Still Worrying about ALS

[tarrigo]

I am approaching the three month mark with my symptoms.  It feels as if my right hand and right leg are getting weaker, even though I had a clean EMG 3 weeks ago.  I cannot stop worrying, although I am aware that the EMG would have picked up on something if it was ALS.  All my doctors say no ALS, and I have been given a dx by my neuro of BFS.

My question is, why does it seem that I am getting weaker.  Wouldn't the EMG pick up on subtle changes even before weakness sets in?  

I am scared!  

Thanks,

Tony

[cat457]

Hi, Scrguy!
Have you been to the doctor about these symptoms? If not, you need see one and get a full neurological work-up asap.  Best of luck to you.

[scrguy6]

Tarrigo,

I'm having some of the same symptoms as you.  My left arm and hand are weak, and they are kind of numb as well.  I can't tell if any atrophy is taking place.  But I have been so stressed out about other things lately and now all of this is going on, I'm just so concerned that I have either MS or ALS, so if anyone on here can help me out that would be amazing, because i'm literally freaking out here.

[4t1074]

Tarrigo,

I've switched to Wellbturin, it's the psychologist favorite and has worked fine with me so far....You may want to try that.  You'll just have to find the right one for you.  Paxil, good for PVC's, literally put me in bed for two days, so you need to find what works for you, but don't just sit back and make yourself crazy.

[ihatepvc's]

If the Lexapro is not working, there are plenty of other antidepressants/anti-anxiety drugs to try. I have heard good things about Zoloft. Paxil worked wonders for me but was very difficult to get off of. But i don't understand why you persist in believing you have ALS when the tests prove you don't and the doctors tell you that you are fine. Have you seen postings on this site of people who really do have the possibility of having ALS? they have very serious, pronounced, progressive symptoms. You have some twitching and subjective weakness which most likely is imagined.

[cat457]

Here's the link for the drink...

www.petergillham.com

[cat457]

As an added supplement, go to health food store and pick up Peter Gillham' Natural Vitality--Natural Calm. It's a relaxing Magnesium/Calcium supplement that will calm your nerves. It's just powder form that you add to hot water and drink.  Comes in Rasperry and Lemon flavors.  This helps me when I am very anxiety-ridden.
Just a thought.  I'll look for the URL and get that to you so you can read about it. Take care!

[cat457]

Tarrigo,
We are all going to die someday to whatever affliction, be it disease, accident, nuclear war--who knows. But I think you are going to be here a long, long time. So, chill Dude! You're too young to be putting yourself thru this. Go out and enjoy life. ALS is a rare disease. I believe only 20,000 are afflicted with it.

[4t1074]

yes tarrigo, it would have picked it up.  Read the doctors responses, specifically, they state that EMG's are effective tools for early detection when weakness / atrophy are not present.

I was on Lexapro, it made me worse, so you likely need another anti dep.

[tarrigo]

I am taking Lexapro right now, and supplementing it with Klonopin as needed.  My hand really feels not so much weak...but awkward.  My right leg also feels off a little...but I can still do everything.  I think I am focusing too much on it.  I have been taking the lexapro for about 7 weeks now...and it was helping, but now I am scared again.  

Are my fears totally unwarranted with a clean EMG?  Doesn't the test pick up on weakness, atrophy, etc. very early on?

I want to get back to normal!  I hate this and hate my life right now!

Sincere Thanks,

Tony

[ihatepvc's]

I really think you are imagining the weakness because you are so focused on it. You know that ALS causes weakness and so you really believe you have that symptom. If you are convinced you are in fact, weak in your hands and are having trouble grasping things, or holding on to items etc... then it wouldn't hurt to go back and have the doctor do another neurological exam. But if you are just "feeling weakness", that could be anxiety playing tricks on you. I've experienced the same thing myself. Have you considered getting on an antideppressant temporarily? Like you, I could not get over my fear of ALS and ended up on Paxil for six months. It really helped after about a week and I found myself forgetting all about it. Before I knew it, six months had gone by and I was still FINE. I urge you to consider taking something for your anxiety a.s.a.p. There's no reason to suffer like this with all of the available medications out there. Sometimes we need a little help getting by when our anxiety gets out of control. You find yourself in a state of hysterics and it's hard to get out of it. Just ask for something for the anxiety and your doctor will give it to you.