Question...Thanks

[jpmm]

All,

I'd like to begin by sharing my thanks and heartfelt support for those on this forum. I have been following a number of threads for the past few months, and have read the disclaimers prior to posting.

Preface: I lost my mother to ALS this past May 2023, she was 55. She first reported symptoms (weakness in her right arm) September 2021 and was subsequently diagnosed in April 2022. For all we know, her case was sporadic. Her biological mother passed at an extremely young age due to cancer and her biological father & brother are healthy/doing well.

What I've been experiencing:

Late-August:

• Noticed small intermittent twitching in right knee/calf.
• Had right shoulder/pectoral discomfort.
• Spiraled a bit and began asking, "What if..." given my experience caring for my mother.
• Went to an urgent care and expected, provider was unable to do anything for me. She mentioned it was most likely anxiety induced and ordered a metabolic pan which returned normal.
• Soon after my right shoulder/pectoral discomfort was alleviated and twitching greatly subsided.

Late-September:

• Had some left shoulder discomfort, primarily in the deltoid muscle.
• This again led me to spiral and I began noticing widespread twitching.
• I did a number of stretches, tried pilates, and kept doing push ups (which may have made my shoulder/deltoid worse).

October:

• Dull and aching pain continued along with widespread twitching.
• I also noticed that left shoulder was showing signs of shoulder instability, sulcus sign, etc.

Late-November:

• Was finally able to see a PCP who also ordered more blood tests as part of my annual, which all came back normal.
• I mentioned my concerns and he too believed it was anxiety driven.
• He did the empty can test and said my left side was showing symptoms suspect of a minor rotator cuff injury.
• Twitching has been slightly better, but pain and discomfort are still very much present.
• I recently noticed that sometimes when I stretch, I'll twitch here and there. For example, if I stretch in the AM, my shoulder will twitch a few times until I switch positions.

I recognize that a lot of the above is not consistent with ALS, but wondering if anything seems particularly alarming in relation to ALS to this group. Thanks.

 

[lgelb]

Very sorry about your mom. See no reason for alarm, but why not see an orthopedist to evaluate both shoulders? If there is a rotator cuff issue, PT is often indicated to keep it from getting to the point of needing surgery. Or if you need surgery, it would be best to know now than later.