Health Anxiety and Symptoms - Please Help MS Fears

[Matty_G 18]

Hey Everyone, I'm new here to the forums,

For the past month and a half I've been dealing with all kinds of health anxiety issues, and I just dont know what to do anymore. I feel like I am ruining my families lives. I spend alot of time in my room searching for information, and every time I google I get a different story. I've seen two GP's 3 times and finally went to the ER for a second opinion. They keep telling me it's not neurological, I'm strong and my bloodwork is normal and to destress. I keep trying to believe, but I keep spiralling whenever a physical symptom pops up. 

I've had the following over the last month and a half:

-Painful shins/calves with pins and needles in feet. The pins and needles come and go throughout the day. started at the end of November. Seems to be worse at night and in the morning or when walking. This went away for almost 2 weeks and then returned (I believe when my anxiety started spiralling again). The pain is off and on as well throughout the day which makes me feel like im walking funny. The strange thing is though if I manage to get the pain to go away, I feel completely normal.

-Pins and needles in my left hand and sore shoulder. Went to physio and this went away on the left side to come back in my right. Sometimes I get buzzing, numbness as well. (comes and goes throughout the day)

-Random non-painful muscle twitching throughout my entire body

-Muscle Jerks when falling asleep

-Burning sensations on my forearms and shins and face. Feels like when you have super dry skin or mild sunburn.

It started with my thinking I had ALS because of the Pain and perceived weakness in legs. Then when the physiotherapist and Docs proved that I am very strong, I keep gravitating towards MS. In fact, it's all I can think about and keep researching. When I punch my symptoms into WebMD, MS doesn't even show up as an option though, which should give me reassurance, but doesn't.

Has anyone out there experienced anything similar? Is this health anxiety at it's finest or should I be seriously concerned. I just can't keep doing this every day anymore. I'm worrying myself sick to my stomach.

Thanks,

-Matt

[Torontogirl 73]

You’ll see if you read some of the posts on this site that what you are experiencing is pretty common with anxiety. Yes, I’ve had weird neurological symptoms and like you, was told by doctors that they couldn’t find any health issues. Believe the doctors, then move on. Meditation, acceptance, exercise, all these things will help you with your anxiety. And finally the best advice I can give - DON’T GOOGLE symptoms. Happy and healthy New Year!

[Bobnnat 496]

Marty, literally all of your symptoms are listed under100 symptoms of anxiety. Fearing ALS will provoke all your anxiety symptoms.

[Matty_G 18]

1 hour ago, Torontogirl said:

You’ll see if you read some of the posts on this site that what you are experiencing is pretty common with anxiety. Yes, I’ve had weird neurological symptoms and like you, was told by doctors that they couldn’t find any health issues. Believe the doctors, then move on. Meditation, acceptance, exercise, all these things will help you with your anxiety. And finally the best advice I can give - DON’T GOOGLE symptoms. Happy and healthy New Year!

Thanks for reaching out. It's settling to know I'm not alone. Im trying my best to stay positive, but I just feel like I'm spiralling out of control constantly. I guess if I could get some relief from these symptoms more consistently I would be able to recover, but it's like as soon as a new set of pins and needles or pain hits. Right back in I go.

[Leah1976 301]

I have literally all of those symptoms and more... for some reason MS doesn't really scare me... I know my symptoms are from anxiety..... my pins and needles are more in my hands,,, they also go numb sometimes. I have the twitching all  over, and the jerking before going to sleep (this is very common, my kids and husband have it too). I also get cramps in my calves and feet. If all doctors told you you are ok and the ER, you have to believe them! Trust them, you are fine.... it's all normal, it's all anxiety. I recommend this video as it has helped me so much!

 

[Matty_G 18]

*update*

So I've noticed that when I take Ativan, 30 mins after taking, the majority of these issues just stop. The pain stops, the numbness/pins and needles, the burning sensations in most areas, the sensitivity, the constant nausea. It's unreal. Does that pretty much prove that these are psychosomatic? Can I be creating these symptoms from constantly reading/dwelling on them? Im just in such shock right now because I'm such a skeptic.