Health Anxiety ALS

[Scottkom20]

How can I overcome my Health Anxiety I have a fear about getting ALS I have muscle twitching, and stiff legs and it always feels like something is in my throat I haven't been sleeping and have been stressed constantly, I keep overanalyzing everything checking for symptoms thinking about how I walk etc... I went to my primary care doctor he seemed to think it was just anxiety but it didn't resolve my fears for long he prescribed me down Zoloft but I had a really wierd reaction the first day I took it I felt high and zoned out I can't work like that I operate equipment. I have an intake appointment with a therapist this week, my Dr said if it doesn't get better than he can send me to a neurologist to resolve my fear but I hope it doesn't come to that

[Dorsey]

Hi there sounds like anxiety to me. I have suffered for years with strange legs buzzing tingling never feel right only for short periods of time. The throat thing is a common symptom of anxiety so i wouldn't worry too much. I tried zoloft but had bad reaction so if they don't agree with you go back to doctor and try something else. I've had symptoms for last 4 years even with medication they don't go away. Do wishing you all the best.

[Katepots]

Please get yourB12 and vitamin D tested.

Symptoms very common when these are low. B12 should be 600+, tbe gp will tell you ok at 200! Same with Vitamin D, levels. Look on vitamin D council website.

I had hideous anxiety, panic attack, agoraphobia, leg pain, exhaustion...

Turned out to be a thyroid problem but also very low B12 and Vit D. X

[Miniwheats]

It's hard when you don't feel like your doctor has done a thorough enough assessment and instead tells you it's just anxiety. The problem is he/she could be right but there's no "test" to confirm that it's all just anxiety and it starts to play on our minds. If your doc offered a referral to see a neurologist that's the route I would go first, before seeing a therapist. It would be tough for me to work on my anxiety without first getting an all clear from my neurologist. I really feel like there's a bit of a misconception about anxiety in that it's felt that an anxious person is completely irrationale...I think it's that we (anxious people) are extremely detail oriented and need clear answers to health symptoms where there's no room to be left doubting the physician's competence or their desire to help. My anxiety was greatly reduced after I made an appointment with a physician colleague with the reputation of being extremely bright and genuinely wanting to help. I spent an hour as he answered all my questions and gave an explanation behind every conclusion he drew. It was extremely reassuring and I wish more doctors were like this.

[Anxietyhate]

I literally came on here tonight to basically write the same thing. I feel like all my muscles are tight and tired, that I have way too much saliva, and that I’m getting ALS. I’m 35. I know it’s not likely, but I also feel like I for sure have it! Last year was MS... before that it was cancer... I’m so hoping it’s just another one of my health anxiety flares and that I feel better so. It’s so scary.

[Scottkom20 in reply to Anxietyhate]

Its such a struggle I understand completely