[ Just a side note. Today I've been better. Went to the store and the fruit stand all by myself. Was shaky but I'm up and walking for now. Still eating meat. I'm going to continue to with weak and atrophying muscles, I'm going to assume my body may need the protein and b-12.

I saw an Internal Medicine specialist yesterday. He's ordered a test for my b-12, morning cortisol (adrenal) and tsh (thyroid). I ate meat for the first time in 2 years yesterday, a chicken wrap (for the b-12). My body seems stronger today. I'm still in pain, but the weakness seems less. I didn't realize a b-12 deficiency could kill you. :/ I'll post any info I get later on but I gotta get through the next round of tests. ]

[ I have a buldging disc at L2 in my spine. Doc thinks that compression on the nerve is/could be causing the weakness and pain in my legs. He wants to inject something into my spine to shrink the bulge, taking pressure off the nerve. If that doesn't work he suggests surgery. I still have atrophy in my right calf. The atrophy was quick when it happened a couple weeks ago.

I'm walking, but with difficulty. Mostly I have trouble standing very long. There is always the chance that the weakness is not related to the disc. He doesn't think this is related to my chronic pain and fatigue issues. ]

[ I faced the possibilty that I might have a neurodegenerative disorder such as ALS with the symtoms I've had. I do not have ALS. People with ALS aka Lou Gerhig's disease die from motor neuron death. Basically one part of their body shuts down, after another, until the body shuts down entirely. It is terminal and death usually occurs in 3-5 years.

I thought I'd share this forum post from the ALS forums so others can see how it affects people: [link] ]

[ I love you all. Thank you for your support in this difficult time. ]