ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease??

[Disney01]

Does anyone know about this? I'm looking for a good sight. My Mom is experiencing tightness, and tingling in her left arm. Heart problems and a stroke have been ruled out. I'm looking for information, because I can't figure out what else it could be.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Tightness and tingling in my left arm was the beginning of a fibromalalgia diagosis for me. Please try not to worry, research and fret about the worst possible scenario until you have to. My dad (was a doctor) used to say that the only people who post on the internet re. health problems are the cases that really were weird/hard to treat/or diagnose. Most people don't have all of these problems/diseases.

I surely hope that it is not ALS, and hope that she finds the prolbem soon. It is scary to not know what is going on with your health. Be well,

Michelle

 

[hentob]

Does she have fasiculations (like your muscles are rolling)?

If you suspect ALS, please take her to the Dr., so she can get an EMG to make to see what is going on.

I was on an "ALS paranoia kick" for about six months. It over took my life. I am only in my 30's, but I get severe fasiculations. After the EMG ruled out ALS (thank you God), the doctor blamed it on anxiety.

focusonals.com is a wonderful resource. It is done by an amazing lady who is living with ALS, and has lots of info and links.

ALS is just awful and I wish your mother luck.

 

[Disney01]

I know what you're saying. Whenever something bad seems to be happening, I head to the internet and get the worst possible diagnosis. I've read that this could also be a sign of fybromyalgia and that ALS doesn't usually present with tingling, but I'm still searching.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Could be nothing. I experience stuff like that all the time. It is a big leap to ALS.
Here is something from a website. It appears that muscle weakness is the primary concern. Maybe this will help you...

http://www.alsa.org/als/symptoms.cfm

Not all people with ALS experience the same symptoms or the same sequences or patterns of progression. But, progressive muscle weakness and paralysis are universally experienced.

Muscle weakness is a hallmark initial sign in ALS, occurring in approximately 60% of patients. Early symptoms vary with each individual, but usually include tripping, dropping things, abnormal fatigue of the arms and/or legs, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitches and/or uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying.

The hands and feet may be affected first, causing difficulty in lifting, walking or using the hands for the activities of daily living such as dressing, washing and buttoning clothes.

 

[TammyNC]

I agree with everyone on please don't try to come to the worst possible scenerio's. Hopefully your Mom's physician's will be able to figure out what is going on. The ALS site is a good place to get information, but with ALS, there really isn't a "one test diagnosis". My Dad was finally diagnosed in June of 1998 after experiencing lots of shoulder and neck problems. He was seen by a surgeon, had physical therapy and then back to a surgeon. They noticed in x-ray's that his muscles were deteriorating then sent him to a Neurologist. After lots of testing he was diagnosed with ALS. He passed away in October of 1999 after a short but difficult fight.

I only go there to say that worrying can really cause yourself problems. After his death, it seemed that every little pain I had I started to worry that I had ALS also. Since they can't determine if it truly is genetic or not, it was a constant question in the back of my mind. Don't let yourself get sucked into trying to find out what is wrong to the point that you only see the worst possible things. I will be keeping you both in my prayers.

 

[grinningghost]

My aunt has ALS. Her first symptoms were difficulty with her fine motor skills. Trouble tying her shoes or zipping her jacket. She thought it was carpal tunnel. She went through the tests and they diagnosed the ALS. She's now having trouble speaking and walking stairs. They tire her out terribly.

I have MS and experienced numbness and tingling in my hands and feet as early symptoms. But again, you need to see a neurologist if you suspect anything like that.

You're probably fine - it could be about a million things with those symptoms. If you're concerned, call your primary doctor and get in for a check up. Good luck.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good wishes, Disney01, for your mom.

 

[Bluenoser]

Don't think the worst. There are many things other than ALS that it could be. There are a variety of symptoms that show up differently depending on the person. My dad was diagnosed the week before Christmas and it took overa year to find out - he had polio as a child which complicated all the testing. Locally, the biggest area of expertise is through the MS clinic b/c ALS is not as common and the doctors locally are familar with the testing that is required. When we look back over the last few years there were signs of something being wrong but he covered his tracks well. . .he had a lot of falls where he tripped etc. but blamed on his glasses etc. I guess he was afraid to find out. Don't give up hope . . .my thoughts are with you.

 

[Disney01]

Thanks everyone, for the responses. Of course, everyone is right...Much too early to panic. Sometimes, I find the internet can be my own worse enemy. As much as I love all the information, sometimes it's too much information, if you know what I mean!! Although never too much when it comes to Disney!!