ALS

[adi2uds]

Hi,

I am a 43 year old female, married with 3 children. Over the last several months, I have been experiencing extreme fatigue and muscle spasms all over my body. Just about every time I move, I get a spasm. They occur in my arms, hands, legs, feet, ribs, jaw (when I yawn), etc. I went to the doctor again the other day, and this time he asked me to open my mouth and let my tongue hang slightly out. He repeated this 3 times. He said I have tongue fasculations, and that he didn't want to scare my, but that is an indicative sign of ALS Considering the muscle fatigue (I have lost a lot of strength in my hands and arms and legs). He ordered some blood tests for a preliminary confirmation, and then I guess we take it from there. I am really trying to stay positive, but it is hard when the pain is so prominent in my arms and legs from the fatigue. I had a hard time eating yesterday because my arms were hurting so bad to raise the fork to my mouth. I finally had to excuse myself from dinner (at a restaurant) because I hurt so bad in my arms that I couldn't take it anymore. I have had several instances of losing my balance and tripping as well. I am pretty scared this is going to be positive, although I am normally a very optimistic person.

Can anyone give me any insight, feedback, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Kari]

It is my understanding that there is little to no pain with ALS. Someone comment if they know differently.

[sandradnana]

there is extreme pain when you experience muscle cramps that will not let go. Then after that the twitching starts and is very annoying. I have found that when you have the cramps in your feet or legs if you instead of going with the cramps flex your toes in the upward position and it helps. I found this out the hard way. My Shoulder and neck and biseps and fingers cramps and later the twitching and then it moves to another area. Stress does make it worse because you become more tired.

[kylereagan]

I was recently diagnosed myself so I am new to this type of situation but I think the type of pain you are experiencing is not necessarily consistent with ALS. I think that comes later down the road although I have been told every case is different. I have major weakness, fatigue and a lot of muscle twitching, but the pain is only moderate and only in my legs (I believe I have had ALS for about a year). I have seen 3 neurologists and they have told me many other conditions mimic ALS and most of them are treatable. Get a second or third opinion before you panic. Hang in there, I have found that over-reacting to my symptoms only makes them worse. Whatever you have, live your life one day at a time and try to enjoy every moment. Good luck, most of the time in most situations things are never as bad as you think they are. Kyle

[ladybug2]

it does sound like you have als,i have bulbar onset als,which is i have had a swallowing and chewing problem for 3 years or more now,and the muscle spasms,it is weird i am 43 and have 3 kids also.the blood test are more or less to clear out anything else that might be causing it like myasthenia gravis or something like that,you will probably have to have mri's of your brain and spine to rule out ms ,i have trouble eating ,my hands quiver somewhat when i try to eat alot,and i hurt all the time,and i have read where most people don't hurt when they have als,well that is crap,i know that is wrong,because alot of people on these forums that have als hurt bad also.if you have not already get on the sight patientslikeme.comi am ladybug2 on there,you will see alot of other people that have alot of your symptoms,that has helped me.i have babinski sign and hyperreflexia ,with swallowing ,chewing problems,spasms,cramps,constipation,absent gag reflex,excessive yawning,etc,,you will learn alot from the other sight..hope you find out something soon...good luck,,wanda