Self-Diagnosis Anxiety: Tremors & Twitches

[KarenKatherine]

I diagnose myself all the time, will convince myself of ALS, MS, Parkinson's etc. I am having twitches, tremors, stiffness, etc. and just can't reason with myself. My hands have a slight tremor, (paper shakes slightly when I hold it) scares the hell out of me because I have always had very steady hands. My ring fingers will twitch side to side and sometimes the tip will pull forward slightly. If I stretch out my hand and relax it, it will do it for a second and then stop. I also feel like I have more saliva. I have even gotten to the point that I will try to measure it. I do strength tests, walk on my heels, stand on one leg, jump up steps, stand on my toes, stand on my toes on one foot, open any screw top multiple times, etc. This has gone on for two years now, and I know I should see real problems if it was ALS. I just can't help think that maybe it is showing up now. As I have said in other posts I have had an EMG, and MRIs and all is well. I just can't help thinking maybe they missed it, or maybe it appeared after the tests.Is this BFS? I feel like I am going crazy, and unfortunately most of the reactions I get from those I seek help from compound that feeling, so I am now just letting it bounce around in my head. Then it will go away (if it is the same as the past episodes) and all will be well until it just comes back, along with the panic.

 

[FernFinnegan]

With all these tests you have had done, have you seen a therapist yet? One interesting thing I learned is how the reassurance is like an addiction in Health Anxiety. The relief is so powerful, but it does not last. And periods of fear in between reassurance get closer and closer and the spikes get higher and the reassurance less potent. Each time you strength test it is a reassurance, and you do it more and more and make the tests harder and harder. Think how this applies to your situation (and so many of us, like the ones who have had 7-10 EMGs with the same result). Think objectively how much we all sound alike. We like to think we are unique. But we are not. Garden variety BFS.

 

[sparrow92]

well after reading your post for a bit I had to stop and make sure it wasnt something I wrote a while back. EVERYTHING YOU SAID Ive been through. I do all the stupid testing to see if Ive lost strength and dexterity. I even at one time thought I had more salivia than usual. I think a lot of it is stress. We read something and instantly think we have and OMG my life as I know it is OVER!! So dont panic you and I could be brain twins...Its kinda scary hahaha PS if your like me you ask everybody about your symptoms and they think your crazy....well your not I thibk it all comes from stress and anxienty....it gets worse when your stress level goes up from these little symptoms.