Im new here...but PLEASE help me!

[anxiousoutcast]

Hi, I havent posted to an anxiety forum in awhile, hoping I was over it. I have been dealing with anxiety for 10 years now and just got off of medication, Lexapro, and before that was on Paxil.

What I am really having a problem with though has been going on for about 7 months now and I could really use some reassuring, because I am convinced I have MS.

So basically I have been dealing with this weak/heavy limb feeling. I went through this year in my life where I was drinking every night, not just drinking, but getting completely blitzed, then I stopped and now I have these feelings. It isnt always constant, at first it was only bad the morning after I would drink. Now I have it almost everyday, or atleast once during the day, I thought it was a vitamin deficiency, so I took B and D. It got better after this, but now it is back and seems even worse. So then I thought maybe I was just weak, so I joined a gym, that hasnt helped either.

So now I am sitting here, and my arms and legs are tingly like I need to be moving, and my fingertips are numb. I seem to have trouble moving my thumbs. I have a hard time believing that it is all anxiety related since it has been happening for so long, unfortunatley I do not have health insurance right now and could really use some related stories or some words of reassurance. Please please help me...does anyone else get this?

Thank you.

[baddabingtim]

Sounds like poor circulation - and probably anxiety - I am not a doctor - so I would advice getting a doctors opinion -

[edwardme]

Hey there anxiousoutcast,

I would also advise seeing a doctor regarding your symptoms.

You may want to keep in mind that what you are describing are both systems of anxiety (tingling etc.) AND alcohol withdrawal.

Best to see your doctor so he/she can be the one to tell you it's okay, and you can plan your next move together.

I went through the tingling/poor circulation/numb feeling myself, and until I figured out what it was for me, it REALLY freaked me out, so I feel for you, and get what you might be going through.

Get it checked out by a professional.

Be well,

Edward

[diffster]

hey anxiousoutcast,
I don't know if this helps, but I have had what you describe for some years and tried to get doctors to help me, but they all looked at me like I was crazy. Then I discovered that a lack of magnesium causes the symptoms you have described. I get heavy feeling limbs especially when I sit at night and I feel like I have to keep moving them all the time. Trying to stretch and stuff, but it only makes it worse. So give magnesium a go. It definitely helps.

[sport mad]

hi ,

What i find that doings weights is the gym is no good, what i would be doing would be about 30mins of cardio either running or swimming. You feel brillant after this, you notice a difference, hope this helps.

[NancyD]

Hi- I have had the same symptoms on and off for a while. I was told that I was hyperventilating. I didn't believe the doctor but he told me when it happens to get a small paper bag and make a small hole in the bottom- breathe into it- I was amazed..all the symptoms went away...and I became really calm.......Hope this helps!!

[aSoundMind]

anxiousoutcast,

I completely understand what you are talking about. With anxiety, it's hard to convince yourself that nothing more serious is wrong with our bodies. Anxiety produces so many physical symptoms and it can be hard to say.

Chances are good, if you have been to the doctor and diagnosed with having an anxiety disorder, that what you are feeling is only anxiety.
You can always recheck with your doctor if you thinking it could be something more serious.

Many people who take medications and come off, find a return of their anxiety symptoms because they were never in therapy while on meds.

The best thing for you to do is overcome your anxiety once and for all.

It wasn't until I learned skills, gained understanding, and faced my fears that I finally overcame panic, anxiety and agoraphobia.

I am completely recovered now but I understand where you are coming from. It's frustrating, especially after suffering for so long.

You are not alone - so many are suffering with you. You must know, that you CAN overcome it. Hang in there!