anxiety or ms?

[lydamu]

I am a 22 year old female. For the past three months I have been experiencing several sensory symptoms which have terrified me into thinking that I have some sort of neurological problem. (I think it is important to note that just before this time I ironically began working for the MS Society. It began with a sort of tingling in my right leg which then sort of spread into my hands (no numbness - I could feel when the dr. touched me with a cotton ball etc. I also then developed a frequent eye twitch in my left eye. I went to my GP who saw how upset I was and she ordered a brain MRI and full bloodword to calm me down (both came back normal). However, I have also had a string of other symptoms - muscle twitching mainly in my legs and feet but I also get them in my arms and stomache even occasionally. (Dr. also believed it to be anxiety). I have the most bizzare vibrating/buzzing (like a cell phone) sensation in my left foot (not the entire foot, just in places - mainly the top right side near the arch) it occassionally migrates over to the right foot (never as bad as the left though) and its kind of off and on. I also have this buzzing behind my right shoulder blade which drives me nuts! I went back to the doctor to explain my new symptoms and she once again believed them to be anxiety related. I have had lots of little "neuro tests" done on reflexes/testing for normal sensation etc.(all were normal) by my GP but have not seen a neurologist. Possibly unrelated I also will have periods of time on and off where I feel like i need to urinate much more frequently (even though not much will come out so I dont dont if it is just more the sensation) - i had an ultrasound done that showed that i AM empyting my bladder fully. And last but not least I also get feeling of weakness (and a little bit achy) in my right arm and leg mainly (I think this is perceived as the doctor did tests where i was supposed to squeeze his fingers, push/pull on his hands etc. and said my muscle strength seemed normal) but it just feel as though it gets tired much more easily, I can still lift weights with it though. I also at times feel like I’m forgetting to breath and it terrifies me… So this is pretty much what I have been going through and the tests that have been done. Does this sound like a neurological problem, such as ms????? or als? and should I be getting further testing? or does this sound like anxiety? I am extremely worried and upset and my GP wont refer me to a neuro yet because she is convinced it is anxiety.

[snoozies43]

Seems to me you have had quiet a few tests...and are normal. Possibly the reason your doctor said he would not refer you to a neuro.

Tingling
Numbnees
Twitching in legs
Buzzing in legs and arms
Forgetting to breath or shortness of breath...

If you look up the signs of anxiety these are just a few. Folks do not need to have all of them to have anxiety.

I would talk with your doctor. present your symptoms and take it from there.
There is also a anxiety Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  Workbook available online if you do a search. This teaches you techniques for anxiety.

Best to you

[VicZag]

I understand how you feel.  I have been experiencing pain in my arms and lower legs for quite some time and am scared to death that it might be something like MS.  I've had lots of blood work done and everything came back normal.  So, right now I'm trying to chalk it up to anxiety and will continue to keep an eye on the pain.  I haven't had any brain scans nor have I seen a neurologist (I wish I could have a normal brain MRI under my belt!).

I would definitely take comfort in the fact that your brain MRI came out normal.  Those tests are extremely accurate!  I know it's hard to have complete faith in the testing, but do your best to relax and accept the test results for what they are.  Also, I think that fact that you are working for the MS Society has made you hyper-aware of the symptoms of MS, which can also be playing tricks on your mind.  I also work for a company that does work with MS patients and MS medications, so I feel like the fact that I generally know more about MS has played into my fear of having it.

Have you seen a psychiatrist at all?  Maybe talking to one about your fears regarding your health would help.  Also...from the posts I've skimmed through on this forum, it seems like having MS is a very common fear of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety (which might put you at some ease!).

Good luck to you!  Let me know how you're doing.

[ali3674]

Hi.....Not to fret, its anxiety sweetie.  I have been suffering with anxiety since I was quite a young girl and I a now 34.  I am also a social worker so I pretty much know the deal.  You are a hypochondraic, which is normal for those of us with anxiety....Dont worry and try to relax. If you feel you need to start taking some anti-anxiety meds, ask your GP, maybe she will prescribe something that will help your symptoms