Leg Weakness, Possible Atrophy, Twitching

[ClassOf2015]

Wasn't able to get in to see the Dr. today but I do have an appointment with my chiropractor today.

One question about weakness in ALS though... I guess my question is how exactly the weakness is felt, if at all? Does the muscle just not work? Does it feel fatigued?

The feelings I get in my leg are best described as fatigueability I suppose. My leg starts to burn like I just did 100 jumping squats after walking or standing for a short period of time. Even when laying down my leg gets this lactic-acid-like burn. Is this not what ALS feels like?

 

[affected]

READ THE STICKY AGAIN

The sticky is our official position. It answers every question you have asked. Don't believe me? Read it several times over until you realise that it indeed does.

The members here are dealing with a terminal illness or caring for someone with a terminal illness. At 18, you may not realise the true gravity of OUR situation whilst begging us to listen to yours.

We have done all we can, you DO NOT have ALS.

Please join a health anxiety forum if you must continue this.

Please mods close this thread.

 

[ECpara]

Nope, ALS does not FEEL. No burning. It fails to work. You don't have ALS.

 

[Fearless2015]

Hello Class,
It is also my first time to post here.
I'm 17 and I think we have the same problem. I'll be meeting my a neurologist this coming Tuesday. Godbless

 

[affected]

fearless this is not a general anxiety board. read the sticky,if it doesn't answer your issues and if you must make your own thread. Do not post on others.

https://www.alsforums.com/forum/do-i-have-als-als/26591-new-members-please-read-before-posting.html

Nikki maybe this thread could be closed as the OP seems to have taken the advice given.

 

[ClassOf2015]

If It Was ALS...

If it was ALS, could I have twitching for over a year and only minimal leg weakness (slight limp)? And would it cause that leg weakness without paralyzing my foot first? And would it move to another part of the body before ruining my leg? My toes are all strong, I can do calf raises quite well, yet this limp is there and I don't know what to make of it.

I had been concerned about atrophy, as my left calf looks quite different from my right. However, I had my chiropractor (yes a chiropractor) systematically measure my calf muscle in centimeters. My right leg (dominant) measured at 35 1/2 cm. My left (weak leg) measures at 35cm. So, no atrophy there.

Those who've read my previous post know that I have a back problem. That may be to blame for my leg weakness, however, I've recently started having symptoms in my hand. This began about 3 days ago.

 

[Nikki J]

First, stay on your original thread. It was open and you were told to do so in the sticky. It is very inconsiderate as anyone wanting to read your previous posts has to click back and forth. Easy for you very difficult and tiring if ypu are using your eyes to control your computer
Secondly go see an MD.you were advised this weeks ago
Thirdly you still do not have ALS symptoms

 

[ClassOf2015]

Nikki J,

I apologize for the new thread. I didn't feel the info in this thread was necessary as my questions were mostly independent. I had a long conversation with my Dr. over the phone as he remains out of town. He seemed concerned, and wants all kinds of blood tests done. He's also referred me to a Neuro, and that appointment is scheduled for May 26th, though my Dr. said he can get me in sooner.

So again... My question is still whether, if after just over a year, my weakness would be this minimal if ALS were the cause. I always hear of the aggressive pace this disease progresses at. So given the timeframe and severity of weakness, would this be typical of ALS?

 

[ClassOf2015]

Okay... Now I'm freaked out.

My hand symptoms are worsening. Over the last couple days my left hand just feels clumsy and weak. It isn't weak. I'm still playing guitar and writing. And there's a constant buzzing in my thumb and index finger, as well as in between the two. It's like there's electricity running through there. It's the weirdest thing. My wrist feels stiff, and I have this weird urge to keep my arm close to my body like in my pockets or to my chest because it supports my hand.

I don't know what to make of this. I listened to you all when I had just leg symptoms and back pain, and when you said a back problem was to blame. But now I've got issues going on in my left hand, and a back problem doesn't explain that.

 

[Atsugi]

Re: If It Was ALS...

As to your earlier question about the way ALS weakness feels: It doesn't feel weak. Doesn't feel at all. In fact, I don't like to call it "weakness" because it is, rather, limp, useless, paralysis. A muscle, typically the foot, does not contract. It doesn't feel fatigued or weak at all.

- could I have twitching for over a year and only minimal leg weakness (slight limp)? >> Not ALS. In fact, I doubt they're related.
- would it cause that leg weakness without paralyzing my foot first? >> Possibly, but not likely. Very likely something else.
- would it move to another part of the body before ruining my leg? >> IF it were ALS, it would most likely start with the foot and work it's way up.
- left hand just feels clumsy and weak >> Doesn't have anything to do with ALS.
- buzzing in my thumb and index finger >> Definitely not related to ALS
- issues going on in my left hand, and a back problem doesn't explain that >> Only a doctor should be answering that question. And, of course, not a chiropractor.

See an MD and take your direction from her. It really is kind of silly to expect good answers from strangers on the Internet.

If you had ALS, I think we would know it by now.

 

[skipper66]

Dear Class of 2015,
We have answered numerous questions for you politely. We are done now. Take your questions to professional who gets paid the big bucks. We still don't feel ALS is your issue and this is a ALS forum. So, go somewhere else for your answers. We are too busy with our friends and loved one's who do have ALS.