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Numb/Achey ARm and leg

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Posted 5/22/2006 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Does anyone suffer from achey/numd hands/arms and legs?  I do!!  But only on my left side.  I think my panic/anxiety cause this pain to come and go.  Initially, I thought there was a problem with my heart because I was having skipped beats, but I had a whole work-up done and all the tests came back normal.  The cardiologist did say I have a few PVC's and PACs and so I believe that it what causes my anxiety.  I am in the military and they aren't big on giving meds out so quickly.  Also, I have trouble sleeping at night.  I fall asleep really easily, but like clockwork I am up at 1 or 2 in the morning tossing and turning until it's time to go to work.  This anxiety crap really sucks!  It is changing my whole life.  I feel if I keep going back to the DR they'll think I'm just crazy.  I don't know what to do anymore.  I guess I just take relief in the fact that I am not the only one suffering from these types of conditions.  Thanks for listenting guys/gals...

Joe

Posted 5/29/2006 7:09 PM (GMT 0)

T confused : AF JOEY

I totally hear you on this one!!! I've had numbness and weakness in my legs and arms for two months now, thought I had a neurological disease, was scared crapless and still am. Went to a neurologist and the hospital twice , its the most I've ever been there in my life. I/m in nursing school and they said I have anxiety/panic disorder, which can cause all sorts of crazy symptoms. Its also like I can't calm myself down , losing weight, not hungry. Was on klonipin which I feel helped me tremendously, then was switched to xanax, take that before bed when I feel I need it. Still don't feel right though, it's totally consuming my life, may have to venture off to a shrink eventually. Best of luck with you, and give meds a try they may really help.....--jackie

Posted 5/29/2006 8:56 PM (GMT 0)

hiya,

i have suffered with achy/numb arms legs feet etc.

for the last 2 months or so i have suffered bad achyness in my ribs, shoulders and this radiates into my chest. mostly on the right side tho. i have had allsorts of bad thoughts and paranoia about it, from thinking i have breast to bone cancer, ms etc etc etc.

it got so bad i was at doctors every week . its a horrid feeling thinking every little twinge or ache tingling or numbness is something serious and it gives me bad panic attacks.

has anyone else had this and how did you cope with it. i'd welcome any input or suggestions.

thanks

pp

Posted 5/30/2006 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
The anxiety over times causes the muscles to twist and turn, blocking off the nerves so the nerve path ways change, which alter progressively the muscles and nerves all the way down the body, giving the impression of tightness in the chest, neck and shoulder pain, arm and leg pain, all of which become part of the anxiety cycle,
your posture changes over time naturally with age and also enhanced with any of these conditions, so be aware of this, how you sit, how you sleep, how you walk
Posted 5/30/2006 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
I think this is why often people think they are having a heart attack when they are having panic and anxiety issues - because they feel that numbness. It is on various check lists of symptoms of panic attacks. I have suffered from them since i was a child, which my husband knows, but recently when he had his first brush with an "anxiety attack" he was convinced based on the tingling and numb hand and arm that it was a heart condition. The emergency room staff explained it to him but I think until then, he never understood the true physical symptoms and how they can just make the whole issue worse since you never know when it could be the real thing! As for the night - I start to dread it. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat but dread waking up and all it can bring - that is one reason I looked around and found here, just thinking that I coudl always sign on in the middle of the night - hey what else is DSL for?! One of my main tricks, though I have to really work at it, is deep breathing and alternately tensing, then relaxing each body part while breathing, for my body to kind of right itself. Hope you slee until 8:00!!
Posted 5/30/2006 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
.......A/P can cause all kinds of aches and pains IMO......We just have to realize (I ) that this is what is causing alot of it ..but also do get checked out if doesnt go away ......Welcome Shamrock and pinkpenny ...great you found us here a place for empathy and support for sure ..the peeps really are the best.....keep posting ...God Bless..Lyn
Posted 5/30/2006 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello! I too have had a weak/achey arm and leg for the past month, only mine is on the right side. I started having PA's in Feb and have been a mess ever since. I have always been a worrier, but I have gotten so bad lately. I think that every little pain, ache, etc. is something horrible and I'm going to die. The doc/neuro both say stress. I am very bad with meds. Have tried Zoloft, Paxil (twice) and effexor and couldn't make it past 2 weeks on any because of having more PA's and the nausea, etc. I feel for you and happy that I found this forum.
Posted 6/1/2006 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
I get the exact same thing, OP, in the left side and everything (actually that's why I came by, I'm feeling it right now and it was freakin' me out). The tingling and numbness I notice is made worse by repetitive stress motion I do where I work, so if you're stuck doing anything like that at work try to take breaks and such as often as you possibly can.

I could never imagine myself being able to hande this stupid disorder while in the armed forces, but then again I'm a total wuss these days. My thoughts are with you, man. :-)

 

Posted 11/3/2006 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
wow, I never realized how much affect anxiety really can have on my life!!! When I first had my first anxiety attack, I was scared out of my mind. If felt like I was walking towards the light with no chance of return. I have always been a worrier though, my mom died when I was 5, and she was only 33, so I am of course always convinced it is my fate to die at a young age too. Most of my problems started when I burned my hand severly 2 years ago. I usually do ok when I am on medicine, but decided I thought I could go without it, and did so for about 2 months. Boy was that a mistake, now I am suffering from all the symptoms every one talks about, numb fingers/legs, weak limbs, and my neck feels like a rock... oh and of course I can't stop worrying that it is something major like MS or something. Do you guys have some good suggestions on how to just veg out and relax my mind and muscles, so I can even get just a couple of hours of piece of mind? At this point, I am willing to try just about anything, I have gone back on the meds, but the doctor told me it could take up to 3 weeks to kick in.... and it has only been 4 days!!!
Thanks,
worrywart911
Posted 11/3/2006 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Reading these posts from those of you fairly "new" to A/P, I remembered more vividly than I have in a long time how I felt when I first started with painic attacks. That feeling of utter despair that you will never be "normal" again, that life as you knew it was over, that you were losing your mind, and so on. It does get better.

I found a great psycologist who taught me relaxation, self hypnosis, CBT, etc. We made a couple of audio tapes that I could listen to at home - they really helped. The breathing and deep relaxation takes some disipline to learn, and being half out of you mind with panic made it really really hard! By listening to the tape, it would give mu mind something more tangible to concentrate on. I goth thru it and was panic free for about a year - a year that included losing both my grandmothers and bing pregnant!

After my daughter was born (about 2 weeks after I think), the A/P was back with a vengence along with post-partum depression. My gyn had me try a couple SSRIs before we found one that worked (paxil). It was amazing how much it helped - I was even better than I was before A/p entered my life. I realized how tense and strung out I had been for years. I was always constantly worrying and imagining the worst (instead of my husband being late cause he was stuck in traffic, my first thought would be that he had a horrible accident, and so on). All that was gone and could actually relax and enjoy life again!

That was ten years ago. about 4 years ago I wanted to see if I could do without the paxil. With my doc's guidance I slowly reduced the dosage from 30 mg/day. When I got to 5 mg, alot of the tension was back and I was getting A/P spells at least once a week. Went back up to 10 mg/day and have been there since. Once in a while I'll get an anxiety attack, but I can fairly easily work thru it. Panic attacks are rare, and not as intense as they were in the beginning.

I still deal with tension daily (who doesnt?!). My neck, shoulders and back between my shoulder blades hurt/ache. Sometimes the pain will radiate around along my ribcage to my chest. What helps me, is each night when I go to bed I lay flat on my back and do relaxation exercises. It usually helps me sleep better and most times the pains are gone in the morning (even if they often come back again by the end of the day!).

Anyway, I highly recommend therapy. If that alone does not help, you should be able to find a med that will work for you. Sorry this reply turned into a not-so-short story! I feel for you guys! Just remember that it does get better.

Karen
Posted 11/3/2006 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
I have been feeling this way since last Thur,left arm feels this way.almost like my arm has the flu.or I can remember when I was coming down from a smoking pot high,my whole body would feel this way.
Posted 4/21/2009 1:58 AM (GMT 0)

I understand exactly how you feel!!! yeah

I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and PTSD. I too have heart pains where the pain shoots into my left arm and down my left leg. The pain and also numbness and weakness extends up my neck and even head. A few times I thought I was having a heart attack, rushed to the hospital only to find that I was experiencing a panic or anxiety attack. When I am experiencing this at its worse, I never think of anxiety problems only that I am not going to live because something is terribly wrong with me. This is very common with people who live with anxiety. There are time when I have left limb pains without the anxiety attack (right at this moment), but I have come to know that anxiety is its cause and that when this occurs I am stressed or worried about something.

My biggest fear is that one day I will truly have a heart attack and ignore the symptoms because of my anxiety. You just can't win. One big circle - Anxiety - Symptoms of Heart Attack - Anxiety Attack!!!!

Knowledge is the best medicine with anxiety. The more you know and understanding, the better you can help yourself deal with this terrible problem.

Smile!!!

LaraToo

Posted 4/21/2009 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
yeah i had numb legs for a whole 2 days before. and my arm sometimes only left sometimes only right. im only 19 and my heart is perfect. i think it was when i kept going to the hospital for asthma i was so stressed i didnt sleep for days and thats wat cause it. i just ignored it and tried my best to sleep for a whole day and it went away. sometimes to get sleep requires you to do weird little things. like me i have to have some one watching me sleep in order to feel safe enough to sleep. if not i get paranoid and have insomnia. oh and positive things before sleep is important. i never watch drama on tv or movies. it causes more insomnia for me. i swear im not a nerd but i only watch disney movies. and i only listen to gospel music right now. find what makes you feel safe to sleep. you might have a secret fear maybe?
Posted 4/21/2009 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
LaraToo

Welcome to HealingWell and the A & P forum.  We are glad to have you with us.  Your right, knowledge is a good thing. 

We do have a thread for new members to introduce themselves if you would like to share a bit with us.  I will bring it to the top for you.

Again a warm welcome.

Kitt 

Posted 4/21/2009 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Yes , I've experienced this for 11 years. I do have herniated discs which explains the leg numbness and pain, but I think the arm pain is anxiety. Sorry you're having trouble sleeping and having pain. Hope you feel better soon. When I don't sleep it makes the problems worse.
Posted 4/21/2009 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, Lara!

You sound like you have a good attitude toward fighting your anxiety. The health anxiety aspects are just intolerable sometimes. I'm glad you've found our forum, and hope you'll continue to post.

percycat
Posted 4/21/2009 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lara!

Just wanted to pop on here to welcome you to the A/P forum :)

Sam :)
Posted 4/22/2009 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Sam

It's great to find a place where people understand about anxiety. Most friends and relatives just say "Don't be such a worry wart" or "that's easy - just forget about it" . Ohhhhhhhhh, how I wish it was that easy!!!!!!!
Posted 4/22/2009 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I had numbness/pain in my right arm/hand about two years ago. I thought I was having a stroke b/c my chin/tongue/face on the right side also went numb. I had headaches, eye pain and my scalp tingling. I went to the "urgent care" three times b/c of this. They did the usual heart/lung tests--came back negative. Then, I had 'referred pain' around my mid-section (all on the right side). They thought maybe it was my gall-bladder-- had a bunch of tests on that--came back 'within normal range'. I also had a b12 test to rule that deficency. That was normal too!

They kept telling me I was stressed (being a mom with three little kids)! They gave me Valium and Lexipro. I took both of them at the same time--and had a really BAD side effects! I went off of them. I had health anxiety, and all of the same pains!

I went to PT for a few months. The PT told me she felt 'bulges' in my neck! I had to insist on an MRI of my neck and thoracic spine.

Well, guess what? I actually had a herniated disc in my NECK (C4-C5)! I also had two bulging discs (C2-3, C3-4)!!! So, the reason why I had this numb/pain in my hands, face, and behind my shoulder/mid-section was because of herniated DISCS! It took me a good year or more to calm down those discs (and a good chiropractor). BUT.............

A year later---I started experiencing low back pain, pelvic pain and dysfunctional menstruation! I had a 'shift' in my lower back---darned painful! Anyway---I"ve been dealing with the pelvic pain/back pain in my low back for almost a year---and am going in for a laparoscopy & D & C!

Point is: don't rule anything out! I will continue to push until I find out what is going on for me!

Consider checking out your neck if necessary!

I didn't do anything (or get in a car accident, fall etc.....) that would herniate my neck! It just 'happened'.

Laurel
Posted 9/25/2011 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,guys.I am new here and thank god i found this forum.I have been experiencing this since last year.I went to see a doctor and found nothing.everything is normal.I know i have been very stress because of my coming exam and being a single mother.I thought am gonna die anytime this ache goes to my head.i have been feeling this aches and pain on my left side and sometimes i really have to take some pain meds to sleep.
i am working in a hospital and very worried of what is going on with my patients and the fact is i need to worry for myself more.

Any suggestion to relieve this agony of mine???

I will appreciate it a lot.

thanks
Posted 9/25/2011 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I've suffered panic attacks and a lot of other physical symtoms over the years. My panic attacks disappeared after about 5 years. I had a child and think I just couldn't be like that anymore.
Other physical disorders, I now realize were caused by stress. If you realize this you can stop worrying about it. A couple years ago I was dating a man who drove me nuts! I noticed that I would have this sensation in my lip, like it was pulling downward. Thought I was having a stroke. Kept looking in the mirror and couldn't see anything.
I got rid of the boyfriend and the symptoms stopped.
I'm pretty much okay now but had numbness, tingling, etc. over the years. Very rarely I will feel a panic attack coming on and get angry with myself and say "Knock it off". Usually works.
Posted 9/26/2011 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hello to both of you and welcome! I hope that you will both find this forum an infomative and supportive place, and continue to post with us.

I would suggest to andraebaby to look into therapy if you haven't done so already, specifically CBT. It has helped so many memebers here releive their anxiety and symptoms. It should be easy to get a good referral since you are in the medical field.

To margomay, great job on battling the anxiety, and getting on with doing what you need to do:) It is an ongoing fight though sometimes, so feel free to keep posting with us...

In fact, both of you may want to consider starting you own thread of introduction, since this one is rather old. In this way, more members can respond and welcome you!

Take care, and check out our Anxiety Resource Guide (main page 3rd post) if you get the chance, there are some great links to take a look at for anxiety relief:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/27/2011 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
I do sometimes have really achy arms and legs and I think it's because I tense up all my muscles when I'm anxious or stressed. I have also had numbness in my legs and arms and it ended up being due to sciatica and disc problems. I had PT and it helped a lot.
Posted 10/14/2011 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
i ended up in the er monday because my left hand went numb...then my mouth, lips and gums, then my right hand...my chest felt tight and when i walked i felt like i was going to fall down. my head hurt and i felt all spacey...i thought i was having a heart attack...then i felt like i was crazy--could i really tell people about these symptoms? how can i describe them...will they believe me? they did a full cardio work up which was fine...they asked about my day- no abnormal stress but my life is FULL of stresses- chronic medical condition, crappy marriage, normal issues with 6 year old daughter and school etc...so maybe they are just coming to a head...i didn't realize painc attacks could be so physical but i'm definitely going to take my xanax regularly
Posted 12/15/2011 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys, all new to the forum,

I am almost 35 and have all the day to day stress wife kids stressful job , I just can't wind down

I been having a weakness on one side of my body at the start I have pressure in the head, numb face, numb chin, arm aching, leg numbness - it was all down one side , happens every night when I lie does

Got some mirtzapine which I been taking constantly for last 6 months doesn't seem to be helping apart from helping me sleep and making me placid

Had 3 panic attacks this week, heart like a machine gun, very week and large amounts of pressure in my head and I am tremble quite a bit

Does anyone know does stress effect your sides, been having soreness in my left and right intestine area, can't sleep on my sides, feels like I am suffocating the area and it's generally sore, I didn't use to sleep on my back but feel its the only way to sleep! It has gradually gotten worse in the last 6 months

I am so happy to find a forum with some good feedback on these issues, I just feel so isolated with my problems and others just don't seem to understand what I am going through

Anyone with some ideas on relaxing ideas, I sure would love to hear from anyone

Thanx
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