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ALS Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Could I have ALS?
by Sherrie620, Jan 24, 2008 02:57PM
Hi, I am a 24 year old female and I realize that it is uncommon for someone my age to have ALS but I have the symptoms for it.
I have muscle twitching in my hands and feet only. I have started get muscle cramps in my feet now. A few months ago I noticed a difference in my eating. It seemed like it was harder to swallow like my food was getting stuck in my throat. I would choke on liquids as well. It also felt like I couldn't clear my voice. It sounded like I had just woke up all the time. I've noticed a difference in the tone of my voice especially when singing at church and my vocal chords get "tired" after singing for just a short while which is odd. I am tired all the time. When I am driving and I stop at a red light, sometimes my foot gets tired of pushing on the break and it will start to shake. I have to put the car in park just to let it rest. I've noticed when I am walking, sometimes even just down the hallway at work, my legs get really tired and I have to sit down. This is not normal for me. I have the muscle twitches all the time and they are progressively getting worse. They happen throughout the entire day.
I know these are symptoms of ALS but I keep reading that the symptoms of ALS mimic other diseases as well. I would like to know what other diseases I might possibly have with these symptoms.
I really hope someone has some guidance for me.
I have muscle twitching in my hands and feet only. I have started get muscle cramps in my feet now. A few months ago I noticed a difference in my eating. It seemed like it was harder to swallow like my food was getting stuck in my throat. I would choke on liquids as well. It also felt like I couldn't clear my voice. It sounded like I had just woke up all the time. I've noticed a difference in the tone of my voice especially when singing at church and my vocal chords get "tired" after singing for just a short while which is odd. I am tired all the time. When I am driving and I stop at a red light, sometimes my foot gets tired of pushing on the break and it will start to shake. I have to put the car in park just to let it rest. I've noticed when I am walking, sometimes even just down the hallway at work, my legs get really tired and I have to sit down. This is not normal for me. I have the muscle twitches all the time and they are progressively getting worse. They happen throughout the entire day.
I know these are symptoms of ALS but I keep reading that the symptoms of ALS mimic other diseases as well. I would like to know what other diseases I might possibly have with these symptoms.
I really hope someone has some guidance for me.
Member Comments (4)
by krue, Jan 26, 2008 07:02PM
To: Sherrie620
Check out my post above yours for other diseases, cause I asked the same thing. Have you done a spinal tape to rule out a virus? I've had twitching for 2 1/2 yrs, but have no weakness, but I do have some slight swallowing problems, but that was in the beggining and has not progressed. So don't be freaked out yet about als.
by Sherrie620, Jan 31, 2008 01:50PM
To: krue
Hey, thanks for the comment! No I haven't had a spinal tap done. I actually haven't even gone to the doctor yet for all my symptoms. From what I have read from others testimonials, it is hard to get an actual diagnosis for these symptoms. I'm going to review all those other conditions that were in the responses for your question. Thanks!
by chochmeh, Feb 07, 2008 09:45PM
To: sherrie
i'd request an EMG also by a neuro that specializes in neuromuscular disorders...if you have bulbar symptoms, it could be myasthenia gravis...go to the doctor...choking is not good...
by Sherrie620, Feb 08, 2008 04:09PM
To: chochmeh
Thanks for the comment! I looked up info on myasthenia gravis. That is very interesting. I do have some problems with my facial muscles as well. Thank you!
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