Feel like I'm going crazy...still nervous after clean EMG
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hey all,
After some ALS fears I went and got an EMG yesterday and it came back normal. My neurologist told me "rest assured, you don't have ALS" after a clean office exam and now a normal, clean EMG.
However, later that day and today I realized that I forgot to bring up my worry that the muscle between my thumb and my forefinger seems smaller and softer on my left (non-dominant) side.
I'm worried that they could have missed something with the EMG? They mostly tested my right side...the only thing they tested on my left was my left thenar thumb muscle because I asked him to (I was worried the quivering was fasciculations).
Is it enough that he tested the thumb? Does that mean its not atrophy in that muscle between my thumb and forefinger?
I can't believe I'm still worried about this after I was cleared, but anxiety works in mysterious (and awful) ways.
1 like, 4 replies
jan34534 Anxiety1995
Posted
You DO NOT HAVE ALS. ALS IS UNHEARD OF IN YOUNG PEOPLE! It happens in people over 50. Rarely in the 40s. Fasciculations in that condition happens well into the disease when muscles are severely affected and the person is already unable to function. Stop worrying about your thumb. Fasciculations happen all the time for many reasons! I've had them for over 30 years!! I get them with anxiety and so do you!!
This is why I tell people not to google symptoms. All this worrying for nothing.
Read how many people on this site have fasciculations. None have ALS.
Get on with your life. Dont let fear take you over.
Anxiety1995 jan34534
Posted
Hey Jan!
thanks for the kind words as always.
Luckily though I'm not worried about my thumb this time. I got an EMG and he actually tested the specific thumb and said it was fine, no ALS there. What I'm worried about now is that muscle between the thumb and forefinger....forget what its called. My left side seems softer and smaller than the right, especially at rest. Flexed they are pretty similar, almost exact. I'm worried about atrophy and the possibility of the EMG not being thorough enough I guess?
it's probably very silly but anxiety sucks in this way!
mac58 Anxiety1995
Posted
I can believe that you're still worried. No matter how many tests you have, you will carry on wondering if something has been missed. I was wondering why you thought you had ALS? It's so rare, and your neurologist would have picked it up if it was there. Clearly it isn't, so where do you go from here?
First thing would be to stop consulting Doc Google.
Then get some therapy and try to learn deep breathing and meditation techniques.
You have to start to believe your test results. I know it is extremely difficult but there isn't any point in having tests if you don't believe the outcome.
jan34534 Anxiety1995
Posted
Our bodies aren't exactly the same on both sides. There are irregularities such as your area between thumb and finger. My right arm muscle is much larger than my left. My left foot is bigger than my right. The muscle in my thigh in my left side slightly weaker than the right side. And smaller. No body is perfect. You're not going to have a sign of ALS in your fingers spaces. It just doesn't happen.
Believe me if you have ALS you would know iT!!
I would suggest getting some counseling to learn how to manage your anxiety. Listen to a meditation on YouTube called Detachment from Overthinking. Its very helpful.