New Member- Relapsing Health Anxiety Sufferer

Hi there.

I used to be big on these boards over ten years ago. I had a lot of years of doing well, but now...

So I'll try to keep it somewhat short. I had a rough few years. My grandmother, who was my last living close relative besides my brother, passed away from cancer. Slow and painful. My brother and I had to take care of her estate, sell her house, all the stuff that comes along with that.

Not too long after, my brother came clean that he was a heroin addict and went into rehab.

Then, I found out that I had a urachal cyst (basically just a remnant of my umbillical cord that was never noticed) I'm 36 and have had these belly button infections for like ten years, never thought anything of it. So, had to have the cyst removed. I think this is where the worry began. I did a ton of research of course, and found out that these cysts can turn cancerous. So, of course, I spent the next few months convinvced that i had cancer.

Well, I had it removed. A same day surgery. No big deal. Until, 4 days later, I developed a major infection and had to be hospitalized for 4 days and put on insane amounts of anitbiotics. This was now about 3 weeks ago. Right after Christmas. This was also abotu the time that my brother relapsed and was drinking heavily every day. So i had that stress as well.

After getting home, I have become really bad. the biggest problem I have right now is this feeling of tightness/pressure in my chest. At first I was sure it was a blood clot that travelled to my lung. Now I am stuck on heart. Of course I've been to the doctor. Of course they say it's anxiety. Started on xanax and lexapro. Had an EKG that was normal (then promptly did some research to learn that a normal EKG doesnt necessarily mean you are ok), had an ultrasound on my left leg that was normal. Started on Protonix for reflux, but have doubts that that is what is going on.

I should maybe also mention that last January I went to the ER with chest issues and was admitted. had the full workup done and nothing was wrong.

But still, I can't shake it because the tightness won't go away. If the sensation would go, I know that I would stop worrying. I am havng such a hard time believing that this isn't a purely physical issue and can't let go of the idea that just because I am a hypochondriac doesn't mean I'm not sick. Why wont the tight feeling go away?

I'm contemplating a trip to the cardiologist but am so torn because I know I need to stop seeking reassurance.

Anyway, sorry so long. There was a time I was able to pull through this. Now, I have a wife and a 3 year old and I just want to be able to be there for them both mentally and physically.

So sorry you feel that way. I am the same way I need constant reassurance that I am okay but I do not want my insurance to fly to increase for going to the doctor too often. I have had the chest pains for like 6-7 years... the way I see it if it was an actual heart attack I should be dead by now. I also take long walks and once I am distracted nothing hurts...

I also worry all the time about it but reading the other posts here help me to understand anxiety better. For me that only way to have a complete normal day is with Clonazepam. When I take it nothing hurts but I try not too take it too often.

I hope you feel better soon, maybe you could try therapy.. it may help you. Good luck and I really hope you feel better soon.

Hi Mersault!

Sorry about your relapse, happens to all of us. But you really had it tough, such things really have bad effects on existing anxiety problems.

I have had chest pains a lot, all types of them. From burning sensation to tightness, you name it.
The longest ended for like 1 month, because I was obsessed with esophageal cancer, and despite the dr visits and checks I convinced myself that I was dying. But it went away as soon as I directed my obsession to some other condition. I was not focusing on that area anymore. So it went away...

did you get any type of therapy help? It makes wonders when it comes to Health Anxiety. My SSRI medication really didn't help much with hypochondria, but it helped a lot with Panic attacks.

Please keep us updated, we will support you.

@Accept: fantastic link, thank you!

M.,

It is baffling isn't it? I don't know the specifics of why...but I do know that there is hope for feeling your best again...

...with the continued efforts you are making, and giving it some time.:)

Keep up the great work, and continue to post with us if you find it helpful.

We are here to support each other along the road to recovery.:)

Talk soon,

S.C.

Thanks Andy

Yeah, I was on a super high dose of levaquin for weeks. Also was on flagyl and vancomycin through iv in the hospital. I've definitely suspected that this could have something to do with it. I don't know why I didn't think to take probiotics but I'll definitely do that.