anxiety your suffering. I heard Paxil is a good one.  A friend of mine was prescribed this and has helped out so much.  If you are on medication for this already perhaps adding another medication would be of some benefit to you or adjusting the dose.  It's really not fair to you to be overwhelmed with non-stop anxiety about your health and perhaps other areas in your life and work which I'm sure is consuming every thought of yours.  You certainly sound as though you are "healthy" physically being able to bench press and schedule running into your schedule and it would be nice if you were able to put your anxiety to rest so you could appreciate your good health.  Good luck and speak with your doctor about starting some type of medication or adjusting itif not alread one.  Anxiety is able to be treated.  Good luck!

[concrete]

THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT..

[JSK]

I think Concrete's questions help everyone.  Although I guess it could be a little frustrating to those that never get through to post a question.  What's your secret on getting through?

I've had facics for almost 3 years now & still lifting weights 3-5 days a week & feeling strong (although I still can't lift 500 lbs like you).  Time seems to calm the fears.  Although, it's still always in the back of my mind as to what's going on.  I have to keep socks on or keep wiggling my feet when sitting as to not feel or see the insteps of my feet twitching non-stop.  I just choose to ignor & what ever happens, happens.

Try to enjoy everyday (easier said than done, of course).

Good luck to you & keep posting.

[concrete]

THE POSTS I MAKE ARE FOR REASSURANCE, AND I FEEL THE QUESTIONS I AM ASKING HELP OTHERS WITH FASCICULATIONS DEAL WITH IT BETTER AS WELL.
I AM SORRY YOU DONT GET THIS... AND HOPE YOU CAN GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED AS WELL.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU

[Croz]

I suggest you stop reading forums and get on with your life.  You know you're going to be told the same thing; so you're using up a question for someone else who has never had a chance to post.

[headproblemz]

I think he should be given the opportunity to ask as many questions as he wants. If there were to be a question limit, then I would disagree, but I haven't seen one yet. Nevertheless, STOP USING THE CAPS SO MUCH CONCRETE!!!

[Marie6]

I agree!!! This is a great forum, and others should have a chance. Yes, I did get my question answered and received excellent advice.

[sharon123]

I agree with the other guy, you have used up many opportunities for others to ask a question. See a doctor and quit using this forum. You have had more than your fair share of time here.

[concrete]

REASSURANCE IS IMPORTANT TO THOSE WITH FASCICULATIONS AND EVERYONE CAN GET HELP FROM IT NOT JUST THE PERSON ASKING THE QUESTION.
OTHERS READ AND GAIN HOPE.
I HOPE YOU GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

[concrete]

thank you all for the comments. i am sorry if my 3 times to ask questions have made some of you mad.
i will try to accept the drs. feedback and not use the site so much.
i have general anxiety disorder (gad) one of the symptoms is the frequent need for reassurrance.
the twitching just is hard to get out of my mind.
when the doctor answers i am sure i will feel better.
i am sorry...

concrete