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Posted 4/12/2012 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, Im new here but after a search online this seems to be the place to be

I am 42 and am or was a property developer. I had my Gaul Bladder out 6 yrs ago and a major back operation 4 yrs ago and have IBS that is now mostly under control by diet.

I have been on and off medications for the last 10-15yrs for numerous things, mostly anxiety.

Last year I suffered what I have started to call attacks as they come and go. It starts with a cramping in the hands then leads to a terrible pain in the hands, especially thumbs, wrists and elbows. Then after a few days moves up into the shoulders then down into the feet. When it reaches my feet it usually means that it will soon be over. My hands and feet feel like the are turning in on themselves. These attacks usually last between 1-3 weeks and then im fine. The pain is always the same on both sides of my body, i.e both hands , both feet etc. Also I feel very cold and sneeze alot even in warm weatgher

I have been cold turkey from ALL medications for the last 6 months as nothing by Dr was giving me seemed to be making any difference. This is the first time I have not been taking any meds for 10-15 yrs.

I took alot of Gabapentin for a few yrs after my back operation and was also put on Atenolol for heart palputations last year which I now control through relaxation techniques.

I am really stuck as to where to go with this. I have been thoroughly tested and had all the blood tests for RA etc and all negative. My Dr just kept proscribing me Ibuprofen which didnt help.

I had to self diagnose myself for the IBS which took forever and I really dont want to have to do the same for whatever this is. I have searched online and seem to have alot of resembances to GAD but thought I would ask your opions first

Sorry for the long post but I think its mostly relevant

cheers

Kurtis
Posted 4/12/2012 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Kurtis

Welcome to HealingWell.  I am going  to suggest that perhaps you are hyperventilating which could cause the symptoms you are having but please remember I am not a Dr.

Stress or anxiety commonly are causes of hyperventilation; this is known as hyperventilation syndrome. Hand and foot spasms are a result of hyperventilation.  Spasms are contractions of the muscles of the hands, thumbs, feet, or toes.

Consistently practicing deep breathing might also help. You should also be able to recognize warning signs before episodes of hyperventilation occur. Take all steps possible to make sure that you are safe during an attack.

Diagnostic tests such as blood calcium and phosphate levels and Vitamin D level may be helpful.

Again a warm welcome to HW.

Posted 4/12/2012 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thanks for the reply.

I checked out hyperventilation syndrome but I dont really have any of the symptoms and I cant see anywhere that it causes the sort of long term pain and imobility I get with these attacks?

cheers
Posted 4/12/2012 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
King,

Have you ever seen a neurologist ?  Just a thought.

 

Posted 4/12/2012 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
No, never seen a neurologist

Do you think thats a good option?

cheers
Posted 4/13/2012 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry if this is redundant...but did you have the ANA test for RA run? The bi-lateral pain pattern sure sounds familiar to RA...

S.C.
Posted 4/13/2012 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
No this is not redundant, I only posted yesterday

Yes, the bi-lateral thing made me think it was Arthritus for sure seeing that it runs in my family but I had all the tests at the dr's and the hospital and they were all clear. That is why I am now at a total loss as to what it could be.

I am towards the end of an attack now, the 3rd this year
Posted 4/13/2012 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
So it is not AI related...and it does not seem to be related to whether or not you are taking medication? The consistent pattern of it does not sound like it is anxiety related to me. Anxiety related symptoms seem to be more random and transient...not really something like you described, with a predicatable chain of events. However, I am not a doctor, and basing this purely on what I have read and experienced.

I would encourage you to explore every option and seek out some specialists opinions on this, until you get an answer. Kitt mentioned a neurologist, and I would add a rheumatologist to the list of people to consult, if possible.

I wish you the best of luck in finding the answers that you need. Post with us anytime that you need to...I am sure that this is doing nothing to help with your anxiety! Talking with others who understand helps though...so hang in there, and know that we are here for your support through this.:)

S.C.
Posted 4/15/2012 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
I wanted to see a rheumatologist but because all the tests came back negative thats not an option now unless I go private.

I will try tomorrow on the Neurologist
Posted 4/16/2012 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
Could be Fibromyalgia, or it could just be from Anxiety, Stress and depression. Or, Withdrawal from medications.
I recently have been having similar problems, shoulders hurt, amrs hurt, elbows hurt, sporadic pains in my joints and muscles. Headaches, I've had every test under the sun. All comes back fine, Doctor says it's all Anxiety and depression related, I've been prescribed Paxil.. Hopefully it works, but believe me. Anxiety, Stress, Depression can be devastating to a person and cause some very strange symptoms.
Posted 4/29/2012 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys

Thought I would update.

I have been put onto NAPROSYN since Monday and everything seems to have really calmed down. I CAN ACTUALLY USE MY HANDS AGAIN!!

I feel a little zombiefied as I am taking 2x500g per day but its a small price to pay

I am waiting on some more test results as they last lot I got from Friday were 'not conclusive' so hopefully will get some more on Thursday

cheers

Kurtis
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