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Hi There After 10 Years I Am Again Worried I
Question: Hi there
After 10 years I am again worried I might have ALS and I am scared to death now.
10 years ago I began having fasciculations over whole body, moving in location. As nothing else happened, I finally was able to calm myself, with fasciculations continuing to this day, but to less degree.
Fast forward october 2020. I got severe neck and left shoulder pain that I still have and have hard time sleeping. I got nausea, lower bowel problems like mucus in stool etc. Then in december I got problems with swallowing, it feeled like food would be stuck in the lower esophageal sphincter or the movement of the swallow would be all wrong. At that time I feared esophageal cancer was the most likely. I got hoarse voice occasionaly, many times when I lay down and speak.
Now I have more problem with swallowing than before. I got aspiration on sipping hot tea 2 times in the last month, food seems to be stuck at my throat and I have globus sensation many times. The food that is problematic is small food like rice, breadcrumb etc. And I have a wierd feeling when drinking, like I swallow wrong. I got scared it is thorat cancer, not esophageal one. I do have some LFR reflux and post nasal drip, I have to clear throat quite a lot of mucus for 7 years now (never had dysphagia problems though).
This few days I aspired a little saliva, once I coughed, today I didn't, but I think I got some saliva in windpipe when I breathe in, not when I try to swallow (swallow just makes me like I have lump in throat and it is hard to go down the esophagus).
Now problems with liquids first and aspire on saliva inhalation... I again find out this can be bulbar ALS onset. I am now scared to death that this is it, as I had 10 years of limb fasciculations and I think few weeks back I hade some fasciculation in my throat that I felt.
My tongue seems ok when I calm it or hold it, I always had a lot of tremor in it. My tongue seems strong from my tests. Sometimes I have hoarse voice a little but I don't slur words, my wife says my voice is strong and ok.
From all that, is it possible that this may be begining of bulbar ALS with only dysphagia on saliva and liquids and sometimes feeling of something get's stuck, without voice changes or tongue weakness? I mean I know you can not tell for 100%, but how likely is it that bALS would present in this way?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Yours scared
XXXXXXX
After 10 years I am again worried I might have ALS and I am scared to death now.
10 years ago I began having fasciculations over whole body, moving in location. As nothing else happened, I finally was able to calm myself, with fasciculations continuing to this day, but to less degree.
Fast forward october 2020. I got severe neck and left shoulder pain that I still have and have hard time sleeping. I got nausea, lower bowel problems like mucus in stool etc. Then in december I got problems with swallowing, it feeled like food would be stuck in the lower esophageal sphincter or the movement of the swallow would be all wrong. At that time I feared esophageal cancer was the most likely. I got hoarse voice occasionaly, many times when I lay down and speak.
Now I have more problem with swallowing than before. I got aspiration on sipping hot tea 2 times in the last month, food seems to be stuck at my throat and I have globus sensation many times. The food that is problematic is small food like rice, breadcrumb etc. And I have a wierd feeling when drinking, like I swallow wrong. I got scared it is thorat cancer, not esophageal one. I do have some LFR reflux and post nasal drip, I have to clear throat quite a lot of mucus for 7 years now (never had dysphagia problems though).
This few days I aspired a little saliva, once I coughed, today I didn't, but I think I got some saliva in windpipe when I breathe in, not when I try to swallow (swallow just makes me like I have lump in throat and it is hard to go down the esophagus).
Now problems with liquids first and aspire on saliva inhalation... I again find out this can be bulbar ALS onset. I am now scared to death that this is it, as I had 10 years of limb fasciculations and I think few weeks back I hade some fasciculation in my throat that I felt.
My tongue seems ok when I calm it or hold it, I always had a lot of tremor in it. My tongue seems strong from my tests. Sometimes I have hoarse voice a little but I don't slur words, my wife says my voice is strong and ok.
From all that, is it possible that this may be begining of bulbar ALS with only dysphagia on saliva and liquids and sometimes feeling of something get's stuck, without voice changes or tongue weakness? I mean I know you can not tell for 100%, but how likely is it that bALS would present in this way?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Yours scared
XXXXXXX
Hi there
After 10 years I am again worried I might have ALS and I am scared to death now.
10 years ago I began having fasciculations over whole body, moving in location. As nothing else happened, I finally was able to calm myself, with fasciculations continuing to this day, but to less degree.
Fast forward october 2020. I got severe neck and left shoulder pain that I still have and have hard time sleeping. I got nausea, lower bowel problems like mucus in stool etc. Then in december I got problems with swallowing, it feeled like food would be stuck in the lower esophageal sphincter or the movement of the swallow would be all wrong. At that time I feared esophageal cancer was the most likely. I got hoarse voice occasionaly, many times when I lay down and speak.
Now I have more problem with swallowing than before. I got aspiration on sipping hot tea 2 times in the last month, food seems to be stuck at my throat and I have globus sensation many times. The food that is problematic is small food like rice, breadcrumb etc. And I have a wierd feeling when drinking, like I swallow wrong. I got scared it is thorat cancer, not esophageal one. I do have some LFR reflux and post nasal drip, I have to clear throat quite a lot of mucus for 7 years now (never had dysphagia problems though).
This few days I aspired a little saliva, once I coughed, today I didn't, but I think I got some saliva in windpipe when I breathe in, not when I try to swallow (swallow just makes me like I have lump in throat and it is hard to go down the esophagus).
Now problems with liquids first and aspire on saliva inhalation... I again find out this can be bulbar ALS onset. I am now scared to death that this is it, as I had 10 years of limb fasciculations and I think few weeks back I hade some fasciculation in my throat that I felt.
My tongue seems ok when I calm it or hold it, I always had a lot of tremor in it. My tongue seems strong from my tests. Sometimes I have hoarse voice a little but I don't slur words, my wife says my voice is strong and ok.
From all that, is it possible that this may be begining of bulbar ALS with only dysphagia on saliva and liquids and sometimes feeling of something get's stuck, without voice changes or tongue weakness? I mean I know you can not tell for 100%, but how likely is it that bALS would present in this way?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Yours scared
XXXXXXX
After 10 years I am again worried I might have ALS and I am scared to death now.
10 years ago I began having fasciculations over whole body, moving in location. As nothing else happened, I finally was able to calm myself, with fasciculations continuing to this day, but to less degree.
Fast forward october 2020. I got severe neck and left shoulder pain that I still have and have hard time sleeping. I got nausea, lower bowel problems like mucus in stool etc. Then in december I got problems with swallowing, it feeled like food would be stuck in the lower esophageal sphincter or the movement of the swallow would be all wrong. At that time I feared esophageal cancer was the most likely. I got hoarse voice occasionaly, many times when I lay down and speak.
Now I have more problem with swallowing than before. I got aspiration on sipping hot tea 2 times in the last month, food seems to be stuck at my throat and I have globus sensation many times. The food that is problematic is small food like rice, breadcrumb etc. And I have a wierd feeling when drinking, like I swallow wrong. I got scared it is thorat cancer, not esophageal one. I do have some LFR reflux and post nasal drip, I have to clear throat quite a lot of mucus for 7 years now (never had dysphagia problems though).
This few days I aspired a little saliva, once I coughed, today I didn't, but I think I got some saliva in windpipe when I breathe in, not when I try to swallow (swallow just makes me like I have lump in throat and it is hard to go down the esophagus).
Now problems with liquids first and aspire on saliva inhalation... I again find out this can be bulbar ALS onset. I am now scared to death that this is it, as I had 10 years of limb fasciculations and I think few weeks back I hade some fasciculation in my throat that I felt.
My tongue seems ok when I calm it or hold it, I always had a lot of tremor in it. My tongue seems strong from my tests. Sometimes I have hoarse voice a little but I don't slur words, my wife says my voice is strong and ok.
From all that, is it possible that this may be begining of bulbar ALS with only dysphagia on saliva and liquids and sometimes feeling of something get's stuck, without voice changes or tongue weakness? I mean I know you can not tell for 100%, but how likely is it that bALS would present in this way?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Yours scared
XXXXXXX
I forgot to mention that I have severe health anxiety for 20 years. Problem is, that does not mean I can not have cancer or ALS :-&
I forgot to mention that I have severe health anxiety for 20 years. Problem is, that does not mean I can not have cancer or ALS :-&
This last year was the worst in my life, having a divorce, corona lockdowns and fear of getting it and now this health problems that I have...
This last year was the worst in my life, having a divorce, corona lockdowns and fear of getting it and now this health problems that I have...
Brief Answer:
I don’t think it is ALS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to “Ask a Doctor“ service.
I have read your question.
Ten years with fasciculations and now these new issues, is not a typical path for ALS, it results in. unfavorable outcome within few years.
In my opinion, fasciculations may be justified by conditions such as benign fasciculations syndrome.
Your periodical issues with swallowing and changes in voice may be linked with acid reflux for example.
In my opinion, fibrogastroscopy is an examination that should be done in your case for a correct diagnosis.
Discuss with your Doctor these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
I don’t think it is ALS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to “Ask a Doctor“ service.
I have read your question.
Ten years with fasciculations and now these new issues, is not a typical path for ALS, it results in. unfavorable outcome within few years.
In my opinion, fasciculations may be justified by conditions such as benign fasciculations syndrome.
Your periodical issues with swallowing and changes in voice may be linked with acid reflux for example.
In my opinion, fibrogastroscopy is an examination that should be done in your case for a correct diagnosis.
Discuss with your Doctor these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Brief Answer:
I don’t think it is ALS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to “Ask a Doctor“ service.
I have read your question.
Ten years with fasciculations and now these new issues, is not a typical path for ALS, it results in. unfavorable outcome within few years.
In my opinion, fasciculations may be justified by conditions such as benign fasciculations syndrome.
Your periodical issues with swallowing and changes in voice may be linked with acid reflux for example.
In my opinion, fibrogastroscopy is an examination that should be done in your case for a correct diagnosis.
Discuss with your Doctor these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
I don’t think it is ALS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to “Ask a Doctor“ service.
I have read your question.
Ten years with fasciculations and now these new issues, is not a typical path for ALS, it results in. unfavorable outcome within few years.
In my opinion, fasciculations may be justified by conditions such as benign fasciculations syndrome.
Your periodical issues with swallowing and changes in voice may be linked with acid reflux for example.
In my opinion, fibrogastroscopy is an examination that should be done in your case for a correct diagnosis.
Discuss with your Doctor these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I am already appointed to ENT doctor but it will take 3 weeks :-(
My voice is just hoarse from time to time, it is strong. I have swallow issues when swallowing saliva, drinks and small food particles seems to stay in throat some time.
In your opinion, difficulty swallowing liquids (so that the liquid goes to wrong pipe) without voice changes is not indicative of bulbar ALS? 10 years ago I know now I didn't have it, so my body twitches must be BFS.
I am worried about swallowing if it resembles to the beginning of bulbal ALS?
Thank you
My voice is just hoarse from time to time, it is strong. I have swallow issues when swallowing saliva, drinks and small food particles seems to stay in throat some time.
In your opinion, difficulty swallowing liquids (so that the liquid goes to wrong pipe) without voice changes is not indicative of bulbar ALS? 10 years ago I know now I didn't have it, so my body twitches must be BFS.
I am worried about swallowing if it resembles to the beginning of bulbal ALS?
Thank you
I am already appointed to ENT doctor but it will take 3 weeks :-(
My voice is just hoarse from time to time, it is strong. I have swallow issues when swallowing saliva, drinks and small food particles seems to stay in throat some time.
In your opinion, difficulty swallowing liquids (so that the liquid goes to wrong pipe) without voice changes is not indicative of bulbar ALS? 10 years ago I know now I didn't have it, so my body twitches must be BFS.
I am worried about swallowing if it resembles to the beginning of bulbal ALS?
Thank you
My voice is just hoarse from time to time, it is strong. I have swallow issues when swallowing saliva, drinks and small food particles seems to stay in throat some time.
In your opinion, difficulty swallowing liquids (so that the liquid goes to wrong pipe) without voice changes is not indicative of bulbar ALS? 10 years ago I know now I didn't have it, so my body twitches must be BFS.
I am worried about swallowing if it resembles to the beginning of bulbal ALS?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
There are other explanations for the symptoms that you are referring to, so, I don't think these symptoms are linked with bulbar ALS.
ALS is, in general, a progressing condition, whose symptoms worsen with time.
Get the ENT consult and an evaluation of the esophagus and stomach with fibrogastroscopy done for a correct answer.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
There are other explanations for the symptoms that you are referring to, so, I don't think these symptoms are linked with bulbar ALS.
ALS is, in general, a progressing condition, whose symptoms worsen with time.
Get the ENT consult and an evaluation of the esophagus and stomach with fibrogastroscopy done for a correct answer.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
There are other explanations for the symptoms that you are referring to, so, I don't think these symptoms are linked with bulbar ALS.
ALS is, in general, a progressing condition, whose symptoms worsen with time.
Get the ENT consult and an evaluation of the esophagus and stomach with fibrogastroscopy done for a correct answer.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
There are other explanations for the symptoms that you are referring to, so, I don't think these symptoms are linked with bulbar ALS.
ALS is, in general, a progressing condition, whose symptoms worsen with time.
Get the ENT consult and an evaluation of the esophagus and stomach with fibrogastroscopy done for a correct answer.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you, my final question. Is it likely this is esophageal cancer in some late stage? I didn't loose any weight though.
Thank you, my final question. Is it likely this is esophageal cancer in some late stage? I didn't loose any weight though.
Brief Answer:
No reason to think for cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I don’t see a reason for esophageal cancer too, in case of cancer the symptoms are very severe, and there are genera symptoms too present such as anemia, loosing weight, fatigue, etc.
Hope I helped you so far.
In good health.
No reason to think for cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I don’t see a reason for esophageal cancer too, in case of cancer the symptoms are very severe, and there are genera symptoms too present such as anemia, loosing weight, fatigue, etc.
Hope I helped you so far.
In good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
No reason to think for cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I don’t see a reason for esophageal cancer too, in case of cancer the symptoms are very severe, and there are genera symptoms too present such as anemia, loosing weight, fatigue, etc.
Hope I helped you so far.
In good health.
No reason to think for cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I don’t see a reason for esophageal cancer too, in case of cancer the symptoms are very severe, and there are genera symptoms too present such as anemia, loosing weight, fatigue, etc.
Hope I helped you so far.
In good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Anxiety especially a severe one tends to aggravate any health issues, including swallowing problems.
You mentioned heartburn, it is a common sign of acid regurgitation from the stomach that may contribute to problems with swallowing too.
In the other hand, increased acid production is a feature of severe anxiety.
So, it’s a sort of a closed circle that aggravates the symptoms, and starts from the anxiety itself.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Anxiety especially a severe one tends to aggravate any health issues, including swallowing problems.
You mentioned heartburn, it is a common sign of acid regurgitation from the stomach that may contribute to problems with swallowing too.
In the other hand, increased acid production is a feature of severe anxiety.
So, it’s a sort of a closed circle that aggravates the symptoms, and starts from the anxiety itself.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Anxiety especially a severe one tends to aggravate any health issues, including swallowing problems.
You mentioned heartburn, it is a common sign of acid regurgitation from the stomach that may contribute to problems with swallowing too.
In the other hand, increased acid production is a feature of severe anxiety.
So, it’s a sort of a closed circle that aggravates the symptoms, and starts from the anxiety itself.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Anxiety especially a severe one tends to aggravate any health issues, including swallowing problems.
You mentioned heartburn, it is a common sign of acid regurgitation from the stomach that may contribute to problems with swallowing too.
In the other hand, increased acid production is a feature of severe anxiety.
So, it’s a sort of a closed circle that aggravates the symptoms, and starts from the anxiety itself.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you very much for your answers and patience with me.
Thank you very much for your answers and patience with me.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Glad I helped you.
In good health.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Glad I helped you.
In good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Glad I helped you.
In good health.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Glad I helped you.
In good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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