Health Anxiety

[upawall]

Hello,

I'm a 70 yr old woman with severe health anxiety which I've had since I was 10. I have had therapy and have been on antidepressants for probably 15 years. Also valium as needed, but lately things have really gotten out of hand. I am jittery inside, have occasional myoclonic jerks, and I am convinced I have some awful neurological disorder. Have seen my doctor and going again tomorrow. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Agora1]

Hi new friend

I just wanted to Welcome you to a safe and nurturing forum. I'd like to wish you well

with your appointment tomorrow. It sounds very much like overwhelming anxiety

symptoms. Of course, I'm not a doctor but know how anxiety can present us with

many unexplained symptoms of stress. Let us know what your doctor says tomorrow.

Keeping you in my thoughts. xx

[upawall in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement

[SaryaHey]

Hey, i just wanted to say that whatever happens, you deserve to be happy 💛.let us know about tomorrow, wish you get better, we are here for you 💛

[Yesica2021]

que te valla muy bien en tu cita

[Funkyfaerie]

Hi,Get some tests done, as scary as they might be, you need to put your mind at rest.

I have had a multitude of symptoms, thought most of them were something terrible. From dizzy passing out feelings, aching muscles, upset stomach, can't breathe, can't eat, read some of my posts too much to mention!

I've had blood tests, xrays, MRI.... all OK. But it didn't stop my symptoms knowing this, it's taken time. Most of my problem is extreme muscle tension, I can't relax and that has all sorts of consequences on the body. It took me a long time to realise this and I am only just really coming out of it all and realising what I'm doing to myself with this circle of fear.

I would say I am 90% better than I was even a year ago, this latest episode kicked off with burn out over work and travel and has lasted 5 years.

Like you, I am not a young person and have coped on and off with episodes throughout my life, I don't know if it's hereditary or not, but my Father suffered the same.

I'm not a one to take drugs, but have coped on the odd diazepam when I needed it and an anti nausea tablet, as I panic more if I feel sick. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but I feel that is caused by muscle tension, in me anyway.

Don't give up, but don't fight it, get some tests done and stay in touch.

Best Wishes

[upawall in reply to Funkyfaerie]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It sounds a lot like mine. I've had all sorts of tests as well and nothing serious has shown up. I am seeing my doctor this morning and hopefully all will be fine. It usually is, but then I start thinking which isn't good. LOL! I have started doing breathing exercises and hope they help. My brother is really into yoga and I've started some of that too. Hopefully something will work. I'm happy to hear you're doing so much better!

[Funkyfaerie in reply to upawall]

How did it go with the doctor?

[upawall in reply to Funkyfaerie]

She checked me out thoroughly and all was fine. EKG, neuro check--what she could do in her office--and all was fine. Waiting for results of bloodwork. I have had anxiety my entire life, but never the shakiness and myoclonic jerks I have now. It's awful. Thanks for asking

[upawall in reply to Funkyfaerie]

Blood work is normal. Still shaky and jittery. Nervous about getting the vaccine which is now available to people over 65.

[Kamp2020]

Get checked out to make sure. I have tardive dyskinesia which can be a jerking that was caused by stimulant medication. Ask about that too. Good luck

[upawall in reply to Kamp2020]

Thank you. I will

[Mindtree]

Its awful to know that you are suffering for so long. Have you ever tried to do breathing excercise ? if not please try for some months.

[upawall in reply to Mindtree]

Just started to do breathing exercises

[Mindtree in reply to upawall]

It's not the body that causes anxiety it's the mind. It can immitate to have physical problems.

[upawall in reply to Mindtree]

I know and I am trying everything I can to resolve this. Waiting for blood work results. Just terrified.

[Speechpat]

Sounds very familiar to me. Anxious to hear about your results.

[upawall in reply to Speechpat]

I just read read your profile and you sound very much like me. I think COVID adds to everything, obviously, although I am not aware of that. I'll be interested to hear about your MRI results. I'm sure all will be fine. I know it's easy for me to say. Don't know why I can't say it to myself Contemplating having one done, but nervous about the surge of infections in California, where I live.

[upawall in reply to upawall]

oops--just saw your post was from several months ago. So, how was the MRI?

[Speechpat in reply to upawall]

It was ok. Thanks for asking. I tend to turn everything into something major.

[upawall in reply to Speechpat]

I do too. Blood work is normal, but I think I need an MRI, but who knows. Our son is after us to get THE VACCINE which is now available to people over 65. I'm terrified of having a severe reaction. I keep thinking of that 56 year old doctor who got the vaccine and a couple of weeks later he was dead. No platelets.