Physical anxiety symptoms - muscle twitches, cramps, weakness

[Rubybleu]

The past week or two I’ve been totally ruled by my health anxiety. I started having a weak feeling in my left hand and arm and something about MND came on TV and now of course I have MND. I’ve been experiencing muscle twitches and cramps/sore muscles, mainly in my calves and forearms. I saw my Dr in relation to this and he tested my reflexes, strength and pulses and all was fine. I keep trying to reason with myself but I just can’t shake this MND idea. It’s ridiculous. My Dr only prescribed medication to take when I’m having a really bad moment but the problem is I’m having these every day for most of the day.

Is anyone else experiencing this type of physical anxiety symptoms? This is all new to me as I’ve never experienced this type of anxiety before.

[isabelle21]

Gosh, reading all these posts make me feel so much less alone. I have struggled with weakness/jelly/stiff legs for about a year now that is on and off. Petrified of it potentially being MS. I am doing some hypnosis and it's reducing the intensity of the fear of it but I still find it so so distressing... 😞

[EC123]

I know this post was from a couple of years ago but honestly I resonate with a lot of what people are saying on here. I am getting really weak and twitchy arms and legs and it is sending me into a spiral. Last night I couldn’t sleep until 3 am bc I felt weak and restless all over. Of course I began to google google google and then stumbled across this thread. My health anxiety has absolutely spiralled this lockdown (as I’ve had other health issues/scares as we'll) and now this just to add to it. I am so tired but cannot relax, I’m so tense and anxious, I can barely eat or focus on anything and this muscle weakness/spasming is just making it so much worse. I’m wondering weather I should try magnesium supplements as I have a read a few people have said it has helped. But honestly I just need people to talk to about this, desperate!

[Amyc]

God I can relate to all of this. I developed health related anxiety a week after I got my vaccination. I've always had anxiety, but never panic disorder. I was sitting at my desk at work, started feeling a throb in my arm, tingles all over, dizzy, felt like doomsday, called an ambulance went to hospital all clear. Went to the doc, had every test under the sun, was diagnosed with panic disorder. I had another attack today because of the muscle twitching, convincing myself I'm having a blood clot (very rare side effect of vacc). Had multiple days off work, thank god my manager is supportive. Going to the doc next week to see a psych to talk through it. I feel I have been pretty strong living through these lockdowns especially in melbourne, but I guess the mental pressure of taking a vaccination I'm skeptical about (I have every other vaccination I'm required to) got to me. I've been to the hospital twice, and they've told me both times im relatively healthy. I have no motivation to exercise atm as im constantly tired and mentally drained whenever I have an attack so I usually nap. Im giving myself a break atm, so when Melbourne is out of lockdown I will head back to fitness.

[Amyc]

Definitely go to a doctor and see if you can go on a mental health plan. I have been on medication for depression in the past, so I was quick to jump on anti anxiety medication as I wanted this sorted ASAP. Each week and a half I slowly increase dosages to get used to it. I just joined a website called moodgym aswell which is free which helps with cognitive behaviour therapy. I haven't started yet but I believe it gets down to why your brain is making you think you have pain/how to better tolerate it

[EC123]

Hi Amyc,

Thank you for replying! I have to renew my mental health plan and am currently seeing a psychologist (over the phone bc of Covid). After speaking to her I generally feel good but when I get into a panic practising techniques become so difficult. I’ve considered medication but have been scared of side effects or feeling even worse. How did your experiences go with meds?

Thank you for your recommendations! Xx

[bluemoonbluesky]

Just to let you all know I suffered from twitches non-stop for a few weeks in a couple of periods last year. And I mean non-stop, in my arms, legs, torso, back, everywhere. If you're concerned, get them on video and show a medical practitioner as I did. Mine eventually went away. They tapered off slowly and then just stopped. They are annoying and very disconcerting, but usually they are benign and not threatening at all. I still get one or two occasionally, especially in my legs, but they are definitely linked with heightened periods of anxiety.

[Guest_2496]

Cramps are driving me crazy grrr.