Anxiety? Carpal tunnel?

[mommyccb]

I've had constant numbness and tingling in my hands and feet and periodic weakness, dizziness, vertigo and fatigue for the past 9 months.  My symptoms had a gradual onset, but peaked 8 months ago when I had difficulty walking due to feeling like I had weights attached to all of my limbs and felt paralyzed when I would lie down.  I have been seen by an MS specialist and had a slew of testing - MRI (one small periventricular white matter lesion in brain), evoked potentials, lab work, Nerve conduction studies and EMG - all negative.  I recently went for a second opinion from a general neurologist who did an extensive interview and exam.

I was told I likely had carpal tunnel and I got anxious about it and all my other symptoms are the result of anxiety.  While the unknown does make me a bit anxious, I have never been an anxious person and don't feel like anxiety is at the root of my symptoms.  I don't want to demand a further workup because I know my workup has been extensive at this time, but I'm not sure what to do and feel like I need more information.  I am trying to give this diagnosis a try and have been wearing carpal tunnel wrist splints that I was prescribed, but these only worsen my tingling and make my hands and arms feel much worse (and clearly do nothing for any of my other symptoms).

Has anyone else been told they have anxiety early on and what did you do next?

[mommyccb]

Thank you all for responding to my concerns.  As I sit here typing with a completely tingly and weak right hand, it is so helpful to have support from others who have been through similar circumstances and have an understanding of what it is like to know there is something wrong, but not be able to find it.  I have an appointment with my pcp tomorrow to further discuss where to go next.  

[essdipity]

Hi mommyccb, and welcome.

Having said that, I now say arrrgghh! How dare that arrogant jerk who knew you for maybe 15 minutes diagnose you with a psychiatric illness! This happens way too often, so you are far from alone.

I have no idea whether or not anxiety is at the root of your symptoms, and assuming it isn't, what physical problem you do have. But from what you've said, no one has actually tested you for carpal tunnel problems. To the jerk neurologist, I say, ya know, there are tests for this! Personally I would never wear those splints unless or until I had definitively been diagnosed with carpal tunnel. But then, I'm a tough cookie, and I fight back readily and pretty successfully.

If you're not this type, find a family member or close friend who is and get him or her geared up with the facts. Then keep looking till you locate a neuro who is willing to go the distance in testing you. Have your advocate with you for all contacts.

When both hands and both feet have symptoms simultaneously, MS is unlikely, but that still leaves other problems on the table. Just some possibilities: various vitamin deficiencies, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes and especially, Lyme disease. I see you live in NY State, a hotbed of Lyme. Also, have you had an MRI of your spine?

Hang in there and fight back!

ess

[Invida]

Hi. :)

I think a lot of people have been dismissed with the A word, unfortunately.

I believe that if you feel strongly that your symptoms are not resulting from anxiety you have the right to pursue more information that could help uncover the source of your problems and resolve them. You say you've been making an effort to give the diagnosis a try and that's great, but if the treatment for that diagnosis isn't improving your symptoms and is actually worsening them, I think it's worth it for you to go further.

What does your primary physician say about your symptoms? Maybe you could discuss the fact that your symptoms are getting worse with the splints and see if they would at least be willing to suggest something else to help you.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you'll feel much better soon.