Health Anxiety/ALS Fears
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi, thought it was about time to post here with some of the issues I've been experiencing.
I will try keep this short but it mostly started back in March when I potentially had Covid (no positive test) I had some time off work from which I had a lot of different symptoms that I won't go through now, but all blood tests, xrays I had came back clear. During this time I had a number of panic attack episodes/hyperventilating which scared me a lot as I've never had anything like this before.
Since then I've been very aware of any reoccurring or new physical symptoms, I have obsessed over headaches which have been on/off each week for several months now, all different places on my head. I've had on/off tight/throat, shortness of breath episodes and many fears of what could be wrong with me. I had a large increase in floaters during this time (which still bother me now) which prompted a number of eye checks all of which came back clear. I have had some good periods as well but now a lot more aware of my own mortality and think daily about this stuff.
This was ok to deal with up until recently. Part of my on going symptoms always felt like my hand was weak and last weak something changed were I got a worse. It started with my right calf feeling sore and wondering what could be causing it I noticed it was twitching a lot and kicking more at night. Obviously being hyperaware of any symptoms now sent me into a bit of a panic, and while searching these symptoms I came across ALS, this scared me and my last week has been very much taken up by me researching it and thinking I might have it. From the end of last weekend other symptoms started to scare me, I have become notably weaker on my right side, my arm and leg becoming easily fatigued then the left and it just feels off. I developed my tight throat again and have lost my appetite at different points (my brain tells me this is related to the disease) The twitches are not constant but are more noticeable in rest but I have felt them at the odd time is my thigh, hamstring, hand and arm but predominantly on my right. I have been to the docs and have blood tests/thyroid checks being done, she also did a strength test and she said was all normal but keep an an I on what I'm feeling and stress/anxiety was mentioned.
I've included what has happened the rest of the year as it might provide clarity to why I'm feeling like this if someone wants to reply but I am scared at the moment that I am in the early stages of something serious and my mind is struggling to cope and finding each day challenging thinking about this. My top concern at the moment is my one sided fatigue/weakness. Any replies will be greatly appreciated as I've never had to deal with stress/anxiety like this really. Thanks
1 like, 4 replies
jan34534 Noble92
Edited
if I had a nickel for every time I had one of your symptoms, I’d be very rich! I had everyone of your symptoms starting in my 20s and I thought the same thing. Everyone of your symptoms can be directly related to stress and anxiety.
Before I go any further I want you to know that I am now in my 50s and I am very healthy and doing well. I tell you that so you know that your symptoms of anxiety are not harmful.
I had all of my symptoms at once in my 20s including muscle twitching, weakness, floaters in my eyes, shortness of breath, numbness and tingling in my arms and legs, headaches, foggy brain, and many more. all my testing was normal and I couldn’t figure out why I would have all of the symptoms if my testing was normal. Then I started learning about symptoms of anxiety and stress. Every single one of my symptoms was due to that.
Keep in mind that muscle twitching is very common. Athletes get that all the time with how they use their muscles. it’s also very very common with anxiety. It’s called benign fasciculation‘s. It has nothing to do with what happens to the muscles in ALS. Twitching with that disease comes later on and not in the beginning. A lot of people with muscle twitches are worried about that but please don’t be. I’m in my 50s and occasionally when I’m anxious I still get the twitches but I do ignore them because I know they’re harmless you see, stress and anxiety show symptoms primarily in the nervous system like twitching, weakness, etc. so that’s why a lot of people on here get scared. but they don’t have to be.
the floaters are also harmless. For some reason people seem to get those with anxiety. Everything you have said on here points directly to anxiety.
I have dealt with anxiety now for many years and believe me, it can be managed so that your symptoms are reduced or even gone. The main thing you have to do is learn how to manage the anxiety better. Then you will see a noticeable reduction in symptoms.! The more you relax your mind the better you’ll feel. Think about what in your life is causing anxiety. I highly suggest that you speak with a counselor who can help you with this. It’s difficult to do alone. Counseling helped me a lot. It helps you deal with the issues that are causing anxiety. you’ve got to deal with the issues in your life. To find some relief. You are going to be OK!
remember, its NOT The symptoms that are the problem, the problem is the unmanaged anxiety that causes the symptoms! ❤
Noble92 jan34534
Edited
Thank you so much for the reply. I am going to be getting some type of councling as I need help to deal with this. It's very hard to ignore the symptoms and convince myself away from a seriouse disease but I will take all you have said on board. Thank you
nicole47610 Noble92
Edited
i get all these symptoms too... i did have Corona Virus and my anxiety has been extremetly high since... ive had this sharp pain in my right aide of neck and arm... headaches... like a jolt of panic at night that hits me for a split second and i panic... SOB.. body aches... pins and needles .. ive had an EKG done and thyroid check... had my Bw checked when i had corona and it was all normal... but its still scary and in my head i belive its something else but thats what the mind of soemone with anxiety goes through... hope you feel better ... talking to other poeole who understand always helps me
jan34534 Noble92
Posted
I know the symptoms are hard to ignore but that’s how anxiety works. It actually creates negative thoughts in the mind. It’s all based on fear that is tied in with anxiety. It’s crazy but that’s how it happens. Also wanted to mention that years ago when I talked to my neurologist, he was telling me that those symptoms are not how neuromuscular disease works. and he is a top-notch neurologist! Sometimes we read things and then we self diagnose which is the worst thing we can do. Just thought I’d mention that to you in hopes it makes you feel a little better.