So, long story short β years ago when I was 21 or 22 I was started having random dysphagia. Like oral phase, literally overnight. Neurologists cleared me, but I did get scoped by a GI doctor who did say I had acid reflux/hiatal hernia. However, I was never prescribed anything long term and it seemed like there was no concern. I was only given short term omeprazole.
Over the years Iβve always had this βdysphagiaβ. It gets exacerbated by stress and anxiety/OCD that Iβve had my whole life, so I just assumed it was psychosomatic - especially since it seems like I forget how to and/or coordinate a swallow. Skip to last week (a heavy period of anxiety and stress preceding) and I start getting a tickle in my throat and issues with my own saliva. For the last 5-7 days it has been a feeling of something in the back of my throat (like the airway) almost like saliva tickling. I donβt have a cough reflex triggered, but I canβt help but clear my throat or force myself to cough to try and bring something up. Iβve even noticed or perceived my voice to be gurgly or wet, but everyone I know has denied it. Last night specifically I felt like I was drowning and had a panic attack. Like no matter how much I swallowed there was what felt like an insane amount of saliva in the back of my throat. Now I feel like Iβm throat clearing after drinking fluids, eating β just pretty constant throughout the day. I have also noticed that if I go to take a deep breath, I feel like I canβt do it fully, if that makes sense.
Iβm still worried maybe itβs neurological, but Iβm also getting stomach pressure so it feels like maybe it is acid related. On top of this, Iβve had awful congestion and seasonal allergies.
Apologize for the long winded post, but itβs just been a rough go lately. I feel like I canβt even properly celebrate Christmas due to this. I did however set up a GI appointment (wonβt see until February) and am starting therapy in a couple of weeks. Hope to see an ENT as well. At this point if itβs not MND, Iβm expecting Barrettβs esophagus. Iβm only 27, but I know itβs possible.
I posted this yesterday but it was instantly deleted and doesn't seem to be getting a review... Not sure if this will work:
I was reading a passage in my textbook and the author mentioned a "motor field" while talking about the frontal eye fields. I think I know what a neuron's visual field is but a motor field is vague without any explanation. What is it?
Hi. This is the only community I feel I can turn to. My brother has MND, 3 months since diagnosis. We are wanting to try what I think are logical things to work of neuroprotection in the brain, neurogenesis, BDNF, neurogenesis and strength, muscle gain.
I am instinctual with these things but not an expert. I could use serious feedback and especially, I wish it would be possible to get input by Leo.
I want to introduce testosterone as a neuroprotector and to help wasting away, possibly build strength and some minor muscle growth. HGH for neurogenesis. EPO for similar reasons, neuroprotection and oxygenating. Ketamine also for neurogenesis and neuroprotection.
Neuropeptides such as ADNF-9.
Cerebrolysin and BPC-157.
Lions Mane.
Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation
There is no creativity or even willingness amongst neurologists and other doctors when treating this. They give the same line of doom and do not do anything proactive and look at potential lateral ideas.
It would mean a hell of a lot to me to get feedback about what I am thinking. Serious people, educated in the field, or not, or just biohackers with lateral thinking capability.
I know many in this sub will not be able to relate to this post at all. But I want to warn people that a single EMG is not perfect, nor is it specific (you need more tests and clinical observations for diagnosis) for ALS.?
My father (73) started experiencing sudden pain and weakness, plus foot drop last year. By December he could barely walk. They said spinal stenosis. His orthopedic person was hands off/neglectful, and my dad was in the worse pain in his life, so he got a neurology referral since it was spinal. They scheduled an EMG with a pediatric neurologist. That was an odd choice.
My dad also said he felt that the EMG test was off/inaccurate/subjective looking. Then the pediatric neuro said βyou have abnormalities and the worst thing it could be is ALS.β Then walked out. The report said he had denervation in his upper and lower body and that he had motor neuron disease. It said his diffuse and extensive nerve damage could not be explained by radiculopathy or spinal stenosis.
Then we wait for 3 months for him to have even a consultation. Meanwhile, Iβm bawling my eyes out. I live overseas and at this point my husband and I are thinking of quitting our amazing jobs to move back to the US if my dad is dying. Iβm a total emotional wreck.
Everyone tells me to go to Mayo. I get the referral and paperwork. We get an appointment in July. Even better, they accept my dadβs insurance.
Before that, we go to follow up with a musculoskeletal neuro at Vanderbilt in June. He says we canβt rule out ALS but that the denervation in the upper body could be minor irritations. He suggests a different neuropathy. This is the first doctor that has spoken to my father for more than ten minutes. This doctor gave my dad a full physical exam testing strength and control. No one had done this with my dad.
By this time Iβm back in the US. My dad was in a horrible state when I arrived in June but began to improve. He starts walking better. Foot drop is still there but heβs faster. I ask myself if Iβm imagining his improvements but eventually itβs undeniable.
Then we get to Mayo. The neuro here says he doesnβt think itβs ALS or neuropathy but that itβs probably radiculopathy and spinal stenosis. They redo the EMG. My dad says the neuro asked a lot of questions about my dadβs body (my dad had a surgery that severed some nerves and dislocated his knee, so those areas were not tested). He said it was far more professional than the EMG at Vanderbilt. We got the report back:
... keep reading on reddit β‘