ANXIETY over HEALTH - Can it cause physical pain?

[browneyedgirl11]

Hi!  I am new to this forum.  In April, I noticed that my right big toe joint was red.  It didn't hurt, was just red.  Two months ago, the left big toe joint did the same thing.  I started googling (yeah, I know I shouldn't) and kept getting hits for gout and RA.  Shortly after, all my joints started popping (or did they always do that and I didn't notice?)  So, I made an appt to see my Internist, who told me that he would run some tests to put my mind at ease but felt I was ok.  Everything came out ok, including the Rheumatoid Factor and Gout (highly unlikely anyway b/c I am a 37yo female!)  I saw an ortho about my toes who did xrays and said my toes looked perfect, all ten.  No signs of arthritis.  For a couple of weeks, I let go and felt good.  Then, everything came rushing back and I started having joint pain here and there, sore muscles here and there, and my newest is an achy upper left arm.  I have had some panic attacks now and the pains are wose during those.  I saw my dr again today and asked about anxiety.  He didnt want to prescribe anything until he ran some more tests - more for RA, Lupus, Lyme, Vitamin B deficiency, thyroid.  My friends, those with anxiety and without, are trying to convince me that I am ok, that my brain is telling me that I am hurting when I may not be.  I have no history of anxiety, but know I am anxious now.  What I don't know is: Am I anxious b/c there is really something wrong with me or is my anxiety causing me to think there is?  Can anxiety cause my joints to hurt (dull pain that comes and goes), muscles to be sore, etc???

[miche2013]

Hi,

It was good to see your post as I am also suffering the same. It has been for a few years and it is improving but I'm not well yet. I'm thinking of seeing a psychiatrist as my doctor can't answer my questions on the physical symptoms.  She is also trying to push me into going back into work soon which I'm not ready for. I want these symptoms to go 1st! Could I ask if you were working or off work during that time?  You say you were taking 2 x different medications, were any of these at the highest dose? What doses were you taking?
I am on 375mg venlafaxine which is the highest prescriped dose. As I also have bad menstrual cycles I'm wondering if I should take something else but my GP says it will balance my hormones out as well.
Can I ask how long once you had started the meds you felt better?

Many thanks for you help,

Michelle

[les638]

I know this post comes too late for previous posters.  For new lookers:
Depression and other problems associated with it can cause pain.
I'm starting to come out of a long period of fatigue and pain with the help of zoloft and wellbutrin. A few sessions of talk therapy with a counselor also helped.  I went for months with pain and fatigue.  My regular m.d. said there were no phsyical problems.  He told me to see a psychiatrist.  For me, the pain was very real and I was sure I had some kind of muscle disease. I saw the psychiatrist anyway.  It was indeed a result of major depression.  I'm getting better.

[soanxious89]

Hi,
I too have popping and cracking joints and muscle pain. My joints pop and crack all over my body everytime I move. It's horrible. I also have really bad muscle pain all over my body. Do your popping and cracking happen all over your body? Do you still have the cracking and popping joints? Did you ever find out what was causing it or is it just anxiety? This is horrible I feel like this is taking over every moment of my life!

[mammo]

Hi.  It's amazing all the physical symptoms that anxiety can cause!  Sometimes we don't realize we have anxiety, because we may not feel anxious but it may present in other ways. You're doing the right thing by having all other causes ruled out first.  If it turns out to be anxiety then it's time to address that with a psychiatrist.  He and you can determine what route of care is best for you, therapy, medication, or both.  Let us know what you find out, and if it is anxiety, you'll find a lot of nice people here who understand, and care. I wish you all the best and take care!