I almost think I'm fine, then....

[DonMegamuffin]

Hi, I'm an 18 year old male, who has GAD. Yeah... mainly a hypochondriac. I've been through it all, but now, after some unexplained leg weakness I have decided that I have ALS. I've been to the GP who has done clinical tests on me and told me as of now nothing to worry about and that it's probably just my anxiety. I have come very close to accepting that many times, until the point where I attempt to use a PC. Having my arms in the position to use a mouse and keyboard makes my forearms feel very weak, sore and heavy, both on top and underneath. I'm not sure whether this is just my anxiety making everything worse or some sort of actual problem, but it's driving me mad. I also feel like I'm having trouble moving the mouse around and typing, but I'm also aware those things COULD be just perceived.

Thanks very much. Jonny

[Haileys Mom]

I had the same arm symptoms. Several times my arms went completely numb (all those years ago!) And, it never happened again after that. And, yes, your arms will feel weak. Psychosomatic symptoms seems like what you are experiencing. We were never meant to sit at fixed positions staring on a keyboard for hours. Its exactly what happened to me.

[Haileys Mom]

I'm no expert but I was once where you are now. I spent a lot of time googling my health symptoms years ago. Every little twitch, tingle, pain, sensation etc. became a concern. I once had twitches all over my body. On my stomach, legs, hands, etc. It went on everyday and got worse at night. At work I'd be sitting at my microscope and the bottoms of my feet would tingle and vibrate. I got the same exact pains in the shoulders and neck as you. Perceived weakness. I looked over my leg and arm muscles daily for any signs of "atrophy". I went to numerous doctor appointments. I had EVERY EMG test and other tests imaginable. At the very least I thought I'd have carpal tunnel from constant, repetitive work for 18 years. What I can tell you is this-----I did NOT have als, ms, or even carpal tunnel! Any long periods of sitting in fixed positions can cause tremendous pain, perceived weakness, and a general feeling of unwellness. I even had shoulder and arm pain that was unexplained. After every professional and doctor reassured me nothing was wrong, I finally accepted " what will be,will be."

I knew I wasn't crazy. These symptoms were real! My husband and everyone around me was frustrated with me but eventually it all went away. Every last bit of every symptom went away. It took a while, but you need to know in your heart that you will be fine!! Try not to worry. Let it go. Stop googling. It's becoming a huge problem with society these days. I fell into it. I'm not preaching. I just want you to know that you're going to be fine.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
If you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, then you may often feel that your arm is weak. Hence it is important to find out if you have true or perceived weakness in arm. To put it simply, the difference between perceived and true clinical weakness is that if you have perceived weakness, then it is felt by you only. However, if you are asked to do a task requiring you to use the weak arm (for example) and you put your mind and effort into it, you will be able to perform the task.
For example, if a friend holds your hand palm to palm and exerts force trying to push your hand back, you will be able to return the force. The effort may be weak or require more strength for the task than required, but you will be able to do it. In true clinical weakness, the weak muscle will not respond to any such stimulus. So, even if you want to push back and use all your force and strength, you will not be able to do push your friend’s palm back. So, in short, perceived weakness can be overcome by will power but you cannot overcome true weakness.
Needless to say, clinical examination by a doctor and tests like EMG/NCV can also distinguish between the two. If it is true clinical weakness then probably you have a pinched nerve or a muscle injury. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.