u/ManicLunaMoth

I went to my primary care yesterday. I have been psyching myself up weeks with my therapist to actually talk to my doctor about my suspicion of a connective tissue and/or auto immune disorder. I was just hoping for some testing and/or referrals, at least a starting point

For years my symptoms weren't too bad and/or could more easily be explained by anxiety, which I do have, but it's been worse lately. I haven't wanted to bring things up with my primary because of other possible explanations and fears of being dismissed...

So of course yesterday I was super anxious going into my appointment, a 3 month follow up to ongoing issues (psychiatric, thyroid, endometriosis, etc) and finally tried to tell them everything, after ensuring they had time to go into it. They said they "had all the time I needed"

First I saw a nurse practitioner student who seemed skeptical but was polite. Then my regular provider came in

The first thing she said was "I don't think there's anything physically wrong with you" and "mental health can cause physical symptoms and we need to lose the stigma around that!" Honestly, I burst into tears, it was what I'd dreaded for years! And I know mental health can affect physical health, but shouldn't physical causes be ruled out before assuming it's 100% psychiatric!?

She quickly assured me that she would run the tests anyway (so why declare I'm fine already!?) but was also adjusting my ADHD med and adding a beta blocker for anxiety. I was fine with trying the med changes, it's nothing drastic and my anxiety has been worse due to my physical health issues and transferring colleges next semester

Most of the tests came back normal - lyme, some inflammation marker, and ra factor. But ana has not come back and now I feel like so much rests on this. If it's negative, it's back to the drawing board. Why do my joints pop and then cause numbness? Why do I feel so achy at the end of every night? Why do I still feel exhausted after a long night's sleep? Why can I never feel comfortable when sitting/lying down without 10+ pillows around me?

I'm sure some of this could be anxiety, and I am sure that anxiety is worsening the symptoms. But Ive been working in therapy for 2 years and my therapist is very happy with my progress, even going down to biweekly appointments! She encouraged me to get my concerns looked at, because these symptoms are ruining my life and are just getting worse while anxiety has (overall) been better

So now I'm here venting to people who understand the struggles. Thanks for reading this far if you have, I know this is long! Id love to hear about your experiences, and advice, if you feel like sharing!

TL;DR what are the most helpful tips, exercises, devices, etc that you've tried for loose shoulders and shifting shoulder blades? Would a supportive sports bra hurt or help?

Hello! I'm new to this rabbit hole. I've suspected a connective tissue issue for years but my symptoms were always mild so I figured I was fixating on normal things, since I do have anxiety

However, I recently tried yoga. It was great at first, calming and it really helped with feeling my body (I have bad alexathymia).

However, after a few months of 10 minutes a few times a week, I noticed it getting harder to do tougher poses, particularly downward dog shifting to a plank. One day about 2 weeks ago, I just couldn't keep myself up anymore, my body just wouldn't support me

I noticed my shoulders in particular shifting much more than normal, and it feels like my shoulder blades want to break out of my skin if I move wrong 😭 taking it easy has helped, as have epsom soaks, magnesium sprays, extra pillows, and occasionally taking a naproxen at night. I have a doctor's appointment in October, so I just need advice on getting through until then, and I don't want to hurt myself worse!

I have a knee support sleeve and use ace bandages for joints like my ankle, but shoulders are harder. I've seen braces, tens machines, and tape but idk what would actually help. Also, is hot or cold better, and are there muscle strengthening exercises I can try that won't overextend my shoulder?

Thanks in advance for any information you can give! ☺️