Sleepless Night With Worry

[Jsch168]

Hi All

I have read the sticky as well as past posts by others, trying to avoid having to post. I still have niggling thoughts in the back of my mind.

I am 28 Years old

For the last 2 weeks i have been having constant twitches mainly in my right leg. They do flit around all over my body on occasions thou. They have not stopped since they started and i have never had these before.

I have also being getting cramp and aching in my right forearm running down to my little finger.

The cramp makes it hard for me to do things like picking up a bag in front of me or carrying shopping with that hand/forearm becoming tiresome after a while and the aching becomes more until I put it down.

Could this be considered starting symptoms for MND/ALS? and should I see a neurologist?

I appreciate the time taken to respond to my post, my thanx in advance.

 

[lgelb]

It is unlikely. First step is to think about your sleep position on your R side, if you do have one, as it may not be the best one. Diet and exercise are other areas to look at. Static stretching routines like tai chi, Pilates, ballet are often helpful.

If the symptoms persist and you have debugged your routine, next step is your GP.

Best,
Laurie

 

[Jsch168]

Thanks for your reply Laurie.

I have stressed myself out for about a week about it now.

The first week i had the twitches i had no cramps they only started in the last 2/3 days when i started to panick myself by goggling.

But the cramps are their and a fear a problem.

I will give it some time and make a few changes and if that doesn't change a trip to the GP.

You say unlikely, are the above symptoms what u would typically expect with MND/ALS?

 

[Jsch168]

I did a basic tennis ball gym test earlier, 110 squeezes with the left and 110 with the right, i felt i could go on with the left were as the right got tired and now i have cramps that are sore.

 

[Atsugi]

Nothing you posted leads me to worry about ALS.

LGELB gave perfect advice. Follow it exactly. I think you'll improve within weeks.

If you must worry at night, pick something else.

 

[Jsch168]

Thank you Mike , Thank you Laurie.

 

[Jsch168]

Hi All

Sorry to be back, i am looking for a bit more guidance if possible.

The twitching has continued. No change there.

I have cramps and heaviness in my right forearm and fingers. as well as my right leg now around the calf and hamstring area. Notice sometimes my knee buckles a slight bit when walking.

Sometimes a buring sensation down the right thigh outerisde that goes down then leg.

I played a game of table tennis today and walked the dog, cramp/ tightness was still there.

I went to my GP as recommended as i was and still am very worried. He did a few tests with me, stand on toes , raise arms and push him , and squeeze his fingers.

I also asked for a referal to a neurologist and he said he couldnt see a reason.

I have read that some ppl started with twitches and cramps so I guess what i am looking for is could this be an onset of ALS?

I am a male aged 28 for info.

 

[Jsch168]

Also tonight i have got a bit cramp between thumb and first finger, after buttoning up a trying on 2 new shirts.

I feel am getting even more worried now. Alot seems to be pointing to this.

 

[affected]

I went to my GP as recommended as i was and still am very worried. He did a few tests with me, stand on toes , raise arms and push him , and squeeze his fingers.

I also asked for a referal to a neurologist and he said he couldnt see a reason.

Please read the sticky again as it is our official position, no matter what you read elsewhere.

Now your GP was pretty smart and did the important clinical examinations and found no reason to believe what is happening to you is neurological. That's great news.

He would have also done a lot of observation that you didn't realise he was doing and took note of a lot of critical things about you.

What you need to do is work with your GP now, ask what he feels could be happening, what he suggests in the way of further tests or treatments.

Don't say - but I think I have ALS, as you are skewing everything by doing this.

You really don't belong here, and that is the best news you can be given. Stop thinking this way, and start working with your doctor so that whatever is going on can be found and solved. All the best.

 

[Jsch168]

Hi Tillie

Thanks for the reply. I have read and re read the sticky multiple times. As well as other user posts trying to understand.

I will speak with my GP again when its next possible opportunity certainly.

I guess what is concerning me is the fasciculation. Mainly right leg but do go to my arms, belly and feet, and the cramp. I woke this morning with cramp in my left big toe and currently have it in my back and shoulder. With daily hand cramps when doing tasks.

its all come out of nowhere. With things taking more effort to do.

My worry is that this is the start of things breaking down and that my GP is not seeing anything currently but in a few weeks/months etc could turn neurological through progression.

So from fasciculation to cramps as a start, then a period of weeks later a clinical weakness or atrophy, Is that consistent with any onset?

thanks
Jonathan

 

[affected]

I wonder, I truly do, when you say you have read the sticky many times and have read other posts and then ask these questions.

You must see us saying over and over that twitching and cramps and feeling things are harder MEANS NOTHING and is NOT ALS.

Please, I truly know that this is very hard to grasp and understand. If I had not witnessed my own husband die of ALS, I would probably wonder just like you and all the other twitchers here.

But you are here asking us, so believe me when I tell you that what you are describing is not consistent with ALS onset. What you are experiencing really could mean nothing is wrong at all physically, but mentally you are in a bad state if you are worrying yourself like this with no true cause for worry.

That's all we can do or say for you, asking further is just asking us to repeat ourselves.

 

[Jsch168]

Thanks Tillie

If i am wrong you could be right about my state of mind, but alot of things i feel are pointing this way.

I am sorry to post again. Believe me i am not doing it to aggravate or annoy anyone. There is no malice from me.
The worry i feel has got me thinking an awful lot.

I have read alot of different posts on this forum. So many different starting symptoms that ppl had before diagnoses. Some of which match mine.

Im gona map out my last 21 days ( a short time period i know but its were i am)

Day 1 - 8 - twitching started in right calf. Slowly started hit other places on my body, left leg, back, stomach, cheek, throat and arms. I started at this point to research symptoms.

Day 9 - 21 Cramps set in. They have been in wide spead areas, the most painful ones , in my fingers and toes. I have cramp in my right hand fingers for 6 days straight no relief. Most painful in the knuckle area. the tension runs up to the forearm.

Twitching during this period has continued at varying speeds. Woke me up twice in 21 days.

I have a slightly smaller right calf than my left calf. I had ankle surgery in May and was in a cast for 6 weeks and a boot for 4. Due to crutches my right thigh is massive compared to my left. But its vica versa with the calf area which is worrying me as well. I did spent 6 weeks with a pyhsio working on my left calf to build it back up only using stretches, as i had a limp from the non weight baring. This could have taken its size passed my left. I Just dont no for sure.

But the twitching started in my right calf i am wondering if this is my body saying there is a breakdown?

Today i noticed a few buckles in my right knee when walking.
I currently feel like all i am waiting for is to wake up and find a clinical weakness somewhere to confirm this fear and feeling i have?

Has anyone else started in a similar fashion?

 

[ShiftKicker]

Hello-

If you have not chosen to see a doctor with your questions, there is nothing we can do for you here. You have been given informative and patient responses thus far. However, you are not getting yourself to the doctor's.

Please let us know how your visit to a medical professional turns out- there's nothing more that strangers on the internet can do for you except feed your anxiety about your symptoms. Especially if you're fishing for others to compare symptoms.

Best wishes

 

[Jsch168]

Hi ShiftKicker

Thank you for responding, i saw a doctor 01.12.16. I told him my concerns. He didnt think much of them. He did a few basic checks and said nothing made him think i needed to be referred anywhere. But something makes me feel like i do?

Am 28 and have had nothing like this in my past.

I have another appointment next week, I'm reading each reply. I feel my early symptoms are similar to other posts I've read thats all.

My main reason for replying was to talk and seek opinion and experience of others. Sorry if any offence was caused not my intention.

thanks
Jonathan

 

[affected]

Hon your symptoms are similar to posts by people who do not have ALS but who worry that they do.

We can only say - read the post titled READ BEFORE POSTING. If you read anything anywhere else that disagrees with that post then don't bring it to us as an argument. That post is our official position, that's why we put so much effort into writing it.

Thanks for mapping out your last 21 days, it showed me really clearly that you are not presenting with ALS symptoms in the least. All the best.