Even with all of my MRI tests I still worry. Have been told by doctors its all anxiety. I have tried meds and can be okay for a few months and then it all comes back. Anxiety symptoms and MS symptoms are so alike. Why dont meds always work....this is what I dont understand. This started in my 20's and I am now in my 60's. Kind of embarrassing to say I dont believe my doctors. Anyone out there have a similar problem.
Yes Gale. My symptoms also started in my 20s and I thought for sure I had a MS Back then they didn’t do much of anything. The neurologist did an EEG , Told me it was normal and told me to take a vacation. LOL since that time I have seen a couple neurologists, primary care doctor, had an MRI and then another sometime after. Numerous blood tests, etc.
then when I thought about my life I realized that all of my symptoms were due to anxiety and stress. I have had anxiety since kindergarten and the stress just accumulated over the years. After a while your body just can’t take it anymore so it has a breakdown and symptoms. I’m sure you’ve heard of “the straw that broke the camels back“ that’s what happens with stress.
Anxiety tends to show itself through the neurological symptoms. Those symptoms cannot hurt you but I know how scary they can be.
So I decided I had to take matters into my own hands since doctors don’t do much and don’t have many options except medication. Medication just relaxes me but it does not get rid of symptoms. That’s when I got some counseling which helped, I started eating healthier and exercising. I knew that in order for my symptoms to diminish or go away, it was important that I relax my mind.
I started listening to meditations for anxiety, stress, sleep, etc. on YouTube. This completely relaxed my mind and body I do this every night now.
I also stopped taking life so seriously. And I stopped letting fear to control over me. I read a book called mindfulness which is one that a lot of people on this site reading. It helps you regain back your peace of mind and be in control of anxiety and fear. It gives you a different perspective on all of this. There are still times where I become anxious once in a while and even get a symptom here or there, but I basically ignore it and it goes away. The more attention we give symptoms the worst they get.
I am in my 60s also and I don’t think we have to worry about getting MS Anymore.
I truly believe the doctor is correct. Anxiety can definitely cause neurological symptoms that resemble MS. But since the symptoms started in your 20s, you would have known Along time ago if it was that or another condition. I’m at the point where I just don’t worry about it anymore and go about my life. It’s ironic that the more I relax and not worry, the less symptoms I get. That sounds like pure stress and anxiety! Take care of yourself and take one day at a time. Do you think you enjoy and try to stay busy .🌸🌸🌸🙂
Thanks Jan.......you did make me feel better!!!! But how can you do things and exercise when you feel so crappy. When I feel like I am swaying and so tired I just want to lie down on the couch. Everything becomes an effort. Christmas Eve I was so bad I stayed home which is so unlike me. Did you say you take meds now? I almost forget what normal feels like.
I don’t take meds regularly. If I’m really feeling anxious I may take 1/4 of a Xanax but that is not very often. I know that when I feel lightheaded I will take a break and go right to my slow deep breathing. I will listen to one called “Mindfulness breathing guided meditation 10 minutes“
it’s on YouTube and it helps me to regain control and diminishes the lightheadedness. Proper breathing is really important with anxiety. 🌸🌸🌸
I am gonna look into getting that book!!!!! I will keep in touch Jan.
Gale many members posting here are in your shoes more or less; find it difficult to accept reassurance from their doctors. I've struggled with GAD for about 20 yrs now. I have my ups and downs. I choose not to medicate so maybe I've made it tougher on myself. I still worry to this day and every so often go in for tests and more tests. They never find anything significant. Good luck.
Thanks so much for your response!!!!! This anxiety really sucks.
Hi Jan.....so sorry to bother you but in reference to my worry about MS I jyst came across an article that said burning sensations is a symptom of this disease. I have that all the time and I am freaking out!!!! I know people have it with anxiety too......but still in denial here. Need your help
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Hi Jan.....could you help me out here....going crazy!!!!