Do I have ALS??

[HowardA]

About two months ago, I started getting intermittent tingling sensations in my hands and sometimes in my feet. I was (and still am) extremely busy at work at was admittedly stressed out. I went to my general practitioner, who is a really good doctor by the way, and he stated that I was suffering from anxiety. However, the symptoms got increasingly worse and the tingling in my hands and feet became constant and now, my hands are not tingling but feel stiff every morning. My feet only stiffen occasionally but most of my other joints, including my wrists, ankles, knees, shoulders and hand joints have bothered me, some more than others. I also occasionally have vibration "attacks" where I can feel my body core vibrating and sometimes one or both calves hurt as if I had worked out. However, their strength is not diminished as I can make myself run fast, stand on tip-toes, etc. I have been to the doctor at least two more times and he is confident that I am suffering from anxiety. Not satisfied with this, I went to a D.O., who is also quite good, for a second opinion. He perscribed an MRI and blood work, both of which came back ok (ie no MS, RA, Lupus, etc). Other factors that I may have left out include that I gave 2 pints of red blood cells about 5 weeks ago (they gave me back my plasma) and kneeboarded for the first time in 15 years about 4 weeks ago (I'm now 37). Also, I am an engineer and I spend a lot of time typing and / or using a mouse during 95% of the day. Both doctors believe I may have carpel tunnel but that would not explain my other joints and calf pain.
I don't think my strength has gone in that I am able to lift weights, run 1.5 miles on the treadmill and do some karate exercises. However, because I have not run in awhile, I was unusually sore this morning after running yesterday. Does any of this sound like ALS? If not, any idea as to what it may be?? My hands are always stiff and hurt and I'm definitely nervous about what this is especially since it appears to be getting worse, pain wise.

[patsy10]

Did you research ALS?  ALS is a motor neuron disease.  It causes weakness and wasting but from what I read it has no sensory symptoms, meaning no numbness or tingling or other odd sensations.  It does not cause joint pain either.  Did they test you for lyme disease?

[lukewhoa]

Second the previous post. My mother has ALS and I can say it is a weakness thing and nothing more. There are twitches, but after muscles have started weakining. No sensations, just the inability to do things you once could do without hesitation.

If he says anxiety, you should think about it. Anxiety causes some messed up symptoms. I have been going through it for the last few years, and over time the symptoms get worse because of the constant build up. Twitches, vision issues, heart palpitations, cramps, tingling, pins and needles, buzzing in the ear, and so on. I know those are some things to be worried about, and I saw the doctor many times, but it was always diagnosed with anxiety. All physicals normal, and all symptoms resided after reassurance from doctors.

[HowardA]

Thanks, Lukewhoa, for your response. People like your mother are always in my prayers as they are dealing with a terrible disease and it is simply not fair. I wish you and your family all of the best.

Thanks again for your response.

With warmest regards,
Howard.