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Health Anxiety
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Hi this is my first post on here.
Over the last few months, health anxiety has completely taken over my life. It started with a fear of MS due to slight numbness and tingling in my face and left foot. I spiralled out of control, googled my symptoms constantly to the point where I convinced myself I definitely had MS and was mourning the life I had before. This went on for a few weeks and I could barely eat or sleep, my mind was completely consumed with this fear.
I saw a doctor twice and a neurologist, both said they are almost certain I don’t have MS, and my symptoms can all be explained by anxiety. They said I could get an MRI to put my mind at ease, however I couldn’t afford it. This did bring some relief but I was still concerned.
fast forward to now, I have had weird symptoms that seem to change every day… one day I have a few muscle twitches, the next I have globus (lump in the throat), and today my right hand seems to have developed a tremor when I drink from a glass/bottle. These symptoms have all made me spiral into thinking I have MND. It’s all that I can think about and I can’t focus on my studies. I’m thinking of going back to the neurologist, however it is expensive and I don’t want to let my health anxiety take all of my money.
When googling, this tremor is almost always a sign of a neurological condition (although my grandad does have a benign essential tremor which can be passed down). I seem to fear any progressive and chronic condition and I’m not sure how to stop. I can’t carry on living such a miserable life but I don’t know how to stop feeling like this. I’m aware anxiety is probably the culprit for many of my symptoms… but I’m really struggling to find a logical explanation for the tremor that has started today.
if anyone has any advice I’d really appreciate it.
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If you are embroiled in studies (or constantly chasing Dr G), you might be spending too much time being sedentary.
A simple, and cost effective, remedy can often be to engage in some vigorous exercise (a daily brisk walk, or some sporting pursuit) to burn off minor niggles being sent through your nervous system and compounding distress.
The added bonus is the fresh air and redirection of focus.
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As someone with nerve issues too, and with few answers, I just want to say I know how you feel. It can be really difficult to feel your being taken seriously by medical experts at times, and when you have no answers its easy to start obsessively looking online for answers yourself and getting freaked out by all the terrible conditions that exist.
But its worth knowing that while yes, some nerve issues can be caused by scary conditions, they can also often be caused by a lot of common things too. And even if you had a serious condition, there are ways to deal with those too, it doesnt mean your life is over. Just try to take it one step at a time.
Personally I've asked the doctor and specialists to rule out any life-threatening conditions, and I check in at the hospital emergency department if something changes or gets worse to rule out anything serious. That way even when my nerves are playing up and I'm getting pain, tremors, pins-and-needles, or numbness I know at least its not going to do any serious harm and makes me feel a little less anxious.
I'd also advise to talk to the doctor about how to manage these symptoms in the meantime. I cant speak for what will help you, but I find cold-packs/heat-packs, massage, stretches, light exercise (like a short walk) and rest help reduce my nerve problems, as well as taking any medications the doctor advises.
And finally you could try finding some health groups online that have people with chronic health conditions or nerve problems. Maybe you don't know whats going on with you, but you can still interact with others going through similar things. I personally find stress-relief in some of the memes/jokes people post, for example, someone posted a meme on a site I'm on saying that their hand tremors make them randomly throw things across the room and they called it "reverse telekinesis." I thought that was funny. People often post tips and vent things that might be helpful or relatable, and well, it can really help ease the anxiety when you see many others living with it and still managing.
Still I wish you luck in coping in the meantime and I hope you find answers, nerve issues can be tough.
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Thank you, I will give that a go.
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Thank you for your advice, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one feeling like this!