Help, Please

For the past two years, I have experienced physical sensations that terrify me.  My symptoms are intermittent and I have had three pronounced episodes (April 2008, November 2009, May 2010), these are so severe that they impede my every day activities  These episodes last anywhere from one to four weeks and the symptoms change throughout the day, sometimes multiple times in an hour.

My symptoms include: pins and needles sensations all over my body (especially in the soles of my feet), stiff/heavy/clumsy feelings in my right leg and arm, twinges of pain and muscle spasms in arms and legs, my right side typically is different in temperature from my left (usually warmer in summer and colder in winter), shakiness in hands, difficulty concentrating, feelings of dizziness and disembodiment, some visual disturbances (orbs around lights, blurriness), and a greater tendency to panic when in an uncomfortable situation (I will often have terrible panic attacks in traffic and when I am at home alone).

Each episode I encounter comes at a time when I am under great stress, the first was immediately before graduating college, the second was at an especially hectic time in my work and personal life, and recently I have been facing issues as I prepare to move and take the GRE.  I have been to see my general practitioner about my concerns countless times and she seems to be under the impression that this is just a result of stress, which makes sense as I tend to not notice any symptoms when I am distracted.  As a precaution, she referred me to a neurologist, whom I first had an appointment with about two weeks ago. I have informed him of my symptoms and he is talking about performing an EEG.

In 2008, I was tested for multiple sclerosis, but MRIs of my spine and brain showed no signs of lesions. I have also been tested extensively for rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac disease, thyroid conditions, anemia (my hemoglobin is usually a little low), and Lyme disease. I was on SSRIs for depression and anxiety from age 15-22, but I stopped taking them at the end of 2009 and currently take no medication.

I am a 23-year-old female and do have an extensive history of anxiety issues.  I am regularly physically active and maintain a reasonably healthy lifestyle, with the exception of social drinking and sometimes smoking cigarettes. I am a bit of a hypochondriac, which would be an easy explanation for these issues, but my biggest fear is that something was missed in the first round of testing two years ago and stress is causing flair-ups of multiple sclerosis or another neurological condition.  

Please let me know what you think, any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[mammo]

Anxiety can and will manifest itself it the ways you describe.  Often obcessing over something being medically wrong with yourself is a by product of anxiety.  This worry feeds your fear which feeds your anxiety.  What's difficult with anxiety sufferers who obcess over their health is accepting that after all the tests, they are truly okay.  I would have the EEG and if that is normal, you need to address the anxiety, with therapy and/or medications.  With behavorial therapy you can learn how "not" to obcess over something being wrong. You admit that you're anxious and these things happen during times of high stress, so this is all pointing to anxiety. You have a life to live and you don't want to waste it away by this constant fear or worry.  Put this energy into living and being happy, find things to occupy your mind, find healthier things to dwell on.  With all your testing I truly feel you can relax, and let the EEG be the period you put on this worry so you can move on to other things.  Take care..

[29sillygirl]

Let me be sure I understand this chronology.  Multiple physical ailments, but ruled out by extensive medical testing.  Off meds a year ago, tho' you have history of depression and anxiety.

You are in the anxiety forum for a reason.  All we can tell you of course is to make sure the physical symptoms are organic.  If you have tests run again and nothing shows up, then we can talk about anxiety.  In its many guises:).

You mention hypochondria.  Was this a diagnosis given you by a psychiatrist or is it your opinion?    I have been in group therapy with people who suffer from this disorder as well as severe anxiety.  They often go hand in hand.  

You need to address that biggest fear: that something was missed in testing two years ago.    Then we can discuss how to help you fight anxiety.  Usually it is a combination of the right medicine base for you and therapy.    We will be here for you as your virtual support group!

[MLESR]

So, after a bit of testing and a good talk with my counselor, I am fairly sure that my issues solely stem from anxiety.  The doctor really wanted to diagnose me with MS, but the neurologist says no.

I really think that I manifest those symptoms because they are so familiar to me...at least I hope, I have read some pretty terrifying diagnosis stories on the MS forum.

Does anyone else experience the same type of symptoms? Should I delve further into the neurological stuff with EEGs and more MRIs?

[ufcfan]

I can relate to some of the issues that you were referring to. Sometime a lot of people don't understand the difficulty in dealing with extreme anxiety.When I get really bad sometimes I feel like my arms are really heavy, my mouth gets really dry and I also start to lose my balance, so we all have some things that we differ on. It might a good time to go see a psychiatrist. Only you know how bad things have gotten. I give you a lot of credit for making it through college while dealing with all that!  It also takes a lot of strength to maintain a healthy lifestyle with all these things going on. Things were really bad for a while but when I sought help things started to get better, This forum is a lot of help when you need to vent or talk to someone. Plus if you've gotten this far dealing with it in your own then think how great it will feel maybe have the help of a little medication or some therapy. Good luck!

[cnote]

I suffer like you. When I get like that, I know I'm in for a good 2-4 week ride of anxiety. Hang in there! This too shall pass! There us nothing wrong with you. Only sensations.