Should i get a check

[mrnovii]

Hi,
I am very worried for the following symptoms that have struck me over a course of about 9 months. I had a sleep apnea episode which i had mistaken for a serious condition which broght on the first panic attacks i had ever experiencd. Weight loss soon followed. About 4 months ago, i had a bad cough followed by difficulty in breathing after that (the cough has subsided since). I have hoarseness in voice now and once iin a while i experience difficulty in swallowing also. Now presently i started to experience twitching and spasms over my bodies especially legs and arms. my weight continues to slide and shoulders ache and bony.

Can anyone tell me if there is possiblity of ALS? I am getting paranoid already.

[Idab]

To put your mind at ease, see a Neurologist - the EMG and nerve conductor tests they carry out will determine if you have signs of ALS but remember, just like rich8 mentions - it is quite rare.  I myself have the exact same symptoms as you - I battle to swallow, breathe, have muscle flickers and lift myself off my chair most times.  I have extreme muscle weakness and have been diagnosed with Myositis, perhaps search this condition and you could find some more answers.

I went to see a Neurologist to rule out bone and blood cancers, - only when I had my consultations and was given my diagnosis - did I realise how many muscle conditions there actually are.  ALS, I am afraid, does not have a rosy outcome and by the time one is actually diagnosed - it is always too late.  So I suppose the longer they take to diagnose you the better for you.

Take care

[rich8]

ALS is quite rare. It sounds to me as though the stress of worrying what you might have is actually causing the symptoms. Ask your doctor to refer you to a neurologist if you suspect ALS. There is a test called an electromyography which can detect motor neurone damage. The test is quite painful but at least it would put your mind at rest.

[zmombomb]

Have you looked up MS symptoms?  Possibly Parkinsons?  I would see a doctor fast!  good luck!  Let us know what it is!