Super Paranoid

[monicaclifton]

I posted a few weeks back about my left hand that shakes when it;s in a resting position. I did not have a lot of feed back so I am still quite worried about it. My fear is Parkinsons. I seem to have moved on from the ALS and MS fear ( for now anyway) Does anyone know if it's likely I could have early onset parkinsons and my only symptom by the shaky hand? It seems like most of the stories I read they say they started with a shaky hand. Most people on this board only seem to have a shaky hand while they are doing something like holding a cup or pourting a drink. I went a few days where I was not checking my hand every few minutes and was feeling good but the anxiety is back and the hand is still shaky. Could this be anxiety? Or is this BFS still? Has anyone here been told their symptoms could be anxiety related and if so did you treat the anxiety and the symptoms get better. Any responses are greatly appreciated.

[twin2]

Lots of us with BFS also have a tremor. My left hand often trembles at rest. However, this symptom has improved significantly since getting my anxiety under control.

[wwmm]

Hi Monica,

I'm sorry about your symptoms and I understand your concern. I just started posting too. Mainly due to a repetitive twitch that began months ago with my right index finger but has now also spread to shakiness in my left hand and twitching/trembling in my legs as well. Like you, my main concern right now is Parkinson's. I am seeing a movement disorder specialist next week and hope to get some answers. I find this board comforting b/c there are many people with symptoms similar to ours that have received benign diagnosis, whereas if you just google it would seem that only some terrible disease could be causing the symptoms. I do believe that anxiety can play a huge role in twitching/tremors. Maybe getting an appointment with a specialist would be a good step and in the meantime try not to worry too much (I know that's much easier said than done.)

Take care.

[monicaclifton]

Twin2 -Thanks for your response. How did you get your anxiety under control? Did you take meds? Do you ever get internal shakiness?


wwmm - Thanks for your response. I would like to know how your appointment turns out. Please let me know. You can email me through this site. How do you find a movement disorder specialist? Do you have to be referred by your MD?

[twin2]

After trying for months to get a grip on my anxiety by myself, I ended up going on Zoloft. Before that, I had used Ativan as needed, mostly to go to sleep. As you may know, there can be many sleepless nights from anxiety in the beginning of BFS. A few panic attacks later, I asked for Zoloft, which is non-addictive. I now take 75mg a day and could probably go a little higher. I'm noticing that I'm naturally a little high strung, and not in a good way. I don't have anywhere near the level of fear I had at the beginning. I don't know if it's the meds, the 13 months or a combo of both.

[wwmm]

A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist with an add'l two years of training in things like Parkinson's, etc. You can find one by calling a neurology practice with multiple doctors and asking if the have one or there is usually one at large hospitals/teaching hospitals. You could also try to google MDS in your city, State and find a listing that way. You could also ask your GP if they know of any. I will let you know how my appointment goes. My anxiety is so high tonight it's unreal. If I was just twitching I'd feel better but I have internal tremors/buzzing and pain that make me concerned. I'm praying those are benign too.

[monicaclifton]

wwmm - I get the internal buzzing as well. In all my limbs but mostly in my left arm. My left arm tends to have some pain too and I can't quite figure out why. The pain seems to come from my neck down to the whole arm at times. It is scary and I'm hoping that the anxiety can just bring all this on. I will search for a movement specialist...thanks for the suggestion. Again... let me know how your apt goes.

twin 2 - a neurologist suggested I try meds for anxiety but I really hate to take something for it. I guess if I treat the anxiety and my symptoms get better then I can just assume that it's all anxiety/worry related. I just might have to though if I can't it myself.

[twin2]

I forgot to mention that the buzzing and shaking improved dramatically once I got the anxiety under control.

[fox2run]

Nothing we havent tried. I wouldnt worry too much.