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Feeling new symptoms, this sucks

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Posted 12/6/2011 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

So to recap, I haven't posted in a while because finals are coming up and I've just been concentrating on school a lot. Anyway everything is a ok when it comes to the heart. However, I guess once my mind knew that my anxiety gravitated down to my stomach. When I first had anxiety back in January and February I seriously thought I was becoming diabetic I got really bad hunger pains even though I was eating large meals. I went to the local ER at my old college and then also went to my family doctor, everything was fine as he did blood tests. After a while the stomach issues subsided and everything gravitated towards the chest more once summer came along.


Now that I know my ticker is fine, like I said I've been feeling new symptoms. Even though I would eat a large meal I would still feel hunger pains or nausea after about 1-3 hours after eating. I've been eating a lot healthier lately and also I guess I'm trying to eat less especially since this is kinda like an in-limbo period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now once again the fears I had back in January of becoming diabetic are back again. Luckily, I have no increase in thirst, my weight is about the same, I don't see anywhere on my body that's swelling. My vision can get blurry but I do wear contacts. Sometimes I get sweaty but it's mainly because my house can get hot and I think because of anxiety. I take Klonopin but only when needed and I haven't needed to take one in over a week. Could that be it?? I don't want to go through what I went through when it came to finding out if I had a heart problem, my funds are wiped out, and my parents are at their wits end. I just need some support please. Thanks :)

-Matt
Posted 12/6/2011 6:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Matt and welcome back.

All of your symptoms sound pretty anxiety related. Those of us with health anxiety seem to go on 'red alert' whenever we feel a strange (or even normal) body function, assuming that something must be wrong.

Feeling hunger/nausea soon after eating could be a sign of high acid levels in your stomach.  This is probably caused by...you guessed it, anxiety.

Are you currently doing anything to bring your stress under control? Therapy, coping exercises (breathing/progressive relaxation) or the like? If not, maybe you could look into it?

It is hard, but sometimes you just have to choose to believe what the doctors and test have told you...that you are healthy, and just need to get focused on treating the anxiety:)

Recovery can happen! I used to worry constantly about my health, and after going through CBT, I am now rarely ever bothered by it, and when I am...I can manage it with the tools that I learned in therapy.

Take care, and keep posting here with us. Talking with others who share the same issues is also really helpful. We are here to support you!

S.C.
Posted 12/6/2011 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Scaredy Cat,

I know, and believe me I'm trying lol. Its just hard because 3 people in my immediate family are/were type 2 diabetics. Both my mom's and dad's moms, as well as my dad. My mom's mom just recently died July 1st from type 2 diabetes and a host of heart issues.

For relaxation I do a lot of meditative breathing throughout the day, especially when I wake up in the morning. I also drink at least one cup of chamomile tea per day/night to relax me, and I always have klonopin just in case if I'm in an emergency situation. I'm also practicing EMDR with my psychiatrist's talk therapist for PTSD from some bad experiences in college I already explained.

I know I have to believe the doctors as well as my parents. I've been tested for diabetes back in January/February, kidney issues in the summer, both of those times getting full blood workups done. And then with the chest this fall, and everything is fine. Actually I lost about 25-35 lbs since February from eating healthier and all that so if I didn't get tested positive for diabetes than, I DEFINITELY shouldn't have it now lol.

-Matt
Posted 12/6/2011 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Matt,

Those are great steps that you are taking! I am glad to hear that you are in therapy. Have you talked specifically about your health fears? I wonder if the therapist could help you with some CBT-type exercises to help combat the fearful thoughts regarding this?

Or maybe you could pick up a self-guided CBT workbook to do on your own. I don't mean to sound like a broken record on this...but no one can tell you to just stop worrying about your health...especially in light of your grandmother's recent passing. You actually need to re-train how you think and react to what you feel when faced with anxiety/fearful stimuli.

Keep up the good work:) You are going to be fine, I can tell that you are committed to getting better, and you will improve, given time and effort:)

Keep posting,
S.C.
Posted 12/6/2011 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Scaredy Cat,

I actually did discuss them today, she asked if I thought of seeing a Gastrointestinal doctor but I don't think it's necessary. I have been having a lot more milk than usual as I'm trying to not eat out so much and trying to have more meals at home, so I have been having cereal a lot with breakfast, that could perhaps be the culprit to my stomach problems.

Also, I know I need to start exercising more, just starting small such as going for walks or something like that, and that my stress could be from finals and all that.

I'll be keeping you posted!! :)

-Matt
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