New to BFS: Tingling/Twitching

[tyfff]

Hello,I am new to the site, but have been reading many of the posts about BFS and learning a tremendous amount. Despite my reading, I still have a couple of questions related to my symptoms.Briefly, I started with "tingling" all over my body. The tingles would last 10-20 seconds and would go away if I scratched them. About a week later, I started muscle twitching all over, although about 70% of the twitches are on my left side (anywhere from hand to face to leg to rib cage). Most of these twitches were/are visible if I look at the area.About a week into the twitching a developed muscle jerks where something (a leg, finger, etc) actually moved because of the twitch. These are maybe 20x per day.I also developed a tremor in both hands, although more pronounced in my left hand. It does not occur at rest and seems to only occur when I attempt something requiring fine motor skills. I also have a serious twitch when I "half-smile". My cheek shudders when I do this, and interestingly enough it does so on the right side, not the left. I also get cramps in my calves right after I do toe raises. Again, they are mostly on the left. THESE THREE THINGS have me the most freaked out because I am scared that the tremor is coming from deteriorating muscles (ie ALS or MS)The last symptom is what i would describe as a full body twitch where my head and body seem to all jerk at once and reset to a new position.In the interest of full disclosure, my psych took me off Depakote about 2 weeks ago and said that minor twitching is to be expected. What I am experiencing doesn't feel like minor twitching.I have scheduled an appt with a neuro in a couple of weeks. In the mean time I am looking for some input on the interpretation of these symptoms. As many have done before me, I am letting my anxiety drive my life and thus cannot rationally interpret what i have read about BFS, MS and ALS.Any input on what these symptoms might indicate would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

 

[Krackersones]

Your symptoms sound familiar to what many experience here. Take comfort in the fact that you have a likely explanation (withdrawal from a drug) which means that there is a great likelihood your symptoms will go away or at least decrease soon assuring you that you have nothing serious. There are meds to treat the symptoms if bothersome if they don't go away.

 

[AndyStreams]

Hey there--Not only do your symptoms sound familiar, but I was also taken off of depakote many years ago. I was put on depakote to control migraines when I was about 17, but the doctor kept putting me on more and more depakote. I was taking a small handful of pills every morning for months, and I wondered if it would ever have long term side effects. I haven't thought about it much until your post, but now I wonder. Anyways, I've had a lot of problems with tremors. The funny thing is, they wax and wane. 2 weeks ago I was getting tons of tremors, this week, not so much. About a year ago I couldn't hold a drink or a grocery bag without my arm shaking. Right now I'm okay. Tingling, twitching, tremors. Sounds similar. Don't worry bout als seriously, sounds nothing like it at all and any neuro will tell you that as well.

 

[tyfff]

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated.If you could humor me with two more quick questions, I would be grateful:1. Do you have certain muscles that twitch regularly? My left thigh and calf seem to twitch regularly. Not all the time, but in the same place several times during the day. I still have random twitches all around my body. Anything to worry about?2. Do you have muscle aches? I seem to get aching muscles in my legs and arms. More often they are on my left side, and often in the same spot as the regular twitches. They seem to be worse in the evening and nonexistant during the day. Again, anything to worry about?I tend toward being a cyber-chondriac, so I alwasy lean toward the worst case scenario (M/S and A/L/S) I hope these simple (silly?) questions do not offend.Input is much appreciated