Obsessive worrier about my health

I didn't see if there was a place for new members to post anything about themselves being new. I'm sorry if I simply missed it!
I guess I'll tell a little about me. I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for as long as I can remember. Probably had my first panic attack the day I was born or something. Mom says I was a real kicker so it might have been before that.

I have tried many forms of treatment in the 20+ years that I've had this (I'm 25). I have been in therapy most of my life. I own and read many books about the subject. I bought a $600 at home program. I can't say that was a totally dumb idea it's somewhat helpful. I don't exactly know when I developed hypochondriasis. I can think of a few instances in childhood but they were more linked to panic in it's self. I do know that it was hitting pretty hard by 17! I seriously thought at that time I had a heart condition which I don't. Took 5 years and 3 cardiologists and lots of money to finally convince me. After 21 I just started to obsessivly worry about my health in pretty much anyway. I still do this everyday. Any strange body sensation can send me screaming over the edge! I am super sensitive and find that many people that suffer are. That was a comforting finder although I wish nobody had to suffer at all! But I guess no rayne, no raynebow. I am a very obsessive worrier when it comes to my health! I said that already but felt the need to make sure I said it again. It's really bad! I do however find that I can be a big help to others suffering from different types of anxiety and panic. I've just suffered from so many of the same things as many people that I talk to about this stuff. Suffered and survived but I'm still here. Still suffering. I take Lexapro and klonopin. And I take life one day at a time.

Anyway,I have one son. Nicholas, 3yrs young. I've been with his father for over 5 years and we have been engaged for 3. Maybe we will actually take the plunge one of these days. We are trying now for baby #2 so I'm weaning from my meds at least for now. Finding that difficult. I'm a stay at home mom. I have one cat named Charley and one leopard gecko named Jasper. I have a great love for animals! Um, well if there is anything else you would like to know about me, ofcoarse just ask.

Very nice meeting everyone! From what I've read, you guys seem like really nice people and this almost seems to have a family type atmosphere. Looking forward to getting and giving support here!!

Yeah, Raynebow, so glad that you found us. Yes we are a big, happy (if anxious) family here! Thank you for introducing yourself-you did it perfectly, and now we can welcome you and let you get to know some of us.
This is a great place for support, advice, and information. If you haven't already, read through some of the archives, as you will find many that have similar struggles. I also deal with health anxiety. You are right that it is a daily fight. I have had a great recovery from panic attacks, due to CBT, but still have to work on managing my stress levels in general. Sounds like you are very pro-active in your health as well, and can contribute to the board!
Best of luck with adjusting your medications to have a healthy pregnancy! I wish you and your family the best (pets included!), and let us know how you are doing soon
Take care,
Scaredy Cat

Hello raynebow! welcome; I too found this site a while back and people here are so supportive and wonderful  and scaredycat said anxious lol.  I have anxiety and health anxiety I think because I just can't think that there is something wrong with me, even though my drs already told me it's just anxiety it feels horrible to notice every little thing in your body and think you'll die from it... but i've manage it so far as the rest of us here. Anyway nice meeting you and congratulations on your pregnancy!

I like that line, "no rayn, no raynebows". It sounds like you have quite a bit of experience with this whole anxiety thing. Hopefully you'll be able to help others as well as receive some help yourself. I often find it helpful even when I'm not asking questions or for help myself to simply reply to others. It helps me remember I'm not alone in this battle. It helps me feel good knowing that I can encourage someone else, and it reminds me that it's a process when I see some people who are way ahead of me on the journey as well as when I see someone who's just had their first panic attack and is... well, panicking!

I hope you find the site encouraging and supportive. Feel free to continue posting. I know that weaning off meds isn't always the easiest thing to do.

And depending on the timing of things, it's not uncommon to have false negatives if you take a pregnancy test "too" early.

Hello Raynebow
Glad to meet you and very nice intro. I am Kitt and I have had a dx of anxiety and depression for 28 years. I do not have a lot of trouble with health anxiety but do get frequently caught up in anticipatory anxiety.

Anticipatory anxiety is where a person experiences increased levels of anxiety by thinking about an event or situation in the future. The worries you experience specifically focus on what you think might happen, often with catastrophic predictions about the event. I can turn a mole hill into a mountain better then anyone I know which is not one of my better traits so I have spent a lot of time learning to stop the "what if?" thinking.

I am very glad you found us and hope you stick with us as everyone here is so kind and helpful.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt