k2626
09-12-2008, 12:05 AM
Hi guys, I have been under a lot lately. My dad just passed away from cancer a few weeks back, he only lived 3 months past his dx. In addition, I have had a host of health issues that have not been dx yet as all tests are coming back clear-sharp migratroy bone/joint pain, extreme joint cracking and now I am getting little muscle twitches all over my body-usually at night
I think the stress of my dad and the unknown as to what is going on with my own body is causing anxiety in me.
I often feel like I cannot get a deep breath (then I fear lung cancer!), also sometimes I cant swallow and I panic. I have woken up many times in the past 6 months (before my dads dx or my mystery illness) gasping for air and trying to swallow. I am not sure if that is related to my GERD (aka acid reflus) or anxiety..though not sure one can be anxious in their sleep
Anyone else have this?
Has anyone tried cymbalta?
I think the stress of my dad and the unknown as to what is going on with my own body is causing anxiety in me.
I often feel like I cannot get a deep breath (then I fear lung cancer!), also sometimes I cant swallow and I panic. I have woken up many times in the past 6 months (before my dads dx or my mystery illness) gasping for air and trying to swallow. I am not sure if that is related to my GERD (aka acid reflus) or anxiety..though not sure one can be anxious in their sleep
Anyone else have this?
Has anyone tried cymbalta?
Sponsor
Nexis
09-12-2008, 07:12 AM
I am sorry you are going through alot right now. That is enough to cause anxiety in anyone! and make sure that you take good care of yourself even though its difficult with the unknown illness.
Cut out any unnecessary activities, and be good to yourself. Drop any negative-creating events and people. Especially since you need to reserve your energy.
I am hanging in there. Doing very little its just so damn difficult and discouraging to keep going with all the pain and dizziness, yet got to keep fighting.
Did you get your blood results back from Igenex? I am still waiting.
Cut out any unnecessary activities, and be good to yourself. Drop any negative-creating events and people. Especially since you need to reserve your energy.
I am hanging in there. Doing very little its just so damn difficult and discouraging to keep going with all the pain and dizziness, yet got to keep fighting.
Did you get your blood results back from Igenex? I am still waiting.
shelly80
09-12-2008, 12:09 PM
I'm sorry to hear of your recent loss, that in itself would be enough to cause anxiety and panic in anyone.
Just wanted to post about what you said about swallowing. I'd never really been able to describe it very well to other people. Its like not being able to catch a breath, not being able to catch a swallow and then getting scared about it. This happens to me ONLY when I'm driving long distance in steep areas. I don't know why, every time I go up this one particular steep mountain pass (and only when I'm going up) I have trouble swallowing and then I freak out. So I learned to keep bottled water with me and I just keep taking sips constantly and it keeps me swallowing normally. Weird what anxiety can do to us.
I've also had muscle twitching, mostly at night when I've been key'd up all day.
Shelly
Just wanted to post about what you said about swallowing. I'd never really been able to describe it very well to other people. Its like not being able to catch a breath, not being able to catch a swallow and then getting scared about it. This happens to me ONLY when I'm driving long distance in steep areas. I don't know why, every time I go up this one particular steep mountain pass (and only when I'm going up) I have trouble swallowing and then I freak out. So I learned to keep bottled water with me and I just keep taking sips constantly and it keeps me swallowing normally. Weird what anxiety can do to us.
I've also had muscle twitching, mostly at night when I've been key'd up all day.
Shelly
8monthslater
09-12-2008, 01:08 PM
I am sorry for your loss. I have had episodes where I have woken up just as you described, gasping for air as if I stopped breathing. I am also not sure if it is related to reflux or anxiety. I went through a terrible time with the shortness of breath too. I am taking Protonox for the reflux and just started Prozac (10 mg) for the anxiety. I have not had one of those episodes in a month or so. I hate it and just wanted to let you know you are not alone.
k2626
09-12-2008, 01:27 PM
This is an odd question, but could anxiety cause joints to crack? I am just at a loss as to what is wrong!
No lyme results yet, should get them today or Monday> I am going to celelbrate if I DO have it.
No lyme results yet, should get them today or Monday> I am going to celelbrate if I DO have it.
Craig1974
09-12-2008, 02:29 PM
Very sorry to hear about your loss - must be a very difficult time for you.
Anxiety and stress can have a powerful physical and emotional effect on you. Have a look at the symptoms bulletin on this board for some reassurance.
My anxiety is usually triggered by life events - my grandmother recently passed away, and my father has been ill for a long time with his quality of life deteriorating. If you add such things to everyday stresses and strains, there can be too much to cope with, and your body reacts in a variety of ways.
I'm currently experiencing health related anxiety problems. I think this can be a vicious circle. The anxiety creates tension in your body, changes your breathing etc, and can effect absolutely any part of your body. It was once suggested to me that small changes in your breathing affect the level of oxygen in your blood. Whilst this is not serious, because blood flows to every part of your body, this effect can cause oddities anywhere in your body (aches and pains, numbness, etc). I wouldn't imagine that joint cracking is uncommon - your should hear my neck and shoulders pop!!! I think if you're down or anxious, this changes your posture as well, which probably adds to the tension.
You could try a chiropractor or a massage to help with this? My chiropractor is very good as he explains the mechanics of what's going on. It's also very relaxing for me despite some of the moves being a bit rough!
As others have suggested, treat yourself well - do what relaxes you the most. Perhaps some nice hot baths with some oils, that kind of thing. For long term joint health, I hear that cod liver oil is excellent (just don't chew the capsules as I did once - yuck!).
And as you will have seen from the other posts, there are some lovely and supportive people on this forum, so just remember that you're not alone.
Try to have a relaxing weekend, and let me know how you're getting on.
Best wishes.
Anxiety and stress can have a powerful physical and emotional effect on you. Have a look at the symptoms bulletin on this board for some reassurance.
My anxiety is usually triggered by life events - my grandmother recently passed away, and my father has been ill for a long time with his quality of life deteriorating. If you add such things to everyday stresses and strains, there can be too much to cope with, and your body reacts in a variety of ways.
I'm currently experiencing health related anxiety problems. I think this can be a vicious circle. The anxiety creates tension in your body, changes your breathing etc, and can effect absolutely any part of your body. It was once suggested to me that small changes in your breathing affect the level of oxygen in your blood. Whilst this is not serious, because blood flows to every part of your body, this effect can cause oddities anywhere in your body (aches and pains, numbness, etc). I wouldn't imagine that joint cracking is uncommon - your should hear my neck and shoulders pop!!! I think if you're down or anxious, this changes your posture as well, which probably adds to the tension.
You could try a chiropractor or a massage to help with this? My chiropractor is very good as he explains the mechanics of what's going on. It's also very relaxing for me despite some of the moves being a bit rough!
As others have suggested, treat yourself well - do what relaxes you the most. Perhaps some nice hot baths with some oils, that kind of thing. For long term joint health, I hear that cod liver oil is excellent (just don't chew the capsules as I did once - yuck!).
And as you will have seen from the other posts, there are some lovely and supportive people on this forum, so just remember that you're not alone.
Try to have a relaxing weekend, and let me know how you're getting on.
Best wishes.
k2626
09-12-2008, 02:39 PM
Thanks for your feedback. If my lyme and thyroid come back normal I dont know if I should chalk it up to anxiety. I mean EVERY joint cracks non stop now, its very odd...as are the muscle twitches and pain. I do know that this is making me anxious for sure.
Thank you...
Thank you...
Nexis
09-12-2008, 11:06 PM
k2626,
Take everything one day at a time. Like everyone said you are dealing with alot right now, and just be really good to yourself emotionally too.
The anxiety could be a secondary symptom of the recent events. Talk to your doctor when you see them next time what you told us.
I actually had anxiety all my life and now with the lyme-like symptoms, you are being to sound like me.
And my knee and ankle began to pop recently.
If you have lyme or whatever it may be, the symptoms will probably come and go...
How is your memory and cognitive function? I can barely remember anything, can't do very focused thinking and need a memo pad with me all the time to jot things down.
Please keep me posted. I will have my results much later some time in October.
Lets celebrate online if i have it too!:jester:
Take everything one day at a time. Like everyone said you are dealing with alot right now, and just be really good to yourself emotionally too.
The anxiety could be a secondary symptom of the recent events. Talk to your doctor when you see them next time what you told us.
I actually had anxiety all my life and now with the lyme-like symptoms, you are being to sound like me.
And my knee and ankle began to pop recently.
If you have lyme or whatever it may be, the symptoms will probably come and go...
How is your memory and cognitive function? I can barely remember anything, can't do very focused thinking and need a memo pad with me all the time to jot things down.
Please keep me posted. I will have my results much later some time in October.
Lets celebrate online if i have it too!:jester:
Nexis
09-12-2008, 11:08 PM
If you are waking up alot, look up " sleep apnea".
k2626
09-12-2008, 11:19 PM
Ha!
So I am paranoid I have ALS due to the muscle twitching!
Do your pains sometimes just come for a second and then hit another part of your body? I have been getting that a lot today!
So I am paranoid I have ALS due to the muscle twitching!
Do your pains sometimes just come for a second and then hit another part of your body? I have been getting that a lot today!
tinkerbell78
09-12-2008, 11:30 PM
wonder if sleep apnea could be causing your distress at night, my fiance has it pretty bad. he stops breathing and sometimes gets choked, it never seems to wake him but it certianly wakes me. im trying my best to talk him into seeing a specialist and mabye looking into a C-pap mask.
k2626
09-12-2008, 11:37 PM
My fiance has it to, he also jerks around in his sleep-not fun for me!
I dont think I do but who knows, I think it could be the gerd
I dont think I do but who knows, I think it could be the gerd
Nexis
09-13-2008, 01:09 AM
GERD will make you wake up, yet it won't make you have choking episodes.
k2626
09-13-2008, 02:25 AM
Actually it will. The acid come shooting up your throat (especially when laying down) and can cause one to choke. People who have barretts often have this along with the difficulty in swallowing. I have had GERD for quite awhile now and can get horrible.
Check out the acid reflux board....many people sadley have this often.
Check out the acid reflux board....many people sadley have this often.
calidreaming
09-13-2008, 05:00 AM
there is a term for this- night terrors. I suggest you look it up on the net.
Anxiety can cause them.
Anxiety can cause them.
Nexis
09-13-2008, 05:08 AM
I have a family member with GERD and got them diagnosed...
Are you taking meds for GERD and did you have an endoscopy? That should give you a clear answer if you have GERD or something else...
If you are choking and gasping for air (lack of oxygen reaction), then its got to be something else. If you are just choking then its probably GERD.
Hope you find out what's causing the sleep time attacks....
Are you taking meds for GERD and did you have an endoscopy? That should give you a clear answer if you have GERD or something else...
If you are choking and gasping for air (lack of oxygen reaction), then its got to be something else. If you are just choking then its probably GERD.
Hope you find out what's causing the sleep time attacks....
k2626
09-15-2008, 06:06 PM
Yes I was dx w GERD and had an upper endo.
I am starting to wonder if all my symptoms ARE do to anxiety. I certainly have it now not have a dx, and now I fear ALS due to my non stop twitching.
Going to pick up lyme results now
I am starting to wonder if all my symptoms ARE do to anxiety. I certainly have it now not have a dx, and now I fear ALS due to my non stop twitching.
Going to pick up lyme results now
Nexis
09-16-2008, 03:20 AM
k2626,
Good to hear you have that DX for GERD and not letting it agonize you any further to what it may be.
The anxiety at this point can be anything, and lyme can be part of the factor, if you test positive.
I hope you get the results and let us know.
Good to hear you have that DX for GERD and not letting it agonize you any further to what it may be.
The anxiety at this point can be anything, and lyme can be part of the factor, if you test positive.
I hope you get the results and let us know.
Nexis
09-16-2008, 03:36 AM
k2626,
I just read on the ALS Hope Foundation site that Lyme can mimic ALS-like symptoms.
Hope little more information to help you through.
I just read on the ALS Hope Foundation site that Lyme can mimic ALS-like symptoms.
Hope little more information to help you through.
k2626
09-16-2008, 01:35 PM
That is my fear. My lyme results appear to look okay