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Having a very bad night

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Posted 11/25/2013 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all -

I have been more of a reader lately instead of a poster.

Tonight has been one of my worst nights in a very long time. I am more than ever convinced there is something horribly wrong with me. I have become obsessed with my fingernails in recent months since I noticed they weren't a normal color and the lunulas (little moons) were missing. Of course I listed everything it could be, have been tested and all was normal. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a crease in my thumbnail (only the 1 nail). Of course I googled it for a while, but concluded nothing as the descriptions did not fit so I chalked it up to possibly injuring my thumb at work and not remembering.

Tonight, I took nail polish off my toes (which had been on for a few months) and noticed reddish-purplish bands over the lunulas. Now I am panicking big time!!! I have been googling since about 5:00 (it's now 9:30) and the only thing that keeps popping up to me is heart disease.

I have also had some minor chest and arm pain over the last few weeks, but I have been very stressed out.

I have an appointment with my dermatologist on Wednesday. I want to make another appointment with my cardiologist to be 100% sure that my heart is fine, but I am so embarrassed - I don't want them to think I'm crazy!

I broke down tonight and bawled for about 10 minutes. I don't know what else to do. I am terrified!
Posted 11/25/2013 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi LB,

It sounds like your health anxiety has spiked...and it can be hard to come down from that place.:(

You can start by trying some relaxation exercises. Check out this link and give these a try. Lowering your overall stress levels will give your body and mind a break...and hopefull stop the viscious cycle of worry.

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

Next, would you consider reading a self-help book on health anxiety? This is not a quick fix I know...but it could really help for avoiding future episodes of worry/google searching/more worry.

Here are links for a couple of good ones.

http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Health-Anxiety-David-Veale/dp/1845298241

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



Know that we understand and care. I know that you are going to be allright, and I wish that was enough to reassure you...but you are going to have to do some work to get to that place in your recovery. There is hope and you can feel better! I have been there, and know from experience.:)

Keep posting with us...we are here to support.

S.C.

Posted 11/25/2013 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
LB I have heart disease and my nails are perfect, wouldn't it be wonderful if this could be determined by
looking at our fingers and toes, those stories are worse than old wife's tails and could cause a lot of harm,
they already ruined your day, please don't goggle! I don't think anything is wrong with you except you have
PAD and are not being treated for it, "just my opinion". Go for your checkups and then come back here and
start getting Well, Peace.

Larry ***
Posted 11/26/2013 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, SC and Larry!

I appreciate the resources. I know I need to get some help with this and will be looking into options ( there is a mental health clinic not too far from where I live ).
Posted 11/26/2013 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
Good news! I hope that you can get hooked up there with some helpful resources. Great job on looking into that option.:)

Post with us anytime...we are here to cheer you on!

S.C.
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