If I go to the ER right now...

[JustMe]

If I go to the ER can they test me for Lupus or MS? If I request an MRI would they give me one? I can't handle this any more! I feel like I'm going crazy! I'm so tired of being affraid! It starts every day before I even get out of bed! Something major HAS to be wrong with me! I need to find out what is wrong so they can treat it and I can go back to being normal. I can't live like this!

 

[matisworried]

the short answer is highly unlikely.

emergency rooms aren't meant for treatment or diagnosis of long-term illnesses like lupus, MS, cancer, ALS, etc. they're meant to treat immediate medical issues (heart attack, broken bones...) if you were to go in, you'd likely be treated for anxiety and told to contact your primary care doctor. i've never gone to the ER due to anything anxiety-related, but in what i've read (and what i've seen professionally) ER docs aren't big fans of these types of visits and you'll likely leave more upset than when you arrived as most doctors see these visits as a waste of their time and a distraction from patients that actually need immediate attention.

i understand how you're feeling. i've had similar fears. while i'm not a doctor, it sounds like you're biggest and most serious medical issue is your anxiety, which can cause hundreds of physical symptoms. i understand where you're at... i've been there many times, but it's highly unlikely that there is anything sinister going on.

have you discussed your concerns with anyone? a doctor? therapist?

 

[Bobnnat]

Matis is correct, however from my experience (yes I've been to ER's in a HA panic) it depends on how busy they are and the doctor who sees you. I had a BT fear about 5 years ago. i went to the ER. He did a neuro exam and said highly unlikely but if it would make me put this out of my mind, he would order a CT. I went for it. it was normal. Of course i now wonder about the radiation I received in exchange for the relief. But as we all know, the anxiety can get so severe that we will do practically anything to get mental relief.

 

[Ms.Honey]

About 8 years ago I thought I had MS. My symptoms were very convincing, to me anyway. One night I had my husband drive me to emergency because I couldn’t handle it anymore. The ER dr was very patient and kind, but referred me to a neurologist. I had to wait months for that appointment. The neurologist was completely sure I didn’t have MS. It was all a big waste of time. And my that point most of my symptoms were gone. I wish I hadn’t gone to the hospital that night.. it just caused months of unnecessary worry!
Unfortunately I highly doubt a visit to the hospital will actually be helpful, and if the dr sees anything of note (which as we know and are experiencing anxiety can present worrying symptoms) then it could send your HA into a tailspin.

 

[JustMe]

Matis is correct, however from my experience (yes I've been to ER's in a HA panic) it depends on how busy they are and the doctor who sees you. I had a BT fear about 5 years ago. i went to the ER. He did a neuro exam and said highly unlikely but if it would make me put this out of my mind, he would order a CT. I went for it. it was normal. Of course i now wonder about the radiation I received in exchange for the relief. But as we all know, the anxiety can get so severe that we will do practically anything to get mental relief.

I actually freaked out about a month or so ago and went to the ER (multiple times) and they finally did a CT scan for me. I think I need an MRI to actually rule of MS or something don't I? Should I just make myself about the CT scan is good enough?

 

[bin_tenn]

I actually freaked out about a month or so ago and went to the ER (multiple times) and they finally did a CT scan for me. I think I need an MRI to actually rule of MS or something don't I? Should I just make myself about the CT scan is good enough?

I recommend not asking for any scans, but instead ask your doctor if they feel like it's beneficial. Otherwise it's a waste of your time and money, and theirs as well. We're often convinced that something is wrong, but how many times are we correct? Almost never, I'd say. Doctors have just about seen it all. They usually know when something warrants further testing and when it doesn't.

 

[JustMe]

I recommend not asking for any scans, but instead ask your doctor if they feel like it's beneficial. Otherwise it's a waste of your time and money, and theirs as well. We're often convinced that something is wrong, but how many times are we correct? Almost never, I'd say. Doctors have just about seen it all. They usually know when something warrants further testing and when it doesn't.

True! My mind is just having a problem lately identifying what is an emergency and what isn't. Hard sometimes to put things into perspective. Thank you. I'm going to just try to chill and maybe do a meditation...

 

[matisworried]

my rule is that if i need to ask for a test, i probably don't need it.

doctors went to school for a long time and have seen hundreds if not thousands of patients during their time practicing medicine. they have a vested interest in keeping you healthy. often times, tests aren't necessary because you're symptoms don't warrant further investigation.

 

[bin_tenn]

True! My mind is just having a problem lately identifying what is an emergency and what isn't. Hard sometimes to put things into perspective. Thank you. I'm going to just try to chill and maybe do a meditation...

Anxiety makes it difficult to believe that we can trust our body, but we can - even with anxiety. I've had a small number of instances (nothing crazy, but serious enough to get immediate medical attention) where I had a genuine problem, and something always told me it wasn't "all in my head" or "just anxiety." The body sends different signals when faced with a real threat, versus a threat perceived by anxiety.

Again, I know that's hard to believe, but anxiety tricks only the mind, not the body.