Get shaky and lightheaded when exerting any energy, doctors keep saying I'm healthy so why?? Please

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi all! I've read this forum a lot but this is my first time posting! A bit of backstory: 3 months ago I had my first real big panic attack, my life hasnt been the same since, anxiety (specifically health anxiety) took over my life and I had panic attacks for about a month straight. I was given xanax which I took sparingly even when I was having an attack. Well over these 3 months I wouldnt say my anxiety has gotten better but its definitely not as horrible as it was before but its still pretty bad. 

I've dealt with a number of very scary physical symptoms including numbness, chest pain, weakness, shaking, muscle aches all of that but whats worrying me now is ever since this started whenever I try to do anything above some walking around I start to get very hot and light headed and weak, my body starts to shake and my heart starts to pound it almost feels like a panic attack or like I'm going to pass out. Just today I was simply trying to clean up around my apartment when after less than 5 minutes of cleaning I began to shake and feel hot and light headed and weak. I've been to the doctors so so many times, I've had a head and neck MRI, EKG, Chest X ray, Chest CT scan, Abdomen CT scan, head CT scan and loads of blood work done, the doctors all insist I'm healthy and that its anxiety but if I'm healthy why do I feel as though I cant exert any energy? I know I've had many panic attacks and have remained under a severe amount of stress endlessly these past 3 months but even when I feel at least a bit relaxed like today and try to do anything why do I end up feeling this way? 

I'm so scared that my muscles are just deteriorating or theres something seriously wrong with me, I've also had some aching in both my arms and legs these past few days making my health anxiety go through the roof. I just want to be able to do the things I did before. I want to know why my body isnt working the way it used to but most of all I want to feel normal again. I've been seeing a therapist for a few weeks but she insists on talking of my childhood which isnt helping me at all with what I'm feeling now. I've already been told I dont have MS or any heart issues so why does my body feel so weak after only a bit of work? Will this ever go away? I feel so helpless please give me some reassuring words or advice or similar experiences or some type of explanation 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Oh just to add I'm a 23 year old girl, was healthy before my panic attack 3 months ago except for moderate Ulcerative Colitis

  • Posted

    Hi Foxette,

    Millions of people have experienced what you are going through, including myself!

    It started in my twenties.  I had suddenly ALL of your symptoms, plus ringing in my ears, eye floaters, muscle twitching, weakness.....  A Nightmare!  Thought I had MS. 

    All tests normal.  All due to Anxiety!  

    Also like you, I would get exhausted after doing something around the house.

    Just to hopefully make you feel better, I'm now in my fifties and doing well. 

    The symptoms caused by anxiety cannot hurt you but I know how terrible they feel.

    The reason you feel weak is because stress and anxiety take a HUGE toll on your brain and body!!   Muscles get tired from it.  So I thought that I am allowing stress to weaken my whole body. It can even lower the immune system.  

    I seriously need to take care of myself!  

    Thats when I got counseling, began exercising, etc

     so basically we have to take control.   I even  quit my job because it was causing way too much stress and symptoms. I won't let anything do that to me again. Our health is too important. 

     it's not the symptoms that are the problem. The problem is most people don't know how to manage their anxiety to prevent the symptoms. 

     so be good to yourself and take care of yourself !   ??🌸😀

    • Posted

      thank you so much for this! I was just so worried because I felt like I was going to faint after just a bit of work!! ITs always comforting to know someone else has been through it and gotten through it, I guess while its happening it just takes over and I start to think the worst! Thank you soooo much for your response!
  • Posted

    Interesting I have the same problem too I'm 25 though. I get shaky and lightheaded because I haven't eaten. Low blood sugar. Not drinking water and staying hydrated. Also there was a time I was underweight and had this problem too I would hold onto things so I wouldn't fall down. Hope some of this helped you. Drink, eat, check your bmi. BMI shows if for your height and weight you're at a healthy weight. 👍

    Muscle aches.. I had that too when I was low on vitamin d. If you are not getting enough sun probably you are too. Your Doctor can check this with a simple blood test. Good Luck💖

    • Posted

      If exerting yourself gets you shaky and lightheaded. Take a break and sit down and breathe. Don't overdo things. When you're experiencing these symptoms don't ignore them. Stop what you're doing and rest for awhile. For me my problem is I get tired doing simple things and out of breath. Now I think it's because I am not in good physical shape and have never exercised so I'm starting to exercise. I started small, I walk 30 minutes per day. If everything came back fine that's good news.👍Take Care of Yourself and eat well, stay hydrated, don't overdo things. 💖

  • Posted

    My anxiety also started about 3 months ago. And im pregnant. All focused around my health. I feel the same. Just walking around i get a weird feeling in my head like ill faint but i never do. Or im constantly worried something bad is going to happen. Constantly checking my pulse. Bp. Temp. Lymph nodes. And ita actually better than it was! But this sucks! And ive tried 2 different meds that didnt work for me. Since im pregnant xanax or valium isnt a choice. I feel pretty lost myself. I hope we both get better!
  • Posted

    anxiety plays a big part and panic attacks also they wear you out!!! its hard to say how long it will last it differs in each person and Xanax is a short term medication you may need something different talk to your dr about it your not alone on this good luck to you

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