Health Anxiety Through the Roof - Afraid of dying

My health anxiety over stomach issues is through the roof right now and I'm having a really hard time dealing with it namely because though my doctor is convinced it's anxiety, I'm not because it came out of the blue 6 weeks ago. I wake up and the first thought is how does it feel now? Throughout the day it's the same, what to try to eat and what not to. I was drinking a few glasses of red wine every night til this past weekend and completely stopped to see if it helped. I'm trying so hard not to dwell on it but it's not working. Beginning to feel like I'm not here physically but not present mentally. My grandfather died of stomach cancer and I'm scared that I have that and want to cry at the thought of not being here with my family anymore.

MSP,

Have you talked about your doctor about a temporary Rx of Alprazolam?

This med is good at calming both stomach issues and anxiety.

Something to consider to help get your through this rough spot?

S.C.

Okay, good...keep us updated.

(((Hugs)))

S.C.

So I just saw my doctor and she still says my symptoms are all pointing to indigestion fed by anxiety. This is so hard for me to believe she’s refering me for an endoscopy since I’ve been on the Prilosec for a few weeks now. I’m just ready to be done with this and have my life back.

Hi Hopeful. I was diagnosed several years ago with both gastritis and GERD via endoscopy. My symptoms improved but over the last several weeks, they've returned after several months in a row of off-the-charts stress. To top it off, I've had bouts of nausea and a knotted up feeling on empty stomach and GI upset. Dr says it's stress although I don't feel stress now other than how I'm feeling. Dr put me back on Prilosec which isn't helping much. I have my routine colonoscopy on Monday, so she ordered another endoscopy to be done at the same time in the same appointment. I'm glad to finally be getting some answers but also scared of what those answers might be. I have a hard time believing this is all anxiety.

I'm not sure if this will make sense but it's the best that I have. Anxiety is a beast and will cause any issues it can. Headaches, stomach/intestinal issues, achy muscles from staying so stiff, sleep deprivation (which comes with it's own problems, including pain) and on and on.

It's good that you're getting a handle on it "just in case" but it's likely that the problem is there because of anxiety. That doesn't mean you don't hurt, it just means that you need to treat the anxiety problem in a different way.

Meditating, exercising, doing your best for you body so it can function properly. Add in reassuring yourself with a dr if needed, 2 different Dr. if needed but then be stern with yourself about believing them. Otherwise, why go to them in the first place? I know, this is hard as I struggle with it too. But, there comes a time when you just have to if you want a better life.

Hi Shelin and welcome to the A/P!

For me, I have muscle tension, headaches/full/fuzzy head feelings, dizziness, some stomach issues off and on...at times I have shallow breathing or the feeling like I can't get a good deep breath. Muscle weakness, trembling, hot and cold flashes, ect...I may have had them all, lol.

Once you have ruled out all other possible causes, hopefully you can come to a place of acceptance regarding the anxiety, and start to put together a treatment/management plan in order to feel your best possible.

Talking to your doctor about medication and/or therapy...and working self help coping skills (see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here!) will be a good goal. ;)

Post with us anytime. We understand, care and support is key!

Scaredy Cat