Bummer for you in that the "gold standard" is not an absolute positive or negative either. An EMG is a signpost. A positive points towards ALS. A negative points towards not ALS. But it only points. It doesn't say with absolute certainty one way or the other. Its not as simple as 2 + 2 = 4. Many patients who are dx with ALS have multiple EMGs before they get the "final diagnosis".

Better get use to it because that is how life works. You don't get certainties. You don't get absolute answers. You get problems and how you deal with them is your job. Good thing that you don't have ALS because it looks like to me that you would handle it worse than most who do get it and even the average person usually doesn't handle it well, at least not at first. All you have now is your own fears and its freaking you out, causing you to try to get comfort from people who ARE in really bad shape, at least physically. It would be funny for its absurdity except that ALS just isn't funny. Good luck.

No matter what anyone says it is apparant that it is Lisa he wants to respond and so I anticipate without her responses this conversation will fade away.

Sorry guys lol

You promise?

Did anybody else notice that this thread about someone's neurosis which has absolutly nothing to do with ALS has generated more views than any other thread ever on this site. What does this mean?

I am sorry for taking up space on this site. I know my fears are out of whack and I need to trust my GP and Neuro. The reason I came to get feedback here is because you all are the closest to the disease, and understand how it comes about.

I am a hypochondriac, and have been diagnosed with hypochondriasis along with BFS. I am just extremely nervous about my upcoming EMG, next Thursday.

The thing that is bothering me the most is not my muscle twitching, but the weakness I am experiencing in my hand and arm. My GP and Neuro can detect no clinical weakness, but I can feel a difference. I know there is a difference between clinical weakness and perceived weakness. It has been two months since all of my symptoms appeared...wouldn't I see some more progression by this point? I can still lift heavy things, type on the computer, lift weights...etc. It is just the fact that when I do all of those things, my right arm feels like it is having a tougher time.After being to the doctor (many times) and the neuro once, I have been told I do not have any clinical signs of weakness. I am just super afraid that when I get my EMG, something is going to show up that both have missed. What is the probability of that?

Let me go on to say, that I am sorry for frustrating many of you, but do appreciate all the feedback I have been given. Hopefully, after next Thursday, I can put all my fears to rest. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart...and any additional responses would be greatly appreciated!!!

Sincere Thanks,

Tony

Sorry for asking again...just me being scared...what does everyone think, besides the obvious fact I have health anxiety issues?

Sincere Thanks,

Tony

Any input anyone? I am having a terrible day...with anxiety going through the roof!