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What Causes Weakness In The Left Upper Arm?
Question: 2.5 weeks ago, I began having some weakness in my left upper arm(bicep).
Since then, some days are better than others. It does seem to be affecting my hand, some.
For the last week, I have had no desire to eat. My stomach feels very hungry, however, food is not appealing. I am trying to force myself to eat, and when I put food in my mouth and begin chewing, I immediately get nauseated.
The past few days, I have noticed some strange feelings in my left leg. It isn't weak, but my foot and ankle seem achey. I have a serious anxiety problem and have been googling everything. My fear is that I have ALS. The anxiety over this is really taking a toll on me.
I forgot about the shortness of breath. It seems as if I am having to take deep breaths often.
Since then, some days are better than others. It does seem to be affecting my hand, some.
For the last week, I have had no desire to eat. My stomach feels very hungry, however, food is not appealing. I am trying to force myself to eat, and when I put food in my mouth and begin chewing, I immediately get nauseated.
The past few days, I have noticed some strange feelings in my left leg. It isn't weak, but my foot and ankle seem achey. I have a serious anxiety problem and have been googling everything. My fear is that I have ALS. The anxiety over this is really taking a toll on me.
I forgot about the shortness of breath. It seems as if I am having to take deep breaths often.
Brief Answer:
99.99% probability NOT ALS.
Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.
I understand your worries and more so because this is a disease that has ni cure and death in the long run is inevitable. If your symptoms were for sure, even in the slightest manner, suggestive of this disease, I would have joined you in lamenting about this. Fortunately, this is not the case for the following reasons:
1. It will never affect your bowels.
2. It is chronic and develops over a long time
3. It doesn’t affect sensations like touch, feelings, etc.
4. Your age puts you out of the common age bracket of 40-60
5. You have not mentioned any possible family history.
All these put together, there is little and basically no chance that you have this disease. Please, totally disregard that thought and be calm about it. Forget any possibility of you having ALS.
Your symptoms are more suggestive of a possible transient muscle aches and really nothing neurological. Observe only and report progress to me. If new symptoms set in, report for further evaluation, analysis and guidance.
Until next, I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
99.99% probability NOT ALS.
Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.
I understand your worries and more so because this is a disease that has ni cure and death in the long run is inevitable. If your symptoms were for sure, even in the slightest manner, suggestive of this disease, I would have joined you in lamenting about this. Fortunately, this is not the case for the following reasons:
1. It will never affect your bowels.
2. It is chronic and develops over a long time
3. It doesn’t affect sensations like touch, feelings, etc.
4. Your age puts you out of the common age bracket of 40-60
5. You have not mentioned any possible family history.
All these put together, there is little and basically no chance that you have this disease. Please, totally disregard that thought and be calm about it. Forget any possibility of you having ALS.
Your symptoms are more suggestive of a possible transient muscle aches and really nothing neurological. Observe only and report progress to me. If new symptoms set in, report for further evaluation, analysis and guidance.
Until next, I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much.
Can you advise me on the loss of appetite? My stomach wants food and growls because of it. However, food is just not appealing. Is there anything I can do without prescription to help this?
Can you advise me on the loss of appetite? My stomach wants food and growls because of it. However, food is just not appealing. Is there anything I can do without prescription to help this?
Brief Answer:
Take multivitamin supplements for now!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
vitamin supplements can boost appetite. I will suggest that you give it a try as most are available over the counter. Also, make a conscious effort to eat. Eating smaller quantities will serve as a way to improve on your appetite. Let me know how that works out.
In addition, fruits, vegetables and mild-moderate physical activities really work magic. Try these measures all together.
Keep me posted, please.
Take multivitamin supplements for now!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
vitamin supplements can boost appetite. I will suggest that you give it a try as most are available over the counter. Also, make a conscious effort to eat. Eating smaller quantities will serve as a way to improve on your appetite. Let me know how that works out.
In addition, fruits, vegetables and mild-moderate physical activities really work magic. Try these measures all together.
Keep me posted, please.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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