Am I a hypochondriac?
November 27, 2014 8:56 PM Subscribe
Could my anxiety/stress be manifesting itself with all of these distressing physical symptoms?
I wanted to share my experiences with what I've only recently comes to terms with (MAYBE) as being health anxiety and to seek a bit of reassurance.
I am a 38-year-old male, in good physical shape and regularly active. I am, however, a natural worrier. A lot. My worries have extended to my general health for the past 10 years or so, to the point where I focus and dwell on symptoms daily.
5 years ago, I was in the midst of a promotion at work, my wife was 9 months pregnant and I had just quit smoking (still smoke-free to this day). One day, I experienced what felt like a heart attack and ended up in the ER, where I was told that I had a panic attack. These attacks occurred in high frequency over the course of a couple of months, until things settled down at work and I got a grip on fatherhood. It was a very scary time.
Fast-forward to one month ago. While on a business trip overseas, out of the blue, I experienced an incredibly tight feeling in my chest, followed by hyperventilation and the sensation of dread that I was about to die. This was very similar to what I had gone through several years ago, but worse. It was terrifying. Upon returning home, I went to the ER again and received a battery of tests - all confirming that I was fine. I was told it was anxiety.
The trigger this time? Well, I am about to change careers and will soon be emigrating overseas with my family - sweeping life changes.
Over the course of the past several weeks, I have had 4-5 panic attacks. The difference this time around is that I also have other symptoms that have caused me immense worry: numbness in my face, shooting pain in my arms and fingers, muscle fatigue in my legs, muscle spasms in my arms, blurry vision and extreme fatigue.
I then went on Google and things have gone downhill since then. Convinced I had MS, I ended up finding this forum and read the MS sticky post, which somewhat put my mind at ease. Nonetheless, I had an MRI yesterday just to be sure.
My neurologist gave me a completely clean bill of health. We examined the images together and no lesions were present. I was relieved to say the least. EVEN STILL, since yesterday I've been having electric shock sensations down my arms and legs and continued symptoms.
It's strange; half of me thinks logically and is sure that all of these symptoms are related to anxiety (and a very stressful job, a difficult year personally and massive change that looms on the horizon). The other half of me is constantly online checking symptoms, trying to convince myself that I'm OK, but at the same time worrying that it's something serious like MS.
I was hoping someone could shed some light on this or offer similar experiences to put my mind at ease.
I wanted to share my experiences with what I've only recently comes to terms with (MAYBE) as being health anxiety and to seek a bit of reassurance.
I am a 38-year-old male, in good physical shape and regularly active. I am, however, a natural worrier. A lot. My worries have extended to my general health for the past 10 years or so, to the point where I focus and dwell on symptoms daily.
5 years ago, I was in the midst of a promotion at work, my wife was 9 months pregnant and I had just quit smoking (still smoke-free to this day). One day, I experienced what felt like a heart attack and ended up in the ER, where I was told that I had a panic attack. These attacks occurred in high frequency over the course of a couple of months, until things settled down at work and I got a grip on fatherhood. It was a very scary time.
Fast-forward to one month ago. While on a business trip overseas, out of the blue, I experienced an incredibly tight feeling in my chest, followed by hyperventilation and the sensation of dread that I was about to die. This was very similar to what I had gone through several years ago, but worse. It was terrifying. Upon returning home, I went to the ER again and received a battery of tests - all confirming that I was fine. I was told it was anxiety.
The trigger this time? Well, I am about to change careers and will soon be emigrating overseas with my family - sweeping life changes.
Over the course of the past several weeks, I have had 4-5 panic attacks. The difference this time around is that I also have other symptoms that have caused me immense worry: numbness in my face, shooting pain in my arms and fingers, muscle fatigue in my legs, muscle spasms in my arms, blurry vision and extreme fatigue.
I then went on Google and things have gone downhill since then. Convinced I had MS, I ended up finding this forum and read the MS sticky post, which somewhat put my mind at ease. Nonetheless, I had an MRI yesterday just to be sure.
My neurologist gave me a completely clean bill of health. We examined the images together and no lesions were present. I was relieved to say the least. EVEN STILL, since yesterday I've been having electric shock sensations down my arms and legs and continued symptoms.
It's strange; half of me thinks logically and is sure that all of these symptoms are related to anxiety (and a very stressful job, a difficult year personally and massive change that looms on the horizon). The other half of me is constantly online checking symptoms, trying to convince myself that I'm OK, but at the same time worrying that it's something serious like MS.
I was hoping someone could shed some light on this or offer similar experiences to put my mind at ease.
By the way: people prone to anxiety quite often experience the associated symptoms much more often and much more intensely if they're using caffeine.
If you're currently drinking a lot of coffee or cola or energy drinks, you might want to try cutting them out, pushing through the two days of headaches and grump and general malaise that will result from that, and then checking whether that's had a worthwhile effect on both physical and mental manifestations of anxiety.
posted by flabdablet at 9:14 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you're currently drinking a lot of coffee or cola or energy drinks, you might want to try cutting them out, pushing through the two days of headaches and grump and general malaise that will result from that, and then checking whether that's had a worthwhile effect on both physical and mental manifestations of anxiety.
posted by flabdablet at 9:14 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you live anywhere near a Northern hemisphere, get your Vitamin D levels checked.
Otherwise, yeah, that's pretty much anxiety. Think about your nervous system, it goes all over. Trust me, crap, man, I have had the heart work up and everything. There is nothing wrong with me. Nothing. My son-in-law has MS, and believe me, if you had it, you'd know it.
The answer is protein in the morning (i.e. eggs or yogurt) and exercise right after that, then go on with your day. Do no deviate from that plan.
Think about it. Things build up. Over time. Then all of a sudden they tense. And you get these attacks.
Now think about when someone falls asleep. They go through those hypno jerks, right? But you never fall asleep, because you are so freaking stressed all the time, so where do the nerves have to go? Nowhere. And everywhere. And that's what you're feeling. That whole tension is building up in your body and then all of a sudden it's like one big fucking hypn ojerk, with nowhere to go. And your brain is going, what the fuck? What the fuck is going on? What the fuck? Help! Help!
That stress has to go somewhere and it has to go via exercise. Pound that shit out of your nerves, whether it's walking, punching a bag, running, rowing, etc. Get it out.
Or you can get it out via a massage, or sex or a hot tub. If you can't deal with it that way, you can get some meds.
Anyway. If you are Googling some dire disease, you probably are like the rest of us. It's not that, it's anxiety and it's normal to wonder. Don't get too worked up about, okay? Just commit yourself to some better diet and exercise and see how that works, if not, go to your GP and get some low level anxiety meds.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 9:16 PM on November 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
Otherwise, yeah, that's pretty much anxiety. Think about your nervous system, it goes all over. Trust me, crap, man, I have had the heart work up and everything. There is nothing wrong with me. Nothing. My son-in-law has MS, and believe me, if you had it, you'd know it.
The answer is protein in the morning (i.e. eggs or yogurt) and exercise right after that, then go on with your day. Do no deviate from that plan.
Think about it. Things build up. Over time. Then all of a sudden they tense. And you get these attacks.
Now think about when someone falls asleep. They go through those hypno jerks, right? But you never fall asleep, because you are so freaking stressed all the time, so where do the nerves have to go? Nowhere. And everywhere. And that's what you're feeling. That whole tension is building up in your body and then all of a sudden it's like one big fucking hypn ojerk, with nowhere to go. And your brain is going, what the fuck? What the fuck is going on? What the fuck? Help! Help!
That stress has to go somewhere and it has to go via exercise. Pound that shit out of your nerves, whether it's walking, punching a bag, running, rowing, etc. Get it out.
Or you can get it out via a massage, or sex or a hot tub. If you can't deal with it that way, you can get some meds.
Anyway. If you are Googling some dire disease, you probably are like the rest of us. It's not that, it's anxiety and it's normal to wonder. Don't get too worked up about, okay? Just commit yourself to some better diet and exercise and see how that works, if not, go to your GP and get some low level anxiety meds.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 9:16 PM on November 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
The dichotomy is not that these symptoms are related to your anxiety OR they are real. They are related to your anxiety and they are real. Neither does getting some kind of known diagnosis increase or decrease in any way the reality of your symptoms.
posted by Blitz at 9:23 PM on November 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Blitz at 9:23 PM on November 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
Erm... Imma gonna be a little basic here... Stay with me....
When I'm stressed, my diet changes.
Is it possible you are a little vitamin or mineral deficient in some ways??
You'd be surprised. I'm prone to Anemia, one of the first symptoms is anxiety, for which you are more likely to be prescribed medicine instead of a diet change or supplements.
I find when I don't take vitamin d3, I'm feeling low, emotionally.
I've heard Magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety attacks, too, but who knows??
Get a blood work up. From a doctor.
Ask them to focus on vitamin deficiencies. Often overlooked, I'm convinced it is the precursor to more serious illness in some cases. This may apply to you?
Talk to your doctor.
posted by jbenben at 9:23 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
When I'm stressed, my diet changes.
Is it possible you are a little vitamin or mineral deficient in some ways??
You'd be surprised. I'm prone to Anemia, one of the first symptoms is anxiety, for which you are more likely to be prescribed medicine instead of a diet change or supplements.
I find when I don't take vitamin d3, I'm feeling low, emotionally.
I've heard Magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety attacks, too, but who knows??
Get a blood work up. From a doctor.
Ask them to focus on vitamin deficiencies. Often overlooked, I'm convinced it is the precursor to more serious illness in some cases. This may apply to you?
Talk to your doctor.
posted by jbenben at 9:23 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
For me a shortage in vitamin b definitely gives me feelings of impending doom. Interestingly it is also required for healthy nerve function
As you get older too, no matter how healthy you are, you'll get weird twinges and niggles and aches. But a non-anxious person will accept/ignore them and an anxious person may fixate on them and add anxiety symptoms to the mix and it just escalates. I've found it useful when unsure if a symptom is anxiety or genuine to examine it very dispassionately, and that has helped me learn to distinguish the physical from the psychosomatic .
posted by KateViolet at 10:17 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
As you get older too, no matter how healthy you are, you'll get weird twinges and niggles and aches. But a non-anxious person will accept/ignore them and an anxious person may fixate on them and add anxiety symptoms to the mix and it just escalates. I've found it useful when unsure if a symptom is anxiety or genuine to examine it very dispassionately, and that has helped me learn to distinguish the physical from the psychosomatic .
posted by KateViolet at 10:17 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Sounds like it to me.
I've been where you are. I'm a lot happier since I stopped looking up perceived symptoms on the Internet. It's a shame, because it's a great resource that empowers millions to take a more active role in their own healthcare, but it's a poisoned apple to me.
If you really think you've got a medical problem, talk to your doctor, maybe get a referral to a specialist if needed, but get good solid advice about whether your perceived ailment is realistically possible. Sounds like you've done that a few times, and the answer is always no. And then consider asking for a referral to someone (a shrinky sort of someone) to talk about how anxiety manifests for you, and strategies for dealing with it. Because while you very probably don't have MS or an exotic mineral deficiency or whatever, you've got a thing going on in your head that is making your daily life miserable, and that's not healthy. Eventually, something real will happen to you (it comes for us all) and you should be enjoying all the physically sound years you've got now instead of poisoning them with worry.
It's super weird to think that your own first person experiences aren't necessarily accurate—that you're an unreliable witness in a world where you're the only witness there is—but some of us just have to accept that, lest we literally make ourselves sick with worry. Good luck.
posted by mumkin at 10:43 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I've been where you are. I'm a lot happier since I stopped looking up perceived symptoms on the Internet. It's a shame, because it's a great resource that empowers millions to take a more active role in their own healthcare, but it's a poisoned apple to me.
If you really think you've got a medical problem, talk to your doctor, maybe get a referral to a specialist if needed, but get good solid advice about whether your perceived ailment is realistically possible. Sounds like you've done that a few times, and the answer is always no. And then consider asking for a referral to someone (a shrinky sort of someone) to talk about how anxiety manifests for you, and strategies for dealing with it. Because while you very probably don't have MS or an exotic mineral deficiency or whatever, you've got a thing going on in your head that is making your daily life miserable, and that's not healthy. Eventually, something real will happen to you (it comes for us all) and you should be enjoying all the physically sound years you've got now instead of poisoning them with worry.
It's super weird to think that your own first person experiences aren't necessarily accurate—that you're an unreliable witness in a world where you're the only witness there is—but some of us just have to accept that, lest we literally make ourselves sick with worry. Good luck.
posted by mumkin at 10:43 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Get your vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron levels checked, just to make sure all is well on that front.
Anxiety definitely can manifest physically. I get a terribly upset tummy when I am stressed.
I would recommend talking to a therapist about cognitive behavioural therapy and strategies for how to cope with the anxiety.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 10:47 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Anxiety definitely can manifest physically. I get a terribly upset tummy when I am stressed.
I would recommend talking to a therapist about cognitive behavioural therapy and strategies for how to cope with the anxiety.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 10:47 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Muscle spasms, muscle weakness, fatigue, weird electric jerky feelings, can all be classic symptoms of a magnesium deficiency - which is not at all exotic but generally requires some kind of cause in an otherwise healthy adult. And magnesium deficiency absolutely makes anxiety a lot worse. Since these can also be classic symptoms of anxiety it can be difficult to tell where what starts and what ends. For me when I'm stressed it upsets my stomach and I often end up deficient again, so I get into a cycle.
The bad news is it's difficult to diagnose with blood tests. The good news is it's pretty easy to figure out yourself if this is your problem. Buy some magnesium supplements at the supermarket that contain bioavailable magnesium - preferably magnesium citrate. This last part is very important, most supplements sold where I live contain magnesium oxide (where you will only absorb about 4% of what's in there) and other totally pointless magnesium salts. Then take the recommended dose for three or four days and see if you feel better. If you do, great, improve your diet and consider taking the supplements some more. If not, then unfortunately this is probably just how anxiety manifests in you.
If the simple supplementation with magnesium doesn't help then I would also suggest getting a blood work up from your doctor to make sure the rest of your micronutrients are in balance. And probably even if it does help since deficiency of magnesium is unusual for someone in your demographic. Micronutrient deficiency is relatively common during times of extreme stress due to diet and physiological changes and correcting it can help support you. It seems your doctors take you seriously which is good, so might as well check. But keep in mind that none of this is the absolute cause of your anxiety, there is no magic cure there. So it might be worth talking with the Dr about how you can better manage that side as well.
posted by shelleycat at 10:58 PM on November 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
The bad news is it's difficult to diagnose with blood tests. The good news is it's pretty easy to figure out yourself if this is your problem. Buy some magnesium supplements at the supermarket that contain bioavailable magnesium - preferably magnesium citrate. This last part is very important, most supplements sold where I live contain magnesium oxide (where you will only absorb about 4% of what's in there) and other totally pointless magnesium salts. Then take the recommended dose for three or four days and see if you feel better. If you do, great, improve your diet and consider taking the supplements some more. If not, then unfortunately this is probably just how anxiety manifests in you.
If the simple supplementation with magnesium doesn't help then I would also suggest getting a blood work up from your doctor to make sure the rest of your micronutrients are in balance. And probably even if it does help since deficiency of magnesium is unusual for someone in your demographic. Micronutrient deficiency is relatively common during times of extreme stress due to diet and physiological changes and correcting it can help support you. It seems your doctors take you seriously which is good, so might as well check. But keep in mind that none of this is the absolute cause of your anxiety, there is no magic cure there. So it might be worth talking with the Dr about how you can better manage that side as well.
posted by shelleycat at 10:58 PM on November 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
Best answer: IANYD. This is not medical advice, just general commentary.
Anxiety can do all that you describe and more. Anxiety and stress are amazing in their abilities to manifest physically in our bodies. Of course, the symptoms you describe are nonspecific and of course, they are symptoms of other illnesses which have nothing to do with your mental health. I cannot diagnose you nor can anyone here - and it sounds like you have had quite an extensive workup already, in any case. However, it sounds like your question is far more simple: CAN anxiety appear this way? And yes, it absolutely can, I assure you, as an emergency department physician I see mental health problems appearing as physical symptoms every single day, because the emergency department is where people having panic attacks and anxiety-related chest pain go.
So yes, I have seen patients with all sorts of neurologic symptoms such as the ones you describe that did not turn out to be due to any known physical process such as MS, cancer, or any of the other scary things that you can find by searching these symptoms online. In fact, I routinely see people who truly appear to believe that they are having a stroke and manifest stroke-like symptoms, not just including numbness but actually with paralysis of large parts of their bodies. Doctors have ways of identifying whether such symptoms are actually being caused by an issue in the brain or not, although it's such a high risk area that these people often get MRI/CT scans as well. I also often see patients who have what is called pseudo seizure or non-epileptic seizure disorder. These people will actually have full on seizures that can appear quite real to the people around them, complete with arm and leg thrashing, and sometimes even with incontinence of urine etc (however, EEG, the method of testing for seizure, will not show any evidence of seizure during these episodes). Some people with pseudo seizure have some awareness and insight into their condition, and some are completely in denial that their seizure disorder is not like epilepsy and doesn't need to be treated with anti-epileptic drugs. These types of episodes tend to occur under stressful circumstances in the patient's life.
So basically, what I suggest to people is that aside from looking at what symptoms they are having, they also need to look at their feelings and behavior. If they find that they are having intrusive thoughts about medical problems that are interfering with their ability to live a normal life, I would recommend they do talk about these feelings with a mental health professional. It's not just about whether the symptoms could be symptoms of a non-mental-health-related problem, because oftentimes they could. Nonspecific symptoms like numbness and tingling, or lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, etc can all be symptoms of a hundred different things. But ignoring the possibility of mental health playing a role, especially when you've noticed that the symptoms are in the context of stressful life events, doesn't make sense. Just because you are getting your mental health checked out doesn't mean you have to stop looking for second opinions on what physical ailments might be causing your symptoms either - both issues can be addressed concurrently.
The advice above regarding trying not to focus on whether your symptoms are 'real' or not is wise (or whether it means something negative about your character if they are anxiety-related rather than related to some other underlying ailment). They are real, they are what you feel. The question is what causes them, because the answer to that will allow you to treat them most effectively.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 11:31 PM on November 27, 2014 [28 favorites]
Anxiety can do all that you describe and more. Anxiety and stress are amazing in their abilities to manifest physically in our bodies. Of course, the symptoms you describe are nonspecific and of course, they are symptoms of other illnesses which have nothing to do with your mental health. I cannot diagnose you nor can anyone here - and it sounds like you have had quite an extensive workup already, in any case. However, it sounds like your question is far more simple: CAN anxiety appear this way? And yes, it absolutely can, I assure you, as an emergency department physician I see mental health problems appearing as physical symptoms every single day, because the emergency department is where people having panic attacks and anxiety-related chest pain go.
So yes, I have seen patients with all sorts of neurologic symptoms such as the ones you describe that did not turn out to be due to any known physical process such as MS, cancer, or any of the other scary things that you can find by searching these symptoms online. In fact, I routinely see people who truly appear to believe that they are having a stroke and manifest stroke-like symptoms, not just including numbness but actually with paralysis of large parts of their bodies. Doctors have ways of identifying whether such symptoms are actually being caused by an issue in the brain or not, although it's such a high risk area that these people often get MRI/CT scans as well. I also often see patients who have what is called pseudo seizure or non-epileptic seizure disorder. These people will actually have full on seizures that can appear quite real to the people around them, complete with arm and leg thrashing, and sometimes even with incontinence of urine etc (however, EEG, the method of testing for seizure, will not show any evidence of seizure during these episodes). Some people with pseudo seizure have some awareness and insight into their condition, and some are completely in denial that their seizure disorder is not like epilepsy and doesn't need to be treated with anti-epileptic drugs. These types of episodes tend to occur under stressful circumstances in the patient's life.
So basically, what I suggest to people is that aside from looking at what symptoms they are having, they also need to look at their feelings and behavior. If they find that they are having intrusive thoughts about medical problems that are interfering with their ability to live a normal life, I would recommend they do talk about these feelings with a mental health professional. It's not just about whether the symptoms could be symptoms of a non-mental-health-related problem, because oftentimes they could. Nonspecific symptoms like numbness and tingling, or lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, etc can all be symptoms of a hundred different things. But ignoring the possibility of mental health playing a role, especially when you've noticed that the symptoms are in the context of stressful life events, doesn't make sense. Just because you are getting your mental health checked out doesn't mean you have to stop looking for second opinions on what physical ailments might be causing your symptoms either - both issues can be addressed concurrently.
The advice above regarding trying not to focus on whether your symptoms are 'real' or not is wise (or whether it means something negative about your character if they are anxiety-related rather than related to some other underlying ailment). They are real, they are what you feel. The question is what causes them, because the answer to that will allow you to treat them most effectively.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 11:31 PM on November 27, 2014 [28 favorites]
I had a similar experience with panic attacks. As you noted, the initial panic attack is scary but what was worse for me was the period afterwards, because I became fearful that they were going to keep happening.
I became afraid to go to work, to go grocery shopping alone, to leave the house alone, because my body would tense up and I'd start panicking. (I swear to you, as I'm writing this answer, I'm getting a little panicky. Not a lot, but I'm absolutely aware that thinking about my panic attack experience is stressful.)
What worked was a 12 week hardcore boot camp of CBT. And I learned how to deal with it and I've been mostly non-panicky since.
Think of it with this analogy: you had been out and a bear tried to attack you. In that moment, your brain went into a very basic fight or flight response. All rational thought stopped and you thought you'd die.
CBT helped me understand that my brain sometimes misfires and tells my body, "THERE'S ANOTHER BEAR!! START PANICKING!!" except it also taught me how to work through those moments. I learned how to use meditation and exercise and eat differently and take magnesium and iron supplements and cut back on caffeine so my brain was less likely to stop seeing bears.
I also learned a most excellent strategy that I will share with you. When I can feel the beginnings of an attack, I now know that it's my right brain talking. So I've learned to engage my left brain HEAVILY by doing basic counting and object naming. Instead of focusing on my scary feelings, I force myself to do something that requires looking at things around me and naming them. I will usually take a deck of cards and count them out, naming their colors and suit. After maybe 4 minutes, the scary feelings pass. I'm not focusing at all on positive self talk because I learned that doing that just pays more attention to the imaginary bear.
So take comfort in knowing that with a little bit of help, you can learn how to deal with those panicky feelings.
posted by kinetic at 4:38 AM on November 28, 2014 [7 favorites]
I became afraid to go to work, to go grocery shopping alone, to leave the house alone, because my body would tense up and I'd start panicking. (I swear to you, as I'm writing this answer, I'm getting a little panicky. Not a lot, but I'm absolutely aware that thinking about my panic attack experience is stressful.)
What worked was a 12 week hardcore boot camp of CBT. And I learned how to deal with it and I've been mostly non-panicky since.
Think of it with this analogy: you had been out and a bear tried to attack you. In that moment, your brain went into a very basic fight or flight response. All rational thought stopped and you thought you'd die.
CBT helped me understand that my brain sometimes misfires and tells my body, "THERE'S ANOTHER BEAR!! START PANICKING!!" except it also taught me how to work through those moments. I learned how to use meditation and exercise and eat differently and take magnesium and iron supplements and cut back on caffeine so my brain was less likely to stop seeing bears.
I also learned a most excellent strategy that I will share with you. When I can feel the beginnings of an attack, I now know that it's my right brain talking. So I've learned to engage my left brain HEAVILY by doing basic counting and object naming. Instead of focusing on my scary feelings, I force myself to do something that requires looking at things around me and naming them. I will usually take a deck of cards and count them out, naming their colors and suit. After maybe 4 minutes, the scary feelings pass. I'm not focusing at all on positive self talk because I learned that doing that just pays more attention to the imaginary bear.
So take comfort in knowing that with a little bit of help, you can learn how to deal with those panicky feelings.
posted by kinetic at 4:38 AM on November 28, 2014 [7 favorites]
A couple of people have mentioned caffeine, but I want to hit on it again. I've gone caffeine-free since being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and it's helped immensely. I've experimented a couple of times with caffeine since dropping it, and even one can of Diet Coke can send me into a crazy spiral. It's like the caffeine chooses one emotion at random and turns it up to 11. Could be joy, could be rage, could be sadness. No rhyme or reason.
posted by themissy at 5:29 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by themissy at 5:29 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
What treehorn+bunny said, and also: I would treat this almost like repairing a car. You have some symptoms, and you have a known problem A which can cause those symptoms. The first thing you do is treat problem A. Only if you still have some symptoms after that do you start looking for problem B.
Also, just the hyperventilating (or holding your breath, or other not-breathing-properly) can cause almost all of your physical symptoms, for a real, physical reason....
posted by anaelith at 6:18 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also, just the hyperventilating (or holding your breath, or other not-breathing-properly) can cause almost all of your physical symptoms, for a real, physical reason....
posted by anaelith at 6:18 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
I'm a highly anxious person. I went to the ER again last year with chest pains and they told me it was "just" anxiety. There was nothing "just" about it for me, symptoms-wise. I really felt like I had lung cancer or something because I had this constant pit of pain in my chest - but X-rays revealed nothing.
What helped me was taking an SSRI for anxiety - a low dose. I take it daily and my life is so much better without that buzz of anxiety that I carried everywhere with me for 30+ years. Have you talked with your GP about treating your anxiety with medication to see if that helps? I also was given a few fast acting benzodiazepines for attacks of anxiety that I didn't use, but that might be helpful for you as you transition to a daily SSRI. Panic attacks are awful and scary and your symptoms sound really harrowing. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope you find a solution.
posted by sockermom at 6:51 AM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
What helped me was taking an SSRI for anxiety - a low dose. I take it daily and my life is so much better without that buzz of anxiety that I carried everywhere with me for 30+ years. Have you talked with your GP about treating your anxiety with medication to see if that helps? I also was given a few fast acting benzodiazepines for attacks of anxiety that I didn't use, but that might be helpful for you as you transition to a daily SSRI. Panic attacks are awful and scary and your symptoms sound really harrowing. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope you find a solution.
posted by sockermom at 6:51 AM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Please just pursue temporary medical treatment of your anxiety - which you have a giant pile of proof for - instead of tormenting yourself with this medical anxiety (which will decrease when you treat your anxiety). It's fine if you want to take micronutrients or whatever but treat the anxiety and then see what symptoms remain.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:43 AM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Lyn Never at 8:43 AM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
Hi there, I'm you, with different details. I started a new job in July, and over the course of the next 4 weeks, wound up in the ER 6 times with symptoms that led medical people to check me for heart attacks and strokes. I was hospitalized for 4 days with aphasia, left side weakness, intesnse pressure in my head, blurred vision, and blinding eye pain. Every possible medical test you can think of was run on me. When I got out of the hospital, I followed up with my primary care physician (PCP). She went over all my test resulrts, then brought up the possibility of conversion disorder.
Stress and anxiety and conversion disorder and OCD and panic attacks are real medical problems, with real physical symptoms. Like Dumbledore told Harry, near the end of The Deathly Hallows, of course it's all in your head, but that doesn't mean it's not real. I've sat and stared at someone who asked me to tell them my name and date of birth, because I couldn't find the words I needed to tell them. That's a scary as hell thing to have going on. But with no physical medical cause to be found, despite MRIs, CT scans, EEGs, and X-rays, you have to go to a mental medical cause.
Right now, my diagnoses are atypical migraine and trigeminal neuralgia, neither of which are showing on any medical tests, and OCD, mood disorder not otherwise specified (think bipolar disorder, but way more complicated), and panic disorder with agoraphobia, none of which can show up on any medical tests. We're playing with meds to try to find the right balance to make all the physical symptoms calm the hell down. I can't promise you that it'll be a walk in the park to figure out exactly what the hell is going on. But I can promise you that it gets better. Good luck.
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 8:50 AM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Stress and anxiety and conversion disorder and OCD and panic attacks are real medical problems, with real physical symptoms. Like Dumbledore told Harry, near the end of The Deathly Hallows, of course it's all in your head, but that doesn't mean it's not real. I've sat and stared at someone who asked me to tell them my name and date of birth, because I couldn't find the words I needed to tell them. That's a scary as hell thing to have going on. But with no physical medical cause to be found, despite MRIs, CT scans, EEGs, and X-rays, you have to go to a mental medical cause.
Right now, my diagnoses are atypical migraine and trigeminal neuralgia, neither of which are showing on any medical tests, and OCD, mood disorder not otherwise specified (think bipolar disorder, but way more complicated), and panic disorder with agoraphobia, none of which can show up on any medical tests. We're playing with meds to try to find the right balance to make all the physical symptoms calm the hell down. I can't promise you that it'll be a walk in the park to figure out exactly what the hell is going on. But I can promise you that it gets better. Good luck.
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 8:50 AM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
I have been familiar with muscle fatigue, muscle spasms, exhaustion, pins-and-needles, tight-chestedness (plus nausea) for most of my life, all as symptoms of anxiety. During a particularly bad spell two years ago I began to get some full-on numbness in my hands. Complete lack of surface feeling in two or three fingers. This was hugely alarming, as it was not one of my Recognised Symptoms. It seemed such an extreme thing that I thought it couldn't be related to my state of mind. I saw my doctor, who reassured me. It lasted for a few weeks, then went away. It has not reoccured.
Believe that anxiety can throw new symptoms at you, decades after you get used to your usual ones.
posted by distorte at 8:53 AM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Believe that anxiety can throw new symptoms at you, decades after you get used to your usual ones.
posted by distorte at 8:53 AM on November 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
You mention nothing about treating the anxiety. If you are not getting any professional help beyond diagnoses of your panic attacks and all-clears from neurologists, please consider it! You do not have to worry about physical manifestations of your anxiety, day-in, day-out for the rest of your life. My anxiety is very focussed on fear of the physical symptoms of anxiety. A self-reinforcing loop. There are clear paths to improvement that you can take. Medication or therapy or coaching yourself on avoiding bad patterns. My quality of life has been radically improved by pursuing help and educating myself. You can feel so much better just by understanding what's happening to you.
posted by distorte at 9:07 AM on November 28, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by distorte at 9:07 AM on November 28, 2014 [4 favorites]
Yes, I had hyperchondria and Generalized Anxiety and it manifested itself in many ways including horrible joint pain, aching limps, a twitching eye, a numb face and fatigue. Oh, and I also get cold sores and mouth ulcers.
I've treated it with celexa, but a short course of Cognitive Analytic Therapy was also an incredible help. It helped me to stop seeking reassurance by googling symptoms and asking about them online. When you ask us to 'put your mind at ease' you're asking for the reassurance which is part of the cycle of anxious health obsession. This what you need to (and can) kick, with the help of a therapist.
posted by Dorothea_in_Rome at 11:16 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
I've treated it with celexa, but a short course of Cognitive Analytic Therapy was also an incredible help. It helped me to stop seeking reassurance by googling symptoms and asking about them online. When you ask us to 'put your mind at ease' you're asking for the reassurance which is part of the cycle of anxious health obsession. This what you need to (and can) kick, with the help of a therapist.
posted by Dorothea_in_Rome at 11:16 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Distorte is right, as are many in this thread. You have a problem; decide what you are going to do about it, but doing nothing isn't likely to help.
Funny thing, I never realized until a couple of years ago that I had an anxiety problem for the very reason that I DON'T get panic attacks. I thought they were sort of a "sine qua non" of anxiety disorders, which they aren't--though they're pretty diagnostic! When a therapist ran down all the different possible symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I realized that's what I have. Treatment (in my case, medication + exercise) has worked pretty well. And I've STILL never had a panic attack!
You have a pretty clear indication of what's wrong with you. Now, do something about it.
posted by gillyflower at 11:41 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Funny thing, I never realized until a couple of years ago that I had an anxiety problem for the very reason that I DON'T get panic attacks. I thought they were sort of a "sine qua non" of anxiety disorders, which they aren't--though they're pretty diagnostic! When a therapist ran down all the different possible symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I realized that's what I have. Treatment (in my case, medication + exercise) has worked pretty well. And I've STILL never had a panic attack!
You have a pretty clear indication of what's wrong with you. Now, do something about it.
posted by gillyflower at 11:41 AM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
I don't have much to add, except that in addition to or instead of an SSRI (or other type of antidepressant) you could ask your doctor to try a short-acting medication for anxiety - I'm thinking something like Ativan or clonazepam. If your symptoms ease, you'll not only feel better but you'll also be reassured that this is anxiety you're experiencing.
posted by kitcat at 12:16 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by kitcat at 12:16 PM on November 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Hi there, I'm you, with different details.
Likewise all the way down to "This is MS, AAAAA" which is sort of ridiculous since I am a capable person and while I'd prefer to not have MS, if I had it I would deal with it and things would be okay. Trust your neurologist and work on treating your anxiety. In fact maybe just do what I did which is start treating your anxiety and give yourself a time limit like "If I still feel like I'm dying of a heart attack every day after I've been taking benzos and walking three miles a day THEN I'll get a second medical opinion" I was really surprise how much a few things really helped me
- regular exercise and eating decently (less sugar, more protein, just basic stuff nothing complex)
- getting enough SLEEP, huge thing here, anxiety gets out of control when you can't rest
- anti-anxiety meds on an as-needed basis (for me this is like once a month maybe just to hit the reset button)
- watching the caffeine and alcohol
Seriously though, the electric shock thing was a thing I had. I had it in my head (Brain tumor!) and in my fingers (MS! Something else I haven't thought of!) but once I got it checked out by a medical doctor I decided to treat the anxiety and see if the other symptoms lessened and they really did. I am sorry you are stressed out and feel like you can't trust your own mind, that's a bad way to feel even though it's familiar to a lot of us. Consider seeing a therapist for a few times just so you have someone to talk through your concerns with. Realize that if it's MS (it's not) a week here or there will absolutely not matter anyhow. Consider medication. You will be afraid to take it probably which is also part of the anxiety treadmill. Take it anyhow. I really got to the point where I figured I'd rather be dead of some mysterious allergy to lorazepam than living with the anxiousness I was living with. Good luck, let us know how ti goes.
posted by jessamyn at 4:35 PM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
Likewise all the way down to "This is MS, AAAAA" which is sort of ridiculous since I am a capable person and while I'd prefer to not have MS, if I had it I would deal with it and things would be okay. Trust your neurologist and work on treating your anxiety. In fact maybe just do what I did which is start treating your anxiety and give yourself a time limit like "If I still feel like I'm dying of a heart attack every day after I've been taking benzos and walking three miles a day THEN I'll get a second medical opinion" I was really surprise how much a few things really helped me
- regular exercise and eating decently (less sugar, more protein, just basic stuff nothing complex)
- getting enough SLEEP, huge thing here, anxiety gets out of control when you can't rest
- anti-anxiety meds on an as-needed basis (for me this is like once a month maybe just to hit the reset button)
- watching the caffeine and alcohol
Seriously though, the electric shock thing was a thing I had. I had it in my head (Brain tumor!) and in my fingers (MS! Something else I haven't thought of!) but once I got it checked out by a medical doctor I decided to treat the anxiety and see if the other symptoms lessened and they really did. I am sorry you are stressed out and feel like you can't trust your own mind, that's a bad way to feel even though it's familiar to a lot of us. Consider seeing a therapist for a few times just so you have someone to talk through your concerns with. Realize that if it's MS (it's not) a week here or there will absolutely not matter anyhow. Consider medication. You will be afraid to take it probably which is also part of the anxiety treadmill. Take it anyhow. I really got to the point where I figured I'd rather be dead of some mysterious allergy to lorazepam than living with the anxiousness I was living with. Good luck, let us know how ti goes.
posted by jessamyn at 4:35 PM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
Consider medication. You will be afraid to take it probably which is also part of the anxiety treadmill. Take it anyhow.
Seconding this. I sat on my bottle of low-dose SSRIs, which I was instructed to cut in half for the first two weeks, for two weeks before starting. And then I cut them into quarters for two weeks before nudging them up to a half a pill. Now I take a whole pill every morning and have done so for quite some time. It was hard to start, but once I started and got used to it the drop in my anxiety was palpable. I no longer get chest pains, and I no longer lie awake at night thinking I'm going to die any day now of some mysterious aliment.
It may not work for you the way it worked for me, but it's worth a shot. Best of luck to you.
posted by sockermom at 5:27 PM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
Seconding this. I sat on my bottle of low-dose SSRIs, which I was instructed to cut in half for the first two weeks, for two weeks before starting. And then I cut them into quarters for two weeks before nudging them up to a half a pill. Now I take a whole pill every morning and have done so for quite some time. It was hard to start, but once I started and got used to it the drop in my anxiety was palpable. I no longer get chest pains, and I no longer lie awake at night thinking I'm going to die any day now of some mysterious aliment.
It may not work for you the way it worked for me, but it's worth a shot. Best of luck to you.
posted by sockermom at 5:27 PM on November 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
That's the half of you that has a clue. Listen to that half. Its opinion is informed by having spent a long time watching the other half.
The other half of me is constantly online checking symptoms, trying to convince myself that I'm OK, but at the same time worrying that it's something serious like MS.
That's the half which is in and of itself just as much a manifestation of the underlying condition (chronic anxiety) as the tight chest and hyperventilation and dread.
Try to think of this not as being a hypochondriac; reframe that as experiencing anxiety. The diseases you fear that you have are probably not real, but there's nothing at all imaginary about the experience of a panic attack. Those are real, and debilitating, and dealing with the chronic anxiety that underlies them will relieve them.
posted by flabdablet at 9:05 PM on November 27, 2014 [7 favorites]