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← Return to Fearing ALS or MS: I'm scared
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I had a tough week before my symptoms started, with finals exams and not enough sleep due to studying. A week later, I experienced muscle twitches (fasciculations) that started in my left pinkie toe for a day, then spread to my other leg and arms the next day. After researching my symptoms, I had a scare. On the second day, I felt lightheaded when walking outside or standing up from bed, which has happened most of the time for the last two weeks. A day later, I felt tingling in my feet, mostly in my right foot near the pinkie toe when lying down or sitting. Whenever I try to sit and rest my leg or put my leg on top of my knee, it tingles too fast after like 5 seconds. I also experience painless throbbing in my extremities like hands or feet and the back of my head at night, which matches my pulse. I have an air conditioner at night, and I'm not sure if it's related to the cold. Additionally, I've felt constipated for a few weeks now no pain but like feels hard to push out or just gassy most of the time and usually only eat heavily for one meal and one light meal and have had tinnitus and "snow vision" for about 7 years now. I've also noticed ghost vertical diplopia, which might be due to excessive digital screen time for 7 hours a day. All of this has happened in the last three weeks, with some mild joint pain or finger pain(probably from working out)or weakness. Three days after my initial symptoms, I went to the doctor, who said I was dehydrated, which I probably was, since I only drink about 2 liters of water. The doctor advised me to drink more, 3-4 liters. My blood tests came back normal except for high uric acid, which is irrelevant since I don't have any kidney or liver failures based on my blood results. I'm 17, 180lbs(obese), and 5'5". So can help but wonder could this be MS or ALS?
Replies to "I had a tough week before my symptoms started, with finals exams and not enough sleep..."
@jakegrai28 I remember when I was in university and especially finals week. I would literally count the days until the stress of finals would be over. Fortunately for me at the time there was no internet where I could research my physical symptoms and come up with diagnoses that fed into my worries.
It's good you have family and friends who support you. However, referring to yourself as they do as "kind of a hypochondriac" isn't very helpful. Your symptoms are very real and whether those symptoms are a disease or from stress only a doctor can help you with that.
I don't know your age but it's summer so school is over the year. Are enrolled in university? If yes, I'm going to assume you are in your 20's. Imagine that I sit with you and listen to you. I'm your mom, your grandmother, or maybe a favorite aunt. I would then ask you about the exercise you get. Do you like to go for walks? I'd tell you that I know personally that when I'm very, very anxious that movement like walking helps me to feel better. And I also say that I've read in the research that exercise does help. A lot. What about swimming? In a pool or a lake? It's summer and really hot everywhere so swimming would cool you off and be good for you. Then I'd say that I'm worried about you and since you've been checked out by your doctor the next step is to find someone to talk with who will help you put your stress and worries into balance. Yes, you know what I'm going to say. A mental health therapist. I'm sure you've seen plenty of therapists on TV, or in movies and most of those. Most often those portrayals just aren't very accurate. When you find someone you really connect with you can say just about anything and won't get back any judgments or comments like you're kind of a hypochondriac. Then, being the person I am, I'd ask if you'd like my help in finding a therapist. Should I ask my friends for the name of someone they know of? Would you like to ask your friends? Or your doctor?
Hey Jake -
BetterHealth is an online therapy. It has great reviews. I actually have a friend who works for them - and I know she’s a great therapist. Affordable (though I don’t know how much.) when you are therapy shopping, you may want to check this out!
Exercise is good for everyone. Just getting out for a short walk - 10 minutes as a start - looking at the environment around yourself can help take the focus off what’s ailing you
Good luck.
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@jakegrai28 Hey, Jake, welcome to Connect. Understandably, this is alarming given your age and the type of symptoms you've been having, let alone if you're surfing the internet which can take you down rabbit holes.
Good news, your blood work came out fine and you have no pain with symptoms. Nonetheless the neurological signals can be annoying and a little scary. They could just be your body's way of telling you to chill out. We all don't respond the same to stress, ya know?
Your doctor's advice to increase hydration is important. And, assuming your B vitamin levels were checked, as they can cause symptoms you describe if too low, you may find that focusing on de-stressing (exercise, breathing, meditation, humor, positive socialization), eating a balanced, nutrious diet and better sleep hygiene help regulate symptoms.
If symptoms don't subside, a neurologist can provide further testing . Do you have a follow-up appointment with your primary doctor?