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Anxiety, MS, or what? Very worried!!
Back in 2000, I suffered what I believed to be a anxiety attack, it left me with 3 months of nausea, because of not eating and no appetite I would assume that is why it lasted so long. Spring of 2001, still a little nauseaded, looking up nausea on the internet, MS came up as one of the reasons. This is where my life turned upside down, my gram had MS, diagnosed at age 60, as you can see from my previous posts, I'm concerned. I had the migraines before the anxiety, but when googling nausea and MS, came across the facial tingling (MS), shortly I developed the little bug crawling sensations, and I so have muscle twitches, seems worse when its cold. I have never experienced weakness, numbness, bladder or bowel problems, I can tolerate heat. I tried Prozac for about 3 years, it never took these feelings away, just recently started xanax, this helps a good bit, but not completely. I have had these feelings for 6 years, thats why the doc ordered the brain MRI, he wasn't convinced that it was MS, just anxiety. So you see this is the reason for all my questions. Can anxiety really cause these weird feelings? I live everyday worrying about MS. After 6 years with no worsening of symptoms (sometimes better), do you think it could be safe to say its "psychological?" Never had the cervical MRI, just brain, neuro exam-normal, no problem there,bloodwork fine, was tested for Lyme (ELISA), my fear now after reading all these posts from Lyme patients is that maybe this could be my problem. Thanks for your time, patience, and thoughts, they are greatly appreciated. 3 previous posts!!
I guess it's just good to know that there are others out there who twitch tingle and post. Thanks
I didn't let you know about the rules to be nasty. I just figured you didn't know. I hope you didn't take it the wrong way. I just know it's very difficult to post a question and with only 2 questions per day, everyone deserves a chance. It took me numerous tries when I posted.
In regards to your symptoms. I completely know what you are going through. I have similar symptoms...numbness, tingling, twitching, pain. I have had several episodes over the past year of whole left sided tingling, burning and numbness that lasts for weeks on end. I have twitching all over, burning sensations all over, tingling all over. I'm a nervous wreck all the time, covinced I have MS. I've had every MS test known to man..MRI's, evoked potentials, spinal tap, EMG's etc...I've seen 4 neuro's including an MS specialist. All said no MS but none could say what it was. I think anxiety is way over rated as a cause of our symptoms. I think it's the symptoms that cause the anxiety..not knowing what it is, what it will do etc...It has put my life at a standstill. I can't plan anything. I live from day to day with no answers.
In regards to your symptoms. I completely know what you are going through. I have similar symptoms...numbness, tingling, twitching, pain. I have had several episodes over the past year of whole left sided tingling, burning and numbness that lasts for weeks on end. I have twitching all over, burning sensations all over, tingling all over. I'm a nervous wreck all the time, covinced I have MS. I've had every MS test known to man..MRI's, evoked potentials, spinal tap, EMG's etc...I've seen 4 neuro's including an MS specialist. All said no MS but none could say what it was. I think anxiety is way over rated as a cause of our symptoms. I think it's the symptoms that cause the anxiety..not knowing what it is, what it will do etc...It has put my life at a standstill. I can't plan anything. I live from day to day with no answers.
I have read your posts many times reguarding lyme. I have not yet been checked for lyme but I will ask for the test on Monday. I go in to the Neuro for some results of my EMG which I have a feeling will come back clean....
I am a cronic sufferer with no diagnosis and have all of these symptoms (tingling, twitching, bigtime fatigue) but have not had any tick encounters for at least 3 years when I was in Penn. Could it have taken this long to surface? I live in TX now and I have a new baby. 8 months. Could he have it too?
Also, I had a HUGE lymp node removed from my cheak/ear 1 yr. ago, and other nodes have swollen intermittenly for no reason and have stayed that way. Doc's say it's common and nothing to worry about, but I'm not sure.
Also, recently I have TONS of floaters. I think I read somewhere that floaters are common in lyme. Right? Neuro dismissed the symptom totally and said it was an ocular thing and I should see an Opthomologist. What ever.. Really TONS of floaters.
All of these things are just now occuring to me. I'm not quite sure, but what if, I am tested and the test comes back negative for lyme. (I know the test is not accurate enough for a real diagnosis) I don't think any Tx doctor is lyme literate enough to treat a negative lyme diagnosis. what then?
I am a cronic sufferer with no diagnosis and have all of these symptoms (tingling, twitching, bigtime fatigue) but have not had any tick encounters for at least 3 years when I was in Penn. Could it have taken this long to surface? I live in TX now and I have a new baby. 8 months. Could he have it too?
Also, I had a HUGE lymp node removed from my cheak/ear 1 yr. ago, and other nodes have swollen intermittenly for no reason and have stayed that way. Doc's say it's common and nothing to worry about, but I'm not sure.
Also, recently I have TONS of floaters. I think I read somewhere that floaters are common in lyme. Right? Neuro dismissed the symptom totally and said it was an ocular thing and I should see an Opthomologist. What ever.. Really TONS of floaters.
All of these things are just now occuring to me. I'm not quite sure, but what if, I am tested and the test comes back negative for lyme. (I know the test is not accurate enough for a real diagnosis) I don't think any Tx doctor is lyme literate enough to treat a negative lyme diagnosis. what then?
You bring up things that bring out things that I've been thinking about.
>As far as what you have...I would leave no stone unturned.<
I agree, that the responsible thing to do is to do your best at finding an answer. Sometimes, the answer is given to us and we are distrusting. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, don't get me wrong.
After much time, agony and expense later...we go back to the answer and work on it to find, that it was right.
Wrong? No but well, something to think about.
>but I really feel that alot of people who post on this neurology forum do have lyme or some lyme like bacterial illess.<
Interesting and maybe many people do have lyme-that seems reasonable. In my early years, a tick was found in my back and my mother managed to take it out whole.
Anyway, my thoughts move elsewhere. Some of the things that I have thought about are environmental. One, vaccinations (mercury tooth fillings too): which contained Mercury. I think they've worked on better formulas since. Vaccinations have come under serious fire. If you are curious: http://www.909shot.com/
Other things and I may seem "radical" to even think about it (lol): radio and microwave waves?
Food: aside from eating wrong foods i.e. empty calories etc. what about preservatives? The diet of livestock and injectable hormones? The ground our produce are grown in and pesticides?
The air?
Combine these things with a sedentary lifestyle, other things we are putting into our bodies and leading a hurried lifestyle...I'd say that's a bad recipe in regards to health.
>I have never figured out why someone who has been sick for months and months with no answers would not at least try an antibiotic trial to see what happens, like tetracycline.<
I should think if he/she truly suspects so, would give it consideration. Yet a wise doctor is very careful about prescribing.
>Haven't any of you at least noticed that many of the people who post who are searching have so many of the same multisystem complaints.<
I have and find it interesting. I should think that doctors must stand up and take notice too. They must wonder.
Medicine is science. Some proven, some theory and so many unknowns. It's always evolving.
>And I think that it is ridiculous to think that stress or depression can cause all these symptoms.<
I think it's good to question this. However, I honestly do think that both can cause numerous problems. Yet, I am still left wondering about the root cause of it as well. Variables, to be sure.
>I think doctors who are at a lost for what is wrong will blame it on stress or depression.<
I do think this happens often, too.
There are many outstanding doctors out there who are not only very educated but have excellent instincts and really listen to their patient. If the patient isn't asking questions, he/she is asking them.
There are many lousy docs out there as well. Some just are not equipped to deal with anything other than "ordinary."
We may never entertain the brightest but if we can at least find a good one, right in the middle.
It is IMPERATIVE that you find a good GP. One that you can trust, one who is interested, calm, thorough and unhurried.
One who isn't quick to run a billion test (and run up your bill) and throw out prescriptions one right after the other. Or one who is smug, disinterested and quick to wave you off.
I will tell you what a doctor told me recently while I was out of town. He said, "Kate, it's important for you to find a good doctor, one who will work with you." "There are many doctors out there will not/do not have you in their best interest...believe it or not."
I was blown away! And it is what I so desperately needed to hear.
I changed GPs (back at home) and I will say, first visit with him...I felt good leaving his office.
What was odd in talking to the doctor up North...is that he pulled me aside (to tell me this) while he was walking out from the cafeteria with coffee and I was going in to get the same.
The thing of it is, I didn't say much to him in the exam room but he must have read between the lines somewhere and instincts told him something about me.
Now that was one bright, instinctual and HONEST doc!
It would be nice if this site offered an "open" discussion "forum" here, huh?
My personal thought is, in regards to the docs here-is that if they are genuinely reading these posts, they are probably one step ahead. A great deal of honesty shared amongst members here.
We learn and they must be learning too. I wouldn't be surprised if that isn't what, at least in part, inspired the creation of this site.
Regards,
~Kate
>As far as what you have...I would leave no stone unturned.<
I agree, that the responsible thing to do is to do your best at finding an answer. Sometimes, the answer is given to us and we are distrusting. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, don't get me wrong.
After much time, agony and expense later...we go back to the answer and work on it to find, that it was right.
Wrong? No but well, something to think about.
>but I really feel that alot of people who post on this neurology forum do have lyme or some lyme like bacterial illess.<
Interesting and maybe many people do have lyme-that seems reasonable. In my early years, a tick was found in my back and my mother managed to take it out whole.
Anyway, my thoughts move elsewhere. Some of the things that I have thought about are environmental. One, vaccinations (mercury tooth fillings too): which contained Mercury. I think they've worked on better formulas since. Vaccinations have come under serious fire. If you are curious: http://www.909shot.com/
Other things and I may seem "radical" to even think about it (lol): radio and microwave waves?
Food: aside from eating wrong foods i.e. empty calories etc. what about preservatives? The diet of livestock and injectable hormones? The ground our produce are grown in and pesticides?
The air?
Combine these things with a sedentary lifestyle, other things we are putting into our bodies and leading a hurried lifestyle...I'd say that's a bad recipe in regards to health.
>I have never figured out why someone who has been sick for months and months with no answers would not at least try an antibiotic trial to see what happens, like tetracycline.<
I should think if he/she truly suspects so, would give it consideration. Yet a wise doctor is very careful about prescribing.
>Haven't any of you at least noticed that many of the people who post who are searching have so many of the same multisystem complaints.<
I have and find it interesting. I should think that doctors must stand up and take notice too. They must wonder.
Medicine is science. Some proven, some theory and so many unknowns. It's always evolving.
>And I think that it is ridiculous to think that stress or depression can cause all these symptoms.<
I think it's good to question this. However, I honestly do think that both can cause numerous problems. Yet, I am still left wondering about the root cause of it as well. Variables, to be sure.
>I think doctors who are at a lost for what is wrong will blame it on stress or depression.<
I do think this happens often, too.
There are many outstanding doctors out there who are not only very educated but have excellent instincts and really listen to their patient. If the patient isn't asking questions, he/she is asking them.
There are many lousy docs out there as well. Some just are not equipped to deal with anything other than "ordinary."
We may never entertain the brightest but if we can at least find a good one, right in the middle.
It is IMPERATIVE that you find a good GP. One that you can trust, one who is interested, calm, thorough and unhurried.
One who isn't quick to run a billion test (and run up your bill) and throw out prescriptions one right after the other. Or one who is smug, disinterested and quick to wave you off.
I will tell you what a doctor told me recently while I was out of town. He said, "Kate, it's important for you to find a good doctor, one who will work with you." "There are many doctors out there will not/do not have you in their best interest...believe it or not."
I was blown away! And it is what I so desperately needed to hear.
I changed GPs (back at home) and I will say, first visit with him...I felt good leaving his office.
What was odd in talking to the doctor up North...is that he pulled me aside (to tell me this) while he was walking out from the cafeteria with coffee and I was going in to get the same.
The thing of it is, I didn't say much to him in the exam room but he must have read between the lines somewhere and instincts told him something about me.
Now that was one bright, instinctual and HONEST doc!
It would be nice if this site offered an "open" discussion "forum" here, huh?
My personal thought is, in regards to the docs here-is that if they are genuinely reading these posts, they are probably one step ahead. A great deal of honesty shared amongst members here.
We learn and they must be learning too. I wouldn't be surprised if that isn't what, at least in part, inspired the creation of this site.
Regards,
~Kate
The MV that I take is called, "Time Release Complete One" Long Acting. I purchase it from Puritan's Pride when they offer the "buy 1 get 2 free" deals.
The reason I chose this vitamin (other than obvious) is due to "daily value". 100% RDA is minimal, in my opinion. YET the mega vitamins worry me. Particularly those with high A, D, & E in them. The reason being, is that our bodies store these vitamins up. One can overdose on vitamins.
Occasionally, I do supplement my MV when I think I need more of one, such as Magnesium (as of late). If I am sick with cold, I may boost my C and Zinc. Most often, I just take my good MV alone.
The reason I chose this vitamin (other than obvious) is due to "daily value". 100% RDA is minimal, in my opinion. YET the mega vitamins worry me. Particularly those with high A, D, & E in them. The reason being, is that our bodies store these vitamins up. One can overdose on vitamins.
Occasionally, I do supplement my MV when I think I need more of one, such as Magnesium (as of late). If I am sick with cold, I may boost my C and Zinc. Most often, I just take my good MV alone.
Hello,
sorry for your problems. Sounds like you have stressed yourself into knots. I know from experience that Stomach problems are often a symptom of anxiety. But the muscle twitches can really be scary and annoying. I have had twitches for almost a year now and it's driving me crazy too. I swore I have MS due to the twitching and tingling and "perceived" muscle weakness but, I've seen the neuro twice and he is now telling me that twitches are not usually a presenting symptom of MS and I should not worry. He says many people suffer from similar twitches and tingling and they are just benign in nature and can also be a symptom of anxiety. I do not think this is my problem, but it sounds pretty right on for yours.
I know its hard for even me to believe, but try to relax for a change and take some b-12 and magnesium. Also, a big glass of wine makes me feel better sometimes, it can really take the edge off the twitching.
sorry for your problems. Sounds like you have stressed yourself into knots. I know from experience that Stomach problems are often a symptom of anxiety. But the muscle twitches can really be scary and annoying. I have had twitches for almost a year now and it's driving me crazy too. I swore I have MS due to the twitching and tingling and "perceived" muscle weakness but, I've seen the neuro twice and he is now telling me that twitches are not usually a presenting symptom of MS and I should not worry. He says many people suffer from similar twitches and tingling and they are just benign in nature and can also be a symptom of anxiety. I do not think this is my problem, but it sounds pretty right on for yours.
I know its hard for even me to believe, but try to relax for a change and take some b-12 and magnesium. Also, a big glass of wine makes me feel better sometimes, it can really take the edge off the twitching.
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