Exploring the Possibilities: FND, Neuropathy, or Anxiety Disorder?
Profile: Male, 33, residing in London, England For a decade now, I have been grappling with a complex range of symptoms, detailed as follows: - **Feet**: Experiencing extreme discomfort characterized by excessive heat, heavy sweating, tingling sensations, occasional numbness or cold sweats, and stabbing pain. - **Cognitive Function**: Struggling with brain fog, diminished attention spans, losing focus, occasional dizziness, and feelings of faintness. - **Eyes**: Regular twitching throughout most days. - **Jaw**: Experiencing tightness or clenching at times. - **Chest / Heart**: Consistent tightness, making deep breathing difficult; my heart sometimes feels off, with a typical resting heart rate around 55 bpm, which dropped to 48 bpm during a recent GP visit. - Additionally, I have been diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome. ——————————— The onset of my symptoms began a decade ago, initially noticeable in my feet. They became excessively moist very quickly, regardless of my personal hygiene; I would shower and wear clean socks and shoes, yet the discomfort would arise soon after. For years, I have been compelled to change my socks multiple times daily, leading to increased anxiety and paranoia about odor. This condition severely affected my university experience, as it often seemed I was unwilling to attend, while the reality was that I was enduring substantial distress. Over time, I began to encounter additional complications, including cognitive difficulties and frequent lightheadedness. What once felt manageable turned into a relentless ordeal; I sought to maintain a semblance of normality in my life, but my social interactions and overall joy plummeted drastically. Initially, a diagnosis suggested a fungal issue with my feet, which proved incorrect. Then, I was told it might be hyperhidrosis; however, treatment options did not yield any relief. My subsequent GP expressed skepticism about my condition. This pattern continued, with many attributing my symptoms to anxiety or simply stating they were uncertain of the cause. Despite exploring various possibilities and undergoing numerous medical evaluations—including heart scans, thyroid assessments, blood tests, MRIs, nerve testing in my legs, and tilt table tests—I am still without clarity regarding my condition. As I navigate daily responsibilities and social encounters, I’m left to endure this unrelenting struggle. If anyone can offer guidance on potential next steps or resources for help, I would be immensely grateful. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/17/2025, 8:31:04 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a very challenging and complex range of symptoms that have significantly affected your quality of life. Your symptoms — discomfort in your feet, cognitive difficulties, and physical symptoms like tightness in the chest — can indeed be overwhelming. Given the length of time you’ve been facing these issues without clear answers, it's understandable that you seek guidance and validation for what you’re going through.
Key Points:
- Possible Conditions: Your symptoms could potentially align with multiple medical conditions, including Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), neuropathy, or anxiety-related disorders, but diagnosis can be complex and requires careful evaluation.
- Self-Care Strategies: While obtaining clarity may take time, there are practical steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your well-being.
- Advocacy and Support: Seeking support and advocating for further evaluation is essential in navigating your ongoing health concerns.
Explanation:
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can manifest through a variety of neurological symptoms without clear structural abnormalities. This can include movement issues, sensory disturbances (like tingling or numbness), and cognitive challenges.
- Neuropathy often presents with sensations like tingling and pain, typically due to nerve damage and could possibly explain some of your foot symptoms.
- Anxiety disorders can certainly amplify physical symptoms and contribute to cognitive difficulties, leading to a vicious cycle of distress.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking: Maintain a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting triggers, durations, and any patterns. This could assist both you and your healthcare providers in identifying links to specific conditions or stressors.
-
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga could help alleviate some anxiety and cognitive fog.
- Foot Care: Experiment with moisture-wicking socks and well-ventilated shoes to help manage foot discomfort.
- Breathing Exercises: To help with chest tightness, practice deep breathing exercises or pursue techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing to improve lung capacity and reduce tightness.
-
Advocate for Comprehensive Care: If you feel your symptoms are not being addressed adequately, consider asking for a referral to a specialist in a relevant field (like neurology, rheumatology, or psychiatry). Bringing your symptom tracker to consultations can help illustrate the impact these symptoms have on your daily life.
-
Seek Support: Connecting with support groups focused on chronic illnesses or mental health might provide community support and coping strategies from those with similar experiences.
Acknowledging your distress is important, and finding a healthcare team willing to explore these complex symptoms further is vital. You deserve comprehensive care that takes your full range of symptoms into account. Please take care, and remember you are not alone in this.
Related Questions
Understanding My Symptoms: A Personal Account
I’m sharing my experiences here, as I haven’t received much feedback elsewhere. I am a 15-year-old female, measuring about 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighing between 105 and 110 pounds (47-50 kg). I identify as Hispanic and Cuban, and legally fall under the white classification. I reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and I am a U.S. citizen. I have a diagnosis of Autism and previously had ADD, although that diagnosis has been dropped, which leaves me unsure about my current condition—whether ADHD applies or not. Additionally, I have a past history of anemia, although it is currently not diagnosed. For the past year, I've experienced a range of symptoms that appear intermittently and are often present almost daily. While these symptoms vary, they haven’t subsided. I’ve noticed that both physical activity and caffeine can either trigger or exacerbate these issues. Now, I’d like to detail the symptoms I've been facing. One of my major concerns is my balance; when I stand, I often feel unsteady, and sometimes I even limp. This particular symptom is quite troubling as it occurs frequently. I also experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, which leaves me feeling too weak to move, causing me to remain still for prolonged periods. During episodes of significant fatigue or balance issues, I find myself starting to stutter and I suspect my speech may slur at times. Additionally, my hands sometimes shake, especially when I struggle to walk. There could be other symptoms I haven’t recalled yet, but this is what I remember for now. I will provide updates if I think of anything else, and I welcome any engagement. Furthermore, I’ve noticed irregularities with my heart rate. Initially, when these symptoms began, my resting heart rate dropped from the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s; this lower rate has persisted. Lately, however, even simple tasks such as standing, walking short distances, or rocking back and forth (which I do as a self-soothing mechanism) have caused my heart rate to spike to the 100s. These changes are new, while the other symptoms have been consistent for about a year. I genuinely seek guidance or support, as I feel uneasy relying on AI for self-assessment. Unfortunately, I can't afford doctor visits at this time, and my caretaker has shown little concern for my well-being. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting medical consultations. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m open to any questions.
What Could This Bump Be? Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 22-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. I currently don’t take any medications and have no significant medical history. Recently, I discovered two small, white bumps on my finger, which appeared around two days ago. They feel firm, much like the sensation of a splinter lodged underneath the skin, and they stick out slightly above the surface. One bump is located at the joint of one finger, while the other is positioned at the tip of another finger on my opposite hand. These bumps are neither painful nor bothersome, but I’m curious to know whether I should consider having them removed or if they might resolve on their own over time. I would appreciate any guidance regarding this matter. Thank you!
Concerns About Rhabdomyolysis?
Background - F34, residing in Texas, USA, is currently trying to get back into shape after a period of inactivity. After an intense workout on Wednesday that included squats and lunges, I pushed myself too hard. Following my strength training, I spent 15 minutes on the elliptical, leaving my legs feeling weak and shaky. Since then, I've experienced difficulty walking, sitting, and even rising from a seated position. Although I have dealt with muscle soreness before, this time feels different and more intense. This morning, I woke up experiencing post-nasal drip and a sore throat, which raises concerns about possibly coming down with a cold or flu. However, I am also aware that rhabdomyolysis can present with flu-like symptoms, making my situation more confusing. By the evening, my condition seemed to worsen, as I began to feel chills, generalized body aches, swollen lymph nodes, a headache, and nausea, though I haven’t actually vomited. While I believe these symptoms correlate with a potential cold or flu, there is significant symptom overlap that makes me uncertain about the level of concern I should have. So far, my urine appears normal—slightly yellow but not the tea-colored hue often associated with rhabdomyolysis. I also conducted a COVID-19 and flu test this evening, and fortunately, the results were negative. I am left wondering at what point I should be alarmed enough to seek medical attention for rhabdomyolysis. As long as my urine remains normal, does that mean I'm in the clear? If it weren’t for the flu-like symptoms, I would feel reassured by the appearance of my urine, but now I’m second-guessing that. Any guidance on what symptoms to monitor for or when it might be appropriate to seek medical evaluation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Is This a Hemorrhoid or Something Different?
Greetings everyone, I'm a 24-year-old male weighing 82 kg, and I’ve noticed a small, pinkish growth at the edge of my anus that appeared last Wednesday. This bump doesn’t seem to be deeply rooted, is only mildly painful, and mainly causes an uncomfortable sensation when I cough or tense the area. Notably, I haven’t observed any pus, significant swelling, or fever accompanying this. Currently, I am on a regimen that includes sertraline, Bifilac (a probiotic), and omeprazole. It's worth mentioning that I had an abscess before—located in my abdominal area—and that experience was quite distressing. Because of this, I find myself feeling anxious and concerned that I might overlook any early indicators this time around. Interestingly, the same day the bump appeared, I also began experiencing nasal congestion and a general sense of fatigue, resembling mild cold or viral symptoms. Do you think this situation aligns more with the characteristics of a hemorrhoid or perhaps a skin tag (papule), rather than an abscess? What typical signs and sensations might accompany early-stage hemorrhoids? I apologize for any discomfort caused by this topic, but I’m not looking for a diagnosis, just some insight into whether this aligns with common issues. Thanks for your help!
Seeking Guidance on Recurring Pilonidal Sinus Issues
I'm a 17-year-old male of Indian descent, standing at 5'8" and weighing 103 kilograms, and I'm dealing with pilonidal sinus problems. My issues began when I noticed blood on the toilet seat; I initially dismissed it as perhaps an anal fissure. However, after four months, I visited a doctor who diagnosed me with a pilonidal sinus. My symptoms included an unpleasant odor and bloody discharge that often stained my clothing. Subsequently, I was placed on a surgical waiting list. By the time my surgery arrived, the situation had worsened significantly, making the procedure even more traumatic and painful than anticipated. The surgeon ended up removing more tissue than originally planned. During my recovery, I inspected the surgical site and discovered a noticeable indentation at the top with various irregular bumps extending down. The doctor assured me that these would eventually fade, but instead, they collected lint and hair over time. Fast forward a year, and I began to notice the same familiar odor again, filling me with anxiety about a potential recurrence. Now, as an 11th grader, I am under pressure to maintain good grades and cannot afford to miss school. Presently, my symptoms include the telltale smell, although I haven’t observed any discharge or developed any additional openings aside from the dimple left from my previous surgery. Before the operation, the infected sinuses extended close to the rectum, which is why I am concerned that a new pilonidal sinus may have formed in the same area. At this moment, I am free from pain but cannot shake the anxiety surrounding the reappearance of the odor associated with this uncomfortable condition.