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Posted 2/28/2014 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All - I'm hoping to find people that are experiencing the same issues that I am, my husband thinks that I'm crazy and I have no one to talk to. My whole life I've had anxiety over my health, finding different things to obsess over...however I truly feel that I have the symptoms of said disease. I've been having sharp chest pains and shortness of breath for the past few months. I have been treated for GERD, had every heart test known to man and now I'm determined that I have lung cancer. I'm 31 years old and exercise regularly/eat healthy...I'm just not sure what to do!! The only meds I take are Prilosec and the occasional Xanax if I can't calm myself down. I guess my question is, can anxiety cause recurring symptoms like pain in your chest and feeling short of breath (especially at night when lying down)? Thanks so much...
Posted 2/28/2014 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LCV and welcome.

I am sorry to hear of the anxiety and health worries that you are currently experiencing.

Know that you are not alone, and that many members here share similar concerns. In fact, I would venture to say that it may be the leading topic at the moment.

So yes, anxiety can and does cause symtoms that are so physiological and real, that it can start to make us think that something is truly wrong and we must be ill.

However, with treatment, many people find relief from their anxiety and symptoms, so there is hope!

Have you looked into any kind of treatment options? Your doctor could be a good place to start. You can discuss the idea of medication and/or therapy...both effective in manging health anxiety.

You can also check out some of our self-help ideas in our Resources. Here is the link:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

The stress relief exercises in there will bring down your overall anxiety levels if practice regularly. Less anxiety = less physical symptoms!

Here are two books specfically on health anxiety issues as well. You man find them helpful.:)

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

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



Keep posting with us as well. We understand and are here to support you anytime!

Scaredy Cat

Posted 2/28/2014 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
LCV, I am sorry that you are going through all of this right now. It can be frightening and confusing to have symptoms that lead you to think of   medical condition   only to find out it may also be caused by anxiety. If a cardiologist tells you that you are fine after he has done every possible test, believe him. I am posting a link FYI so that you can see anxiety may cause just about any symptom: Anxiety Symptoms, Anxiety Attack Symptoms (Panic Attack Symptoms), Symptoms of Anxiety: http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms.shtml   What if anything have you tried for anxiety relief? If you need some self-help idea, we have an exceptional resource guide at the top of this page. It is chock full of information that you may find helpful. If things continue to be a great effort ...you may want to consider treatment such as therapy.   Many members here have found therapy to be beneficial. Feel free to post with us anytime. Talking with others who know where you are   coming from and what you are   going through is very helpful.
Posted 3/1/2014 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry that you are having this. I am 32 and have the exact same symptoms and have for years. I too have had the heart tests done, and all came back normal. There are times I obsess that something is truly wrong with me and the doctors have missed something, but I'm still alive and healthy. Anxiety is such a difficult thing to live with. Please know you are not alone!!
Posted 3/1/2014 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much. The worst part is I know I'm being irrational and can't help it!! I appreciate the support :)
Posted 3/1/2014 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
The body doesn't always follow the logic of the mind, and many of us with anxiety understand that. We "know" inside that we're having "panic attacks," but our "outsides" still manifest fear...overriding the logic of the mind.

But with practice you sincerely can overcome that. But it does take practice and a willingness to try. It takes a willingness not to succumb to the anxiety and let it control you, but rather, learn to let it wash over you and embrace it so that you're the one controlling it!



M.
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