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New here, having major health anxiety!

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/12/2009 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am new here. But I needed to go somewhere where there are others struggling with this.

I constantly worry, and think worst possible things.

I always think something is going to kill me, when I have cramps I think I have colon cancer, when I have a cold, I think its something worse. I have a tooth infection right now, and my face is swollen, gland is swollen, jaw etc. They put me on a stronger antibitioc last thursday and its taking a long time to heal, i immediately think its something life threatening, maybe its something more, maybe I am going to die from this because its not healing fast. Now I think the infection has gone to my blood stream and is killing me. After my antibiotics are over I am having it pulled.

I google everything. I am always worrying, if its not health, its other things. I am driving my poor husband crazy and I hope i don't rub this off on my son.

Maybe its because I am a stay at home mom, with too much free time.
Maybe its because my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 yrs ago, but she is better now.
Maybe its because my mom is the same way.

My husband always says, that not everything is as dramatic as I make them seem, but in my head they do.

Its frusturating!!!

Post Edited (DutchieAnn) : 7/12/2009 4:21:51 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/12/2009 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
DutchieAnn,

Welcome to Healingwell. We have alot of kind and supportive folks trying to live with these darn conditions too. I am wondering if you have seen a therapist? I think that is the best place to start. Getting therapy to help you deal with these thoughts, but also possibly some meds to quiet your mind down. We also have a CBT (cognitive behavourial therapy) thread in our resources. You might want to take a look at that, many have been helped with it.

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*
Posted 7/12/2009 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, DutchieAnn! You listed things that I think are contributing to your health anxiety. I believe all of them are playing a role in keeping you scared and uncertain. Remember to stay in the present. Try not to think ahead into the future. If your mind begins to wander in that direction, pull it back.

When it comes to death we unfortunately don't have a say. For some it comes early, for others later. For some it's unexpected and for others it's known. You can't control death, but you can control how you live your life.

Stay in the present. Get that tooth taken care of. Begin exercising after the dentist appt. Make sure you're eating right and getting enough rest. Everything is going to be okay! We're with you!
Posted 7/13/2009 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Trust me... I know how you feel. I have a stiff neck... I think an artery is clogged. I've had EVERY test under the sun done to me and nothing puts me at ease.. I am on medication... Which I my doctor and myself was trying to lower me and slowly take me off.. But I was just supposed to have my tonsils out and I freaked before I went in... So I'm back to square one it feels like..

You are not alone though.. I used to think that way. That I was the only one feeling like this. I know it's hard.. I am glad I found this site.
Posted 7/15/2009 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
I also suffer from health anxiety and it has gotten to the point where it is ruining my life and my happiness. I feel like I cannot even enjoy anyone's company because I am constantly focused on my self. I feel like I am going to die or I have some major terminal illness growing inside my body all day long. I constantly check my pulse rate all day and feel short of breath. I have xanax but I do not use it a lot for fear that I will become addicted to it. I decided to reach out and get help and I am going to meet with a therapist soon. Has anyone else had health anxiety and beat it? If so, I would love to know how.
Posted 7/15/2009 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
DutchieAnn and Leesaw73

Welcome to both of you. I am glad you have joined the Anxiety and Panic Forum here at HealingWell.  I am sure you will find the members kind and caring.

Leesaw73

Please feel free to post a thread of your own so all of the members have the opportunity to meet you.

DutchieAnn,  I have been through many of the same situations as you have and I know for me if I can stay in the moment and not anticipate the "what ifs" I do much better.

Also therapy helped me a lot to learn to stay in the present and not dwell about the past or worry about the future but to live today.

I wish you peace,

Kitt



 

Posted 7/15/2009 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have suffered with panic attacks for 10 yrs. And I struggle everyday to fight this panic.
I pray and I tell myself that I'm gonna be alright.I have too or I would never be able to live everyday.
And it could my sugar.They say that can cause panic and worry problems too.
Have your sugar checked. It's worth a shot.And good Luck to you.
Posted 7/17/2009 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hey DutchieAnn. I am just the same and it's driving me insane!

I have a doctors appointment in 90 minutes so fingers crossed....

I've had Crohn's for 25 years reflux/indigestion problems for 2 1/2 years. I've suffered from anxiety and panic attacks on and off for about 6 years, thinking back they've always followed a period of ill health.

I had it all last year worrying about the indigestion, which probably made it worse. I had an appointment with my GI at the hospital in December and he put my mind at ease that it wasn't cancer, my blood work was fine and so on, guess what the indigestion went away. I had a day or two of panic and Christmas but it settled down.

Then in January my Mum had a major stroke, I found her. It was a massive shock. I've had so much stress to deal with, Mum was in hospital for 16 weeks and is now in care waiting to come home, she's recovered well but because she can no longer care for my Dad (who has dementia and mobility issues) he has had to go into care. I saw him on fathers day and he had got worse, that was upsetting.

I was worried the effect would have on my health, for the first 3 months I think I was a bit numb. No indigestion at all = less anxiety? But these past few weeks it's back big time!! Acid reflux, wind, chest pain, shoulder pain, sore chest. I've had 2 head colds in the past 8 weeks, I worry about swine flu, heart attack, stroke. I can't take anymore.

Fingers crossed you get some help and I will too!!

Forgot to add, in 1997 I found my Nanna dead, the circumstances with my Mum were almost exactly the same. I'm sure this is what is behind my worries and anxiety but I still can't shake it, I can't shake the feeling of doom and gloom, and like you my Hubby is sick and tired of me moaning and freaking out.

((((((((HUGS)))))))))
Gill xx
Posted 7/17/2009 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Dutchie,

I am wondering how you are doing?  I know you posted in the Depression Forum too but since your original posts we have not heard from you. Worried about you so hope you do check back in with us.

Kitt

Posted 7/31/2009 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. Sorry for not posting.

I am good now. My tooth got extracted Monday and they put in some stitches that come out this monday. There is still some swelling in my jaw and can't open it all the way yet but enough to eat, but I guess healing takes time.
I am still thinking I am dying of this eventhough I have been on antibiotics. lol I mean if I hadn't done antyhing done, I would've been in the hospital.

I started a blog, a place to put my thoughts.

I wish I could shake this fear of dying. Death is one thing that is beyond out control, and maybe that is what scares me.
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