confused about symptoms

Hello there.  I have been having symptoms such as pain in my legs (mostly my left thigh) that almost feels like a growing pain, but I'm not still growing; extreme fatigue; shaky hands (only when I move my wrists up and down, then they shake); weak/shaky ankles/lower legs (same thing, only when I move ankles up & down); my left foot falls asleep more frequently; some pain in wrists & hands (mostly left) and occasionaly my left thumb hurts.  Only a couple times have I had frequent urinations (twice in ten minutes); and I've been getting more frequent headaches.  My legs feel heavier then usual, and I basically feel weaker overall.  My Grandma and Uncle on my dads side both have Myotonic Dystrophy, however my dad is 50 & has no signs of it.  Is it possible that I could have inherited this disease even though my dad doesn't have it?  I'm worried about having either MD or MS.  Are either of these a likely possibility?  Thank you for your help.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The basic symptom of Myotonic Dystrophy (commonly written as DM) is myotonia (stiff muscles). I don't see you describing stiffness of muscles. In DM, you see what is called as genetic anticipation. The symptoms appear earlier and are better expressed in the children of parents suffering from DM. Your father does not have a manifest DM. So the chances for you are also less.

As far as MS is concerned, it is too early to think of it. You will need to rule out other causes before you can think of MS.

Regards