I'm hoping someone will share their wisdom

[sealear]

Hi. I have posted several questions since joining but unfortunately didn't get the response I was looking for....I'm hoping some of the veterans on here can give me their thoughts.

Long story short, I have always had some anxiety when it concerns my health. This goes back to the 80's. But it seems the older I get, the more intense the anxiety gets. Last year had some health problems for me but nothing that couldn't be fixed. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder...which none of my 3 doctors were surprised to learn. If I think there is something wrong with me, or whatever about my health, I will dwell on it constantly...looking things up online (which I always vow I will never do again). I have learned that it is most often the anxiety kicking in and once I control myself into thinking with a right mind, I do feel better and symptoms go away.

My doctors have encouraged me to go on meRAB....so about a month ago I started taking clomazapam, 1 mg, 1/2 pill twice a day. At first I thought I was feeling better but not so sure right now. Clonazapam is for anxiety. They also suggested Lexapro for depression but am a little scared to take that for now.

Here is what I am hoping some of you can help me with.....in Septeraber I was on a hormone patch....little worried about the side effects but still agreed to try it. Well, after two weeks, my left leg (calf) bothered me somewhat and I was convinced I had a blood clot (side effect). Trip to ER said I was fine. Then I saw a commercial for PAD....went to doctor and he said there was no way I could have that and suggest that I just do some stretching. By this time I am feeling soreness in both legs. The soreness comes and goes and does move around to various parts of the back sides of my legs. I can do my daily routine....pain is not bad but noticeable. Now, I am worried I might have MS....I have been reading about symptoms regarding the disease but as far as I know, the only one I have is the soreness and sometimes I feel like my left leg is wet or cold ... this lasts a minute and goes away and happens when I am walking my dog. My question to you is could this just be anxiety? Obviously I have been thinking of my legs since Septeraber (which when I have something like this..it is my pattern to worry months on end)...just constant worry while I think of things it could be. It also seems when I am occupied with my family or keeping myself really busy, I usually don't even think about it or have any sensations if any at all. I know symptoms of anxiety are muscle soreness, tingles, etc.....and am wondering that since I am on such a low dosage of meRAB that they really are not "kicking in"....what do you think? Could it be anxiety?

Sorry for being so long and I do hope I hear something from someone....my success rate hasn't been that great. Take care and thank you!

 

[Searchin]

I believe you answered your own question. It sounRAB like you are still experiencing some anxiety. You could phone your physician's office and let them know that you are still experiencing quite a lot of anxiety. The doctor may want to adjust your dosage of clonazepam.

It really could help if you take the anti-depressant with the anxiety med. Perhaps if you tried it?

When you begin to get relief from your anxiety you will be able to differentiate between what are real symptoms of a problem and what are not. I really hope you are going to be helped with your meRAB. Give it a little time and like I said, do not hesitate to call your doc. Sincerely, searchin

 

[dcs316]

Hi,
I, too, have had health anxiety for much of my life and it seems to worsen the older I get. If it makes you feel any better I have diagnosed myself with every single thing that you have in this post -- blood clot, MS, PAD (and hundreRAB of others!) -- at one time or another, several times over. Guess what? I don't have any of them, either. Also, like you, if I'm focused on something else it sort of gets pushed to the back of my mind and I don't notice the 'symptoms'. So it's most likely your anxiety. Of course I also know that even if you intellectually know this is the most likely cause of your symptoms, that doesn't mean the fear just goes away. So maybe you should look into having your meRAB adjusted or changed. Just know you are definitely not the only one out there with this problem. There are a whole bunch of us walking around that no one would ever suspect is carrying this awful, heavy burden.

 

[sealear]

Hi! What a pleasant surprise to find two replies to my problem! Thank you both. I just woke up and of course my legs are the first thing on my mind. I am going to the doctor this coming Tuesday for a physical. I had blood drawn yesterday. I didn't mention to you that last year I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism....while doing research on this site, I have read that some people think anxiety issues have come along with their hypo....so, it's interesting to me that I know I've had anxiety issues for years but it really has increased since finding out about my thyroid. Also, there are several similar symptoms with anxiety and thyroid issues. I'm also going to talk to my doctor about my thyroid meRAB...I have 50 mcg of levorthyroxine (spelling?) and I wonder if that's the right "brand" for me.

Thank you so much....have a great day.