ALS, MND, MS info needed please. Freaking Out badly

[Jeremy2C]

I am a long time sufferer of HA (health anxiety), IBS and GERD.  For several months I have been having lots of pain and weakness in my arms and legs along with some numbness.  My forearms are the worst but my shoulders, hands, feet and calves are also impacted and it seems to be getting worse. I can walk and climb stairs but holding things in my hands seem to induce more fatigue than I think is normal.  I have also had twitches and shakes off and on for many years along with some difficulty swallowing. I do suffer from a very stiff back and neck and hope this is all related to that.  I am going to see a chiropractor next week to see what he thinks.   I NEED my friends on this site to help me out with some rational explanations to what this might be. I know if I google my symptoms I will freak out even more because the sites that come up will not give me the detail I need.  I know many of us have been to many doctors and found out lots of details regarding nuero and joint problems and I hope you can share that knowledge.   I had a physical about 6 months ago where they did blood work that was fine.  I am not overweight and my BP is fine too.  Can someone please let me know if this is something a doctor would dismiss as anxiety or should I be freaked out.  Does anyone know a timeline for these diseases? I know we aren't doctors but I can't afford to see a doctor anymore because my health insurance will not cover it.  The chiropractor is covered under a different part of my plan that has not been exhausted.  I just want as much as someone can share put into a context that an HA'er can understand.



Sorry for the long post but I am trying to think clearly and hoping (praying) that like minded folks on this site can calm me down before I end up in the emergency room and more in debt due to anxiety.



Thanks in advance,

J

[RubyWitch]

When you had your physical 6 months ago, did you discuss all these symptoms with your doctor at that time? Did you tell him/her about all the disorders you are fearing?
When you asked about a timeline for these diseases, we're you asking about the HA, IBS and GERD or the ALS, MND and MS?
While I believe it's more than likely your symptoms are related to anxiety, as you say, we are not doctors on this forum and therefore I can not say, with any real certainty, that that is all that is going on with you. I know that isn't the comfort you were looking for, but you need a doctor, not me, to completely reassure you.
I understand that insurance is a problem, many of us are in the same leaky canoe, but you may be able to work out a payment plan with your doctors office.
If you could answer my questions, we could get a clearer picture of where you are. Your age would help as well.
I will look for your reply and meanwhile, try to relax. Hard I know, but this is probably nothing to worry about.
Peace
Greenlydia

[MMahon]

The symptoms you sight here sound like classic anxiety which NO doctor should just 'dismiss'.   HA, IBS,GERD, can all be attributed to anxiety disorder and if it's properly treated they may subside or disappear entirely.
There are different types of anxiety and different ways to treat it.  It's hard to treat anything but the simple anxiety everyone gets on your own.  
How old are you?  Have you ever seen a neurologist?
There should be help available even w/o health insurance, but I understand how hard that is.
Some people suffer 'anxiety attacks or panic attacks' and get over them in time, some people have chronic anxiety that never subsides. Your personal circumstanctes can help or hurt the course of your treatment.  There is no real 'timeline' for treatment because it effects everyone differently and for different reasons.  That is why it is important to get help and stick with it.
Good luck..Let us know how you are doing.