A great day out for neuro/muscular worriers!

[liveinthenow 15]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd share something else that might help anyone having any a*s or other perceived weakness/twitching related anxiety!

For anyone who hasn't read my other post, I am a 22yo male from Australia and have had this anxiety for nearly two months now, and my dad (a Critical Care physician specializing in neuro and respiratory medicine) has been helping me through it with constant reassurance and exercises to help prove that I'm ok. 

For those of us who feel the constant need to strength test ourselves to reassure ourselves that we're still ok, I just had an awesome day out with my (extremely understanding, thank goodness) girlfriend that got me out of the house for the first time in a while, and also was further proof that I'm completely fine and that it's ONLY ANXIETY, and I think lots of others could benefit - it's much better than hanging around the house doing whatever strange strength test we've concocted for ourselves! 

The first stop was indoor rock-climbing and bouldering. Every single course involves almost every muscle group, legs, arms, pecs, abs, even the easiest courses. Dad confirmed that there is absolutely no way you could even pull yourself off the ground or grab a hold with true weakness. If you were truly ill, it would be IMPOSSIBLE, not just hard, it wouldn't feel difficult, it would be IMPOSSIBLE. I promise you, it's a ton of fun and when you inevitably are able to do it and finish some courses, you'll feel so much better and more confident. 

And if this isn't enough to prove you're (physically) fine, my girlfriend took me out for Japanese food afterwards, and the fact that I could still use chopsticks further proves that it's all just anxiety. Dad confirmed that even in the earliest stages of the disease, you wouldn't be able to do complex movements, such as eating with chopsticks or things like playing piano or guitar, so this helps alleviate even early stage fears. Again, it wouldn't be difficult, it would be IMPOSSIBLE. This of course relies on you knowing how to use chopsticks in the first place, so if you can't don't worry about this part! Also, feel free to let me know if you have any questions you'd like me to ask Dad, especially if you've already been cleared by your neuro and GP and are just needing reassurance, it'd probably be easier than setting up another appointment!

So I hope this helps anyone who is struggling to find motivation to leave the house or who is trying to break the reassurance cycle that we all suffer from. Also, the rock climbing is a great time and it'll make you forget your anxiety for a while! 

Hope everyone has a peaceful day,

Matt

 

 

[Slttry 3]

Hi @liveinthenow, thanks for the post! I’ve been anxious about this for 6 months. Started twitching in December during a stressful couple weeks then after googling obviously assumed the worst - once I calmed myself down most twitching went away and I was at ease for a couple months. And then the twitching started up again. This morning while holding my phone my thumb started moving and trembling on its on. Naturally, I’m freaking out again and came on this site. I’m a 30 y/o Female and I know the odds of a*s are slim but I can’t get it out of my head. I’m going to go find some chopsticks now.. lol

did you have symptoms before you started googling?

[liveinthenow 15]

@Slttry I'm pretty sure I did yes! But I think the googling happened to coincide with a really stressful period of time so I just focussed on them a lot more, and I definitely had a lot more twitching and fatigue because of the anxiety caused by them. Everyone twitches and remember, they don't actually mean anything! Loss of muscle function always precedes twitching with this particular disease, AND the twitching is specific to the affected muscle groups - so if you're twitching all over or in multiple places (I was having heavy non stop twitching in both calves for ages) that's another reassuring sign! 

My thumb also trembles a bit when I'm on my phone! It's a bit weird but it's just another manifestation of anxiety - the fact that you can still use your thumb means everything is fine - go get some chopsticks and see that you'll be fine!

 

[Ekr4eva 19]

Hi @liveinthenow I am writing to get your Dad’s advice. Obviously (since I’m on this site) I struggle with HA. In particularly muscle twitching going on 3 months. It started right after the worst panic attack of my 40 years. While some days are better than others, the twitching is pretty constant when I’m at rest, and it’s alllllll over my body. My legs, my arms, my chest, my bum, my neck, my back, my stomach, literally everywhere!!! I went to my neurologist who saw no red flags of anything sinister. She did not think I needed an EMG. But obviously I am concerned why these twitches seem to keep occurring.

Thank you so much for any peace of mind you can give me!!

[Holls 1505]

2 hours ago, Ekr4eva said:

Hi @liveinthenow I am writing to get your Dad’s advice. Obviously (since I’m on this site) I struggle with HA. In particularly muscle twitching going on 3 months. It started right after the worst panic attack of my 40 years. While some days are better than others, the twitching is pretty constant when I’m at rest, and it’s alllllll over my body. My legs, my arms, my chest, my bum, my neck, my back, my stomach, literally everywhere!!! I went to my neurologist who saw no red flags of anything sinister. She did not think I needed an EMG. But obviously I am concerned why these twitches seem to keep occurring.

Thank you so much for any peace of mind you can give me!!

I think you already have an answer. Your neurologist said NO. That's the best answer out there. Just bec the twitches are there doesn't mean anything sinister. Annoying, oh yeah.. but rest well knowing a neurologist said no. And tell your twitches nope.. I don't care about you.. when your anxiety settles over the twitches, the twitches will settle. 

[Ekr4eva 19]

Thanks @Holls for your reply. While I know I should feel assured I got clearance from my neurologist, I still can’t help but wonder what is causing the constant twitching. It’s the unknown that’s the killer here. I started CBT so I’m hoping this will help me move on.

[Holls 1505]

1 hour ago, Ekr4eva said:

Thanks @Holls for your reply. While I know I should feel assured I got clearance from my neurologist, I still can’t help but wonder what is causing the constant twitching. It’s the unknown that’s the killer here. I started CBT so I’m hoping this will help me move on.

Well...I'm assuming the twitches worry you Bec you googled and ALS popped up and that's why you went for the neuro consult ? If he says no emg and nothing is wrong.. that is the answer. The cause is anxiety and adrenaline rushes and that constant worry feeding them. I got mine after a panic attack. They stayed for months. The come and go with high anxiety now. Therapy for the real cause which is anxiety is absolutely the best step forward. 

[liveinthenow 15]

Yes @Ekr4eva I know exactly what you mean - it's the fear of the future and unknown and 'what if' that is the real killer here. I don't even have to ask Dad to tell you that he'd say you've been examined and to trust the doctor who examined you. In the meantime, try immersing yourself in the moment and enjoying every day despite the twitches. It's so hard and I'm still struggling but with the CBT I think it'll definitely help!