Health anxiety / hypochondria

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.

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.