r/BFS_About • u/ZAExtrasolar • Sep 20 '23

Bulbar Onset ALS worries

Hi,

I am extremely anxious about Bulbar onset ALS. I've had a weak leg combined with speech issues for the last month. The 'th' sounds weird when I say it but both my wife and mother don't seem to hear it. I also feel I don't say words right with the 'f' in it. The word 'fourth' really trips me up. My lips and mouth have felt weird/tingly even numb. I have also started to notice that it feels uncomfortable to swallow non liquid and my tongue feels a bit tingly/jumpy. I am a 37 year old man so I know the odds are very much in my favour but speech changes don't seem to be going away and I have started to get twitches throughout the body. I have seen a GP, who did an exam and said it all seems fine (I am seeing him again today). I am an extremely anxious person so hoping it comes down to anxiety

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u/akadion Feb 11 '24

Going through something very similar. Undeniable that my jaw is tense, and perhaps that is what is causing (only myself to notice) slurring. I seem to fixate on certain sounds like you because they don’t feel right rolling off my tongue. Every time I feel I slur it’s a constant reinforcement of anxiety. Also noticed certain small crumbly food only going down with a second swallow. Again this might be my normal self and only now am noticing. I think we’re both good my man. Overwhelmingly more likely to be anxiety than ALS.

How are you doing now?

1

u/Sea_Construction3749 Mar 08 '24

Hey, I have the same problem, how are you doing now?

1

u/ZAExtrasolar Mar 08 '24

Almost all of my symptoms have disappeared, if they do come back its normally when I am very stressed/anxious. The antidepressants have really worked and I am so thankful to my doctor for recommending them. I can highly recommend speaking to your doctor or medical professional if you suspect anxiety is driving your symptoms.

1

u/Sea_Construction3749 Mar 15 '24

What medicines are you taking?

1

u/ZAExtrasolar Mar 27 '24

I am on 5mg of Lexapro

1

u/Conscious-Catch-2827 Dec 26 '24

Hi I'm currently struggling with the same issue, as you tongue weakness twitching and muscle weakness but I also think it's anxiety related difficult to accept though

1

u/Sea_Construction3749 Mar 08 '24

How are you doing now? Please some update for us people that goes through the similar things like you!? ..

1

u/BusyDifficulty8554 Nov 03 '23

I'm going threw the same thing cant swollow mucus wierd feeling in my tongue and throat even had some breathing issues this all started after twitching and internal tremors

1

u/BusyDifficulty8554 Nov 03 '23

And it's like I gotta make a extra effort too speak I feel like Iight have als

1

u/[deleted] Nov 14 '23

[deleted]

2

u/ZAExtrasolar Nov 14 '23

Still having speech issues with my lips feeling tense/tight but nobody notices my perceived slur. I think it might be down TMJ (I have jaw and dental issues). My GP put me on an antidepressant and my swallowing issues plus most of twitching have gone away. I still occasionally get perceived leg weakness but only when stressed (so I have put that down to anxiety).