Hello all. I’m new to this, but I’ve come here to talk as I can’t keep living like this. I think it would be best for me to talk with people who have had experience with this. I believe I’m a hypochondriac, I have major health anxiety/stress. It all started a couple of months ago when I thought I had colon cancer, my dad had it when I was younger. I went in for a colonoscopy, no cancer but they did find a pre cancerous polyp. It spun my life out of control, they wanted to do genetic testing being that I’m only 21 with a pre cancerous polyp. I then started to have pain where I knew was my right ovary. I had an ultrasound done and they found a complex ovarian cyst. I then consulted dr google to find that those are the cysts they need to keep a close eye on because they could turn out to be cancer. Very stressed out about that. Then a month later I start noticing twitching on the right side of my nose just under my eye. It went on for a week then I decided to consult my doctor. He decided to run an MRI on my brain to be sure. The MRI came back clear and the twitching on the side of my nose stopped. However the twitching started everywhere else. My upper arms, my legs, my butt, my legs, my feet, now even my tongue. This morning I woke up with my right thumb twitching like crazy. It has done this before also but not this long... it’s been all day now. I consulted dr. Google. I know that’s a horrible thing to do for someone like me... and the first thing that comes up is ALS. I go into full panic mode. I’ve been worried about ALS now for about three months. I just saw my neurologist yesterday and he said it’s not ALS but he wants to do an EMG. Today is Wednesday, my emg is Monday. I don’t think I can wait until then. My anxiety is out of control especially today with my thumb going crazy. I just need someone to talk to. 
thank you all for reading this.
Health anxiety / hypochondria: Hello all. I... - Anxiety Support
Anxiety Support
Health anxiety / hypochondria
Hello - I'm sorry that you're going through this.
I've been dealing with HA for about 2 years now. In September I finally went to my doctor, after visiting the ER twice for non-emergencies. Just my anxiety acting up.
I'm on Paxil now, which has been helpful. I still have light/moderate anxiety, but it's much easier to get out of the rabbit hole than it was before.
I was constantly dwelling on the fact that I was worried something was wrong with me. It took over each day of my life - until I finally said I can't keep doing this. It was unfair to my kids and myself.
I started seeing a therapist in October, which was helpful along with the medication. At this time, I am awaiting an appointment with a psychiatrist because I think at this point I would greatly benefit from CBT. At least, my hope is that it will help.
I've self-diagnosed many diseases and conditions, and thankfully for the most part am feeling better.
I've got a nasty headache that lasted for about 2 days, and unfortunately I went to good old Dr. Google yesterday. I knew I shouldn't do it. I had myself worked up all morning. I did not go to the ER though. I just took my Tylenol and then Advil, and went home a little early from work to use Benadryl.
I was very open with my coworkers, who I am close with, and told them what I was thinking and doing. They helped calm me down and talked me off the ledge. I really wanted to rush to the ER, but then I thought if I do and the headache is nothing more than a tension headache, I would be taking time away from people who are actually in need of emergency treatment and how unfair for me to do that.
I allow myself that if things don't improve within a few days, then I can go see my doctor.
I've been using the app called Headspace. It is guided meditation. I really like that. It's easier for me to breathe through my worries and allows the anxiety the chance to just be, without me over-analyzing it.
Again, this works pretty well, but I find that I have to be committed. Other times I fail, and I listen to the thoughts and give them the respect that they do not deserve, like yesterday.
Each day is a struggle, some are just easier than others.
We are all on this journey though, so please feel free to reach out. If I'm in a good place I would love to help you.
How’d it go?
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Believe me, I feel your fear!
My dad was diagnosed with ALS in October and since hearing that my health anxiety has been through the roof!
Shortly after hearing his diagnosis my muscle twitching started too, all the same places as you. Sometimes it feels like fizzy bubbles popping in my lower legs and sometimes it’s a constant twitch in one place. I’ve had them for nearly three months now. There’s not been a day without twitches. I keep worrying if my upper arms and legs ache and keep freaking out that my upper right arm feels weaker.
I saw the doctor just over two weeks ago and he made me push and pull his arms and checked my reflexes; which were fine.
I’ve started beta blockers -which has taken the edge off of the fear- but I’m still worried.
I’m seeing him again on the 31st but he’s certain it’s stress and anxiety. He said if I’m still getting twitches when I see him he’ll refer me to neurology for an EMG.
This is so stressful isn’t it! I know that if the twitches stop I’ll feel 100 times better.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. How is he now? He’s in my thoughts and prayers. If you find mind my asking, what were his symptoms. If you don’t want to disclose I completely understand!! I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this as well. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone 😔 do you have twitching in your thumb or hotspots of twitching? I will update you after my emg!
I can tell you if you want but I don’t want to cause you more worry.
He’s doing ok but getting weaker. He had cancer in 2016 so this is a blow.
I haven’t had it in my thumb. It’s mainly my legs, some in my right arm mainly, and all random other places, mainly in the middle of my body.
You’re right it probably will cause me more worry. I’m assuming twitching. 😔 but was it constant twitching or on and off twitching?
I just know it was twitching. I haven’t asked him in detail as I know I’ll worry more myself. It started with cramps though.
I haven’t had any cramps, have you?
No, I have woke in the night numerous times and felt twitching though. There’s 3-4 types of motor neurone disease, ALS is the main one. It can have different onset symptoms. In the UK it’s mainly called motor neurone disease. No one else in the family has ever had it. And I think I read that you’re young so it’s highly unlikely.
We just have to keep reminding ourselves that it would be progressing at least some by now. As long as we are just having twitching I think we are safe. Happy I’m not in this alone.
Me too! I keep hoping it is just anxiety 🤞🏻
Did your twitching start as soon as you heard about your dad?
I’m not sure exactly but very soon after. I have had it in my feet badly about 15 years ago also
I’m sure it is stress induced then! I’m thinking about going to talk to a therapist about my health anxiety.
I’m doing that currently!
I know you don’t want to talk to your dad about his twitches but it may help ease your mind. Maybe ask him if his were more localized, constant etc... of at least when you feel ready. ♥️ it’s funny because I just started getting muscle cramps right after you said his first symptoms were twitching and cramps.
I know they were mainly his legs and arms and some in the stomach/diaphragm area. I think they were constant or every day. His EMG was only meant to be legs but the person doing it saw his arm twitching and asked if that usual happened, so decided to test his arm too.
I notice that on days I’m busy, for example I was with my mom and we had a nice shopping day, I wasn’t twitching hardly (maybe one time that day) but days I’m focusing on it it’s really bad. I guess I’m wondering, were his all day long, like 24/7?
I’m not sure, I know he was getting them every day. He still gets them but I don’t think they’re as bad.
I’m the same, when I’m busy it’s not as noticeable. More so if I’m sitting still or in bed.
I did have a week or two where my upper legs felt a bit weak/achey. Now I keep focussing on my upper right arm.
When did he start experiencing weakness? I’m focusing on my upper right arm now as well!
Nearly a year and a half ago. I sometimes think we make things happen in our bodies
So he started experiencing weakness shortly after the twitches? See that’s a good sign. I’m on a group on Facebook called BFN - benign fasciculations and they said “twitches without muscle weakness are just twitches.” I think that’s good to keep saying to yourself. I’m here for ya. ♥️
I think so, I’m not sure?!
I’m not sure if I have muscle weakness, if I’m just imagining it, or my muscles are tense from anxiety.
My dads weakness started in his legs and he had a few falls.
Have you had a neurological exam done? You can often do them at home. I’ve read that you don’t feel weak with als, you just simply can’t do something.
I’m not sure what that involves? The dr got me to push and pull his arms and checked my reflexes but I haven’t seen a neurologist yet
That’s a neurological exam! So if he didn’t notice any muscle weakness that’s good
Good to hear thank you!
Wouldn’t it have showed up in your mri?
No, that will only rule out nerve damage from injury/compression; especially if they mri your spine. EMG is the main test I think.
Oh you didn’t do it if your brain?
My dads was spinal, think @frenchielover97 was brain?
Yes mine was a brain MRI which only ruled out MS.