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Posted 11/14/2014 10:25 AM (GMT 0)
I've been battling bad anxiety, and depression for most of the year it seems. Early March I was mistakenly diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder. For 7 months I thought my life was all but coming to an end, and it lead me to become a much worse hypochondriac then I was previously, and it was just a huge mental taxation on me. Recently, it came to light that (after more tests from a better doctor) I was diagnosed incorrectly, and I would be fine. I can't help but shake the feeling that something is wrong with me though, and my anxiety is causing stress in other aspects of my life. Now, i've begun showing symptoms of either a form of arthritis, or something called Raynauds disease. Whenever a new symptom arises, I torture myself with web searches that only lead me to wishing I wouldn't wake up, or that I won't sooner then later. The thing is that I know it's unhealthy to do this to myself, but i can't stop myself.

I'm going for a referral next week, and I'm hoping I can get something, literally anything to help me cope with all of this before it gets worse.

Thanks for listening.
Posted 11/14/2014 10:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi James

Good to meet you but sorry to read you have been having problems with anxiety. I suffer with health anxiety so know what you are going through and how debilitating it can be have you spoken with your doctor regarding your anxiety? There is a lot that can be done to help with anxiety the obvious one for health anxiety is to not google your symptoms which is hard I know. Your doctor may decide that medication would be a good idea which will help with your symptoms but the best thing is to do some talking therapy such as CBT as that really does get the best results.

Keep us updated we are here to support you.

Hibee
Posted 11/14/2014 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi James,

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for what you're going through. I think your increased anxiety is completely understandable given your recent misdiagnoses. Hopefully your doctor can give you something for your anxiety and refer you to a good therapist if you don't already see one!

Hugs to you and good luck at the doctor!
Posted 11/14/2014 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Being diagnosed or misdiagnosed with any disease is very upsetting. It's no wonder you've struggled. It's almost like you're having PTSD after a shocking diagnosis, even though you've been cleared from the kidney disorder. You're now dealing with the aftermath. Very normal, albeit very upsetting.

I too have health anxiety so I totally know about googling and it making you feel worse! Part of my therapy is to NOT Google. If I need to, I have a friend I text and she googles for me, no joke! The funny thing about having my friend as "the Google filter" is that often I lose interest in even knowing & forget about it. Funny how that works.

Googling is simply a habit, a compulsion. That habit can be broken, it just takes practice disciplining yourself. Baby steps, healthy distractions, etc.

I'd strongly recommend you also look for a therapist for talk therapy in addition to seeing the medical doctor.

Anxiety & depression are very treatable which means you can & will get through this. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner the healing.

Sending you all the very best!!
Lisa
Posted 11/14/2014 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!  Great advice above!

I too am sorry for all that you have been and are going through with your anxiety.:(

We understand and care, so stick with us for support, okay? We will be here to listen and encourage you along your journey to recovery.

I hope that you and your doctor can come up with a good plan for your anxiety management. (and find the answers that you seek as far as any physical issues that need addressing) I found that therapy, self-help and the support here made my recovery possible.:)  You may want to discuss a therapy referral and perhaps medication, depending on your assessment, wants and needs.

For now, we have some great Resources here specifically for self help with health anxiety. These tools can go a long way in reducing the anxiety you are facing.

Would you like me to post the direct links for you? Just let me know!

Glad you have joined us, and it is my hope that you find the support that you need here.:) Talk soon.

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/15/2014 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everybody for the positive thoughts, it's definitely welcome. I do have an appointment next week to get a referral for someone to talk to, as I want to avoid the medicated approach *if* possible. At this point, I might have to, but we'll see haha. That's also when I'll be checking out the arthritis thing, so i'm hoping for a positive relief day. I'll keep everyone up to date about what's happening.
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