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Struggling to Overcome Health Anxiety!

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Posted 2/3/2013 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
I have been really having a hard time lately thinking I always have something fatally wrong with me. A few months ago I started getting this burning pain in the left side of my neck that was driving me crazy. I went to my family dr who checked my thyroid and ordered blood work, everything came back normal. I went to quickcare to see if they could figure it out a week or so later, and the dr there told me he thought it was a musculoskeletal problem. I became convinced that I had a problem with my carotid artery (thanks to Dr. Google) so the day after I saw the quickcare dr, I went to the er to see if they could help me. The dr there told me it was highly unlikely that I have an issue with my artery since i am only 27 and don't smoke, but he humored me and listened to my artery, and it sounded normal he said. He seemed to think it really was just a muscle strain or something so sent me on my way. I started feeling a little better and tried to convince myself that was all it was. I felt a little better after that, although the pain kind of comes and goes still. I notice it happens a lot after i first wake up, so maybe it something to do with the way i sleep, idk. So anyway, here lately i have been sick with a cold twice in the last month, and developed costochondritis which causes me pain right in the center of my chest on my sternum bone. I went to my dr and she was easily able to figure out that's what my problem is. Now my issue is that my stupid neck has been bothering me again all day with that pain again, and I am having to force myself to not want to go see another dr about it. I spend all day trying to fight off panic worrying about random aches and pain. It is taking over my life. My anxiety has kicked into overdrive lately. I am a stay at home mom, my husband works all week, and i have a toddler and a 6 month old to take care of. I don't really get out of the house much, and don't ever hardly get a break from my kids. I think i am just overwhelmed, and that's why things have gotten so bad lately. I seem to tune into every little thing i feel, I am so sensitive to my body. I guess I just wanted to get on here and unload, sorry for being so long.
Posted 2/3/2013 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dawn!
I TOTALLY get it! I am the same way. It's like I'm scanning my body daily and if something doesn't feel right, I focus on it. Ugghhhh! Last week, I was certain I had a blood clot. I wish I had an answer as to how to end this. :( It's so draining.
Posted 2/3/2013 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
As you know, you are not alone in this. My latest one has been doing the signs of a stroke every time a pain goes through my head.
Posted 2/3/2013 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
You are definitely not alone. Every twinge in my chest is a heart attack. Every tingle in my arm is a stroke. But I just remind myself that this has been going on for years. If I was dying, I would be dead already. Hope this gets better for us all.
Posted 2/3/2013 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
Again.. .you are not alone! Any ache or pain I feel I assume is fatal. I'm 24 & convinced there's something wrong with my heart. :-( I'm doing CBT therapy to try & overcome this and take control of my life!
Posted 2/3/2013 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dawn,

I am so sorry that you are struggling.;(

Have you seen a chiropractor about your neck? If you can, I would recommend it. A lot of times they can fix things with a simple adjustment...it could just be an alignment issue.

Carrying around little ones puts more strain on the upper body than we realize!

Keep working on your anxiety managment skills as well. Breathing and progressive relaxation exercises will help you to feel better all around.

Keep posting with us...we care and are listening!

S.C.
Posted 2/3/2013 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your responses. It's nice to know that I can talk about my issues on here. I really wanted to start therapy, but am having a scheduling issue, so don't know if it will happen or not. Deep down I know that all my physical symptoms are merely side effects of bad anxiety, it is just hard to remember that sometimes when things start getting bad. I was going to the chiropractor about my neck pain, but the last time he adjusted me the horrible burning that I am experiencing now started in, so I am kind of leery about going back. But anyhow, I know things will get better, I just need to stay motivated to get better, because in the end it mostly is just mind over matter.
Posted 2/4/2013 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Ooh, sorry to hear about your bad chiropractor experience! Maybe you could consult your doctor then about some PT? They could give you exercises that could help to give your relief.

As far as therapy goes...I know that it is a challenge to find/make the time to go to appointments.

We have two sites that we recommend here. You could get started with one of these until you can get into see someone.;)

I can also make some good book recommendations for health anxiety if you are interested...let me know.

S.C.

Free on-line CBT programs


https://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome
 

https://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome

Posted 2/5/2013 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Wow! It was like reading my own post!! Headache? Brain tumor. Muscle twitch? MS. Diarrhea? Colon cancer. Dr Google has lovingly diagnosed all of those things for me. And as much as I know that he can't be trusted I freely list all my symptoms and he's more than happy to diagnose something fatal. What a guy?!! Please know you are not alone. So many of us struggle with this daily throughout the day. Your symptoms could be due to anxiety or just normal bodily things that most people ignore. Those of us with health anxiety focus on every little twinge and turn it into something significant. And more often than not it is. I'm going to try the sites recommended here. If SC could let me know where to find them that would be great. And keep coming to this sight whenever you feel your health anxiety kicking into gear. There are people here who understand and know what you're going through. Stay strong. You'll be fine!
Posted 2/5/2013 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
To Dawn and all,

I have held the title of the Queen of anxiety at one time but I was willing to give it up! I try not to Google when my anxiety is on the rise and I usually can stay in the moment.

Keep believing you will learn to control you anxiety and life will be better.

Hugs
Kitt
Posted 2/5/2013 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
specialone,

The links to the on-line therapy are in the post directly above yours (in purple)...or if you are talking about the site where you can find health anxiety books...here it is.



http://www.amazon.com/Treating-Health-Anxiety-Cognitive-Behavioral-Approach/dp/1572309989

Hope you find these useful!:)

S.C.

Posted 2/7/2013 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dawn,

I just wanted to get on this same bandwagon your in. I've been dealing with health anxiety since I was around 8 and lost my grandmother (who I did not know very well).

Tonight I'm dealing with a none painful kinda there feeling in my left hand. First thought stroke. But its not a tinglely feeling. It lasted about 2 minutes or so. But I have rubbed my hand so much in that amount of time, my skin is on fire..lol I have a gaming pad that I have to stretch to use along with it being made for most adult males. So Its a stretch for my fingers as well. I'm sure its my hands way of saying dummy stop..

This anxiety/panic stinks. And is very hard to deal with. I am also a stay at home mom who's hubby works full time. But my kids are 13,17, and 20. So I'm home alone all day. Ugh makes it really hard. A lot of free time to do a LOT of over reactions. Or sometimes I just totally break down when they all come home. Its like a valve gets opened and all the saved up panic pours out. Which makes it hard to enjoy the evening with my family.

In time you will learn your own tricks of the trade. I google VERY little now. It is like the very last thing I do. And then if its so off the wall on the descriptions below the links. I don't even visit the site. My most recent google was for a pain in the neck I was dealing with. To find out it is probably an issue with my TMJ, anxiety or swollen nodes. Haven't had an issue since. So it was either anxiety or TMJ.

I will say. That coming to this site. Reading others and the advice that is given helps me a TON!!! When I am in really bad shape I'll post and things always seem to calm down. Just getting it off my shoulders is huge.

I hope things go better for you. And remember you are not alone in the world. Even if you are alone in the house.
Hugs
Allie
Posted 2/8/2013 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about you anxiety but I'm glad you've found some help in these forums. I've only just joined the forum and found it to be immensely helpful dealing with my anxiety.

I've been convinced for a long time that something is wrong with my heart. The smallest pain, tingles or feeling in my chest, arm, shoulder or hand sends me into spirals of panic feeling like I'm going to die. I've recently started on Lexapro and for the first 3 days it has made my anxiety much worse but the doctor tells me that's normal for some of the SSRI drugs and to give it a week or two before I expect to see some results. In the meantime while I'm waiting, I'm having lots of chest pains and my anxiety has gone through the roof so I'm hanging out for some good results soon!
Posted 2/8/2013 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi vb and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that your Rx has temporarily increased your anxiety. This is a pretty typical pattern with an SSRI. Good job on hanging in there through this rough spot...however, keep in good contatct with your doctor and let him/her know if your anxiety increases any more, as sometimes a med is just not the right choice for any given individual...and you shouldn't have to suffer extreme reactions.

I am glad that you joined us! I invite you to post anytime, and even start a thread of introduction for yourself at any time.;) I hope that you find this a place of understanding and support.

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 2/8/2013 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
you are so not alone.  I have suffered healthy anxiety for what seems like always.  My latest is my left ear is clogged and I can hear my heartbeat in my hear.  I had an MRI no brain tumor...It is so bothersome.  I also have Dr. Google.  It is so hard.  Your not alone and we can all help each other.
Posted 2/9/2013 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I am new here. I have never heard of "health anxiety" until I read it here tonight, but I believe that accurately describes my affliction as well. I have suffered from this since my early 20s and am now 47. I finished college, have a pretty good career, and thought I had this somewhat under control using daily exercise, weekly therapy, and klonopin as needed--until the last 3-4 months and it is worse now than I ever recall. I fainted last week for the first time in my life and smacked my nose pretty good. Now I got a cold or the flu and it seems like one thing after another. This gives my mind constant reasons for feeling nervous. I am even staying at my parent's house because I don't want to be alone and I won't even drive alone right now. I have a 24-hour heart monitor test scheduled for Monday because my EKG after the fainting apparently didn't look good. I am quite certain that I fainted due to eating MSG in some japanese food that night, and the two straight days of diarrhea seem to corroborate that as well.

Anyway, I hate to ramble, but glad I found this forum and hope that I can help to be as supportive as everyone else. It breaks my heart to hear that others are suffering as badly or worse than I have suffered all these years, but at least coming together we can share information, experiences, hope, and (very hopefully) our triumphant stories of overcoming our anxiety. God bless everyone and thank you.
Posted 2/9/2013 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LongBeach and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your recent troubles. Anxiety in regards to our health is both common and completely miserable. It can range from mildly worrisome, to debilitating...so it is important to get help if the anxiety is affecting your everyday life.

I am glad to see that you have sought treatment. How did you find the therapy to help?

I am sure that your recent illness and fainting spell have not helped in regards to your worries.;( Illness is often a catalyst or trigger for health anxiety...so I am sure that once you figure out what is going on, and start to heal, you will feel better anxiety wise.



Keep us updated on your holter results. If it does turn out to be anxiety again, try to speak to your doctor about the treatment options that are available to you. You may want to consider a change in medications, or re-visiting therapy?

I am sure that all will be well, and we will be here to support you in any event, and whenever you need encouragement!

Glad to have you join us!

Scaredy Cat
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