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Constant Fear of Stroke and Paralysis - Disconnected From Body

Posted , 4 users are following.

chrometate
chrometate

I've been really struggling with an issue where I feel progressively more disconnected from my physical for about 6 months. I started becoming worried that something was seriously wrong with me because I would convince myself that parts were going numb and that I no longer knew how to move them. Now from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I go to sleep it is all I can think about. I don't know what to do, I'm so scared all of them time. I am constantly smiling or twitching in the face looking like a crazy person because I'll convince myself I can no longer make those movements so I have to do them. Walking doesn't feel real. My face feels completely numb and detached from my body all of the time, but I can feel it when I touch it. I've been to my pcp and a neurologist who insist that nothing is seriously wrong with me, and a ct scan backed this up but this doesn't give me any comfort. I've also had vision problems that go along with this but nothing appears to be wrong with my eyes according to the doctor. I am terrified and my life is falling apart because of it, I am constantly living in fear and have convinced myself that I am going to have a stroke or drop dead at any second, so I've stopped taking care of myself completely and have stopped living with any purpose. I can't focus at my job. I almost never shower because the thought of it gives me so much anxiety because it feels different than I remember it feeling. Even the 10 minute walk I take to work now is daunting and scary. My thoughts are always jumbled and scrambled and I can't think straight unless I'm entirely focused on something enjoyable. Other than that (being at work for example) I am constantly thinking about how my body feels. Any help, advice or similar stories would be very helpful. Thank you

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • jan34534
    jan34534 chrometate

    Posted

    sorry you are going through this. I know how it feels because I’ve been there many times. The more you focus on your body the more you will have those symptoms. You’ve been checked out by the Doctor Who finds nothing wrong. That’s also what happened to me.

    Symptoms of severe stress and anxiety will not hurt you even though they can be scary. Nothing bad will happen to you. Stress symptoms are the result of unmanaged anxiety in your life.

    The best thing to do would be to visit a therapist regularly who can help you manage this. When things feel unreal that is your brain trying to protect you from the outside world.

    it’s not the symptoms that are the problem, it’s the unmanaged stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s important to get support for this. There are many great meditations on YouTube for anxiety and they really help me a lot! The key is to relax your mind as much as possible.

    all of this started for me in my 20s. I had all of your symptoms and I am now in my 50s and doing very well. So you can see none of those symptoms hurt me.

    so, visit a therapist, relax your mind however you can or with the meditations, eat healthy and stay hydrated and get some exercise when you can. Take care of yourself

    • chrometate
      chrometate jan34534

      Posted

      Thank you so much for the thoughtful response. It helps a lot to hear that I'm not the only one that's felt this because it's really scary and can be isolating. I definitely need to start taking better care of myself physically. I used to be very active and now I go weeks or even months without exercising and eat very inconsistently - a lot of under eating and over eating. Thank you again, I will definitely check out some videos on meditation.

  • kelly55079
    kelly55079 chrometate

    Posted

    The good news is that you have been to the Dr and it's all clear. The twitching in the face could be a 'tic'-- just happens. My friends daughter has this in her shoulder-- it twitches. She has a masters degree (and went to school with this 'tic') and a great job and doesn't let this effect her. She keeps going-- got married last year, continues to eat healthy and enjoys jogging. Not sure if she's a therapist BUT I think it's a good idea to get your feelings and thoughts out. You can't allow this to take over your life. You are OK. Take back your life-- focus on your job and keeping yourself healthy and relaxed. Eat the best you can, exercise daily whether it's walking, swimming, weights, etc.. Have you looked into taking something for anxiety even a supplement?

    • chrometate
      chrometate kelly55079

      Posted

      Thank you for your response and for sharing about your daughter. I definitely want to work on getting my life back and I agree that living a healthier and more active life can help with. I haven't tried much for an anxiety supplement but I think that this is something I could benefit from, I will look at my insurance and try to set up an appointment with someone.

    • kelly55079
      kelly55079 chrometate

      Posted

      And another great thing is that you have a job!!! And you walk to it everyday!! I think that is fabulous really! Many ppl have a hard time getting a job and then of course getting there of it! : )

    • chrometate
      chrometate kelly55079

      Posted

      You're right, I'm definitely very lucky and could have things be a lot worse. Thank you 😃

  • Mamabearkc
    Mamabearkc chrometate

    Posted

    try looking up dr claire weekes and trying her method. there are lots if videos of her on youtube.

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