Muscles fatiguing easily

So I'm 33, weigh 175 and am 5'11"... Not over weight but I'm also not in shape. I'm very sedentary and work a desk job, I hardly ever exercise except walking. I used to be very athletic up until about 10 years ago. I figure I should still have some stamina. All I did was garden (bending up and down frequently and crouching), and my legs felt very shaky and weird. The next day they were sore like I ran a marathon. My legs also sometimes feel shaky coming down steps but not going up. I do have sciatica and back pain, pain down my left thigh front and back, and sometimes the right leg. I also get hand clumsiness and thumb tiredness /weakness and my forearms seem to tighten up. I had sex the other night and just from holding myself up on the bed with my arms they were super fatigued after... These are all very odd things and been going on for about 7 months. Sometimes the symptoms are intermittent or come and go. I told my doc and he chalks it up to carpal tunnel and sciatica, but I'm very alarmed. I get twitching as well. I see MS and ALS all over the internet and freak out. There's no way my muscles should tire so easily. I do have health anxiety for years and also generalized anxiety disorder, but this is way more alarming than anything I had before. I feel like I can't do things my grandparents can. It just all seems too neurological to me. This was long as crap, but does anyone have any input? No, Dr did no tests besides questions and align my back... I had a brain MRI about 10 years ago and a spine MRI in 2012 which showed two bulging disks. I had back pain then but not this weakness crap...I'm about to have a nervous breakdown. Thanks.

What you were explaining about gardening doesn't sound like MS but does match up to working muscles that aren't normally used. So very normal for many people, one term for this is "weekend warrior," a person does very little or any exercise and then come the weekend they are out doing things that require their body to do things not normally done. Sore, tired, shaky muscles is usually a normal outcome.

The other problem is your back issues. Have you had back surgery to correct the bulging discs? Are they in anyway effecting nerves? If you don't know, see an Orthopedist or Neurosurgeon to evaluate your back problems. Back problems can cause Neurological problems/symptoms, but is not related to MS.

It's a bit premature to assume MS or ALS as the cause for your symptoms. Many things can cause what you are experiencing and seeing your Primary Care Physician for a complete Physical and blood work would be a good place to start.

You might find it helpful if you treat the anxiety with medication(s), Psychotherapy, or both.

I'm sorry... Gretchen I see you were diagnosed as well, i didn't mean to not acknowledge you as well as one of the people I hope I'm not offending lol. Take care!

Hi, I'm just popping over from the colitis group. I'm from across the pond but don't hold that against me.

I have had nearly exactly the same thing for 7 months. I've got a disc bulge and 2 degenerative discs diagnosed on MRI. I've get terrible cramps, fasciculations, burning pain and exercise intolerance.

I've had every test under the sun and have not had an answer as yet. Back surgeon wants to operate, physio supports this but neurologist doesn't.

If I can make two suggestions to research peripheral neuropathy or benign cramp fasciculation syndrome. BCFS often mimics either MS or ALS. Let me know what you think. Let me know if you make progress.