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Posted 7/4/2012 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am 19 years old and I think I have a health anxiety. I recently got a abscess on the back of my neck (gross I know) . It's been there for 2 months ormore. My regular doc put me on 2 different antibiotithecs but it didn't go away. I been going to the doctor and even recommended me to a surgeon . He took a sample of it and it a an infection. Here is where I went crazy. I started googling my symptoms. And read all about lymphoma. Now I think I have it. I went to a clinicwhich is free because I had a panic attack I think. I went there because I have insurance and it's expensive to keep going back to the doc. I been depressed and keep thinking I have that. I touch my armpits, groin, and neck all the time looking for lumps. Which are signs of lymphoma. I did find a little bump in my armpit and one in the back of my ear. What also scared me is that i have a cough but it has been coldThe doctor at the clinic told me it isn't that. But he only looked at me and touched them a bit. He didn't really do any test. So IM still not sure. I'm scared and just want to have test done. I want too cry all the time, my mom knows but even when I'm out with people I think about it and they can notice. I need help! :'( I keep googling and keep thinking I have this. I'm scared
Posted 7/4/2012 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi joavila and welcome.

First of all I am sorry that you are going through so much worry right now in regards to your health. Know that you are not alone, and that we have had many, many posts similar to yours. A lot of members here struggle with health anxiety, myself included.

Our solemn pledge and motto...NO Googling symptoms!  turn This inevitably leads to more anxiety...and needlessly so.  Those search engines are designed to route you to every possible match for what you input as a symptom...so basically you are going to get a whole bunch of scary things popping up that aren't even close to what you are dealing with!

Trust your doctor. Boils, absecesses and cysts happen in completely healthy people. It may take awhile to completely heal, and yes you may have a swollen gland(s) because this is the body's natural way of figthting the infection.

Keep taking any medication that you need...making sure to finish the course completely. Also, get plenty of rest and good nutrition to keep your body strong while it is healing.

If you feel any more panic, check out our Anxiety/Panic Resources (main page 2nd post) for some great self-help techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises...they really help.:)

Keep posting with us as well. It is really comforting to talk with others who undersand what you are going through!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 7/4/2012 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
joavila92


 

Hello and welcome to HealingWell. I am sorry to hear of your worries but it does sound like you are having some issues with health anxiety.  Health anxiety is an initial overreaction/misinterpretation of a real abnormality.  Many people have this problem and are prone to using Dr. Google which of course has the lists of all the "bad" things that might cause your sx.  As long as a lab sample identified your abscess as being caused by an infection I think you would be safe to trust this test.

If your anxiety is keeping you from living your everyday life the way you would like to please do talk to a Dr. about looking into therapy.  Many of our member use  CBT therapy.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations,

and events.The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel / act better even if the situation does not change. Here is the link to the free online version you can work right from home:

Free on-line CBT programs

http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

Therapy Work Sheets

http://www.get.gg/freedownloads2.htm

I hope you stick with us and remember coming here and voicing your fears is a great way to help with your anxiety.

Kindly,

Kitt
Posted 7/4/2012 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, to both of you. I just feel like I have all the symptoms. Fever, night sweats, swollen glands etc. I also start to think that I had this abscess for 2 months and drank two types of antibiotics and it still doesn't go away. I forgot to mention the surgeon gave me another antibiotics I still need to finish. The abscess does seem to be getting better. But the thought still lingers in my brain.since it's taking to long to heal and idk . The last time I got a blood test was December everything was ok.then I got my thyroid checked with blood and everything was ok to. But the thought is still there. I feel shaky and at night I think and my heart beats fast and I sweat not soaking but abbot. .sorry to throw all my problems out there
Posted 7/5/2012 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
It is hard to know distinguish between the symptoms of illness and the symptoms of anxiety sometimes! Because the sensations that we feel when anxious are very real, it can be confusing...because they mimic other things.

However, given the fact that you know that you have anxiety pertaining to this issue, you can probably assume that a lot of what you are feeling is due to just that..anxiety.

Keep taking your medication, follow up with your doctor afterward, and try not to anticipate a negative outcome, but a positive one. You are getting better...it may be taking awhile, but that is a good sign that you are going to be fine! Try to be patient and relaxed and let your body do its healing.:)

I really do recommend trying those breathing and relaxation exercises that I mentioned in my first post, and the links that Kitt gave you...it will help to control your worry and symptoms of anxiety!

Keep talking with us too.:)

S.C.
Posted 7/5/2012 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
! I just been so anxious and depressed. I want to go to the ER so I can get test done because if I go to my regular doc, he first of all didn't listen, then I have insurance so I need authorization for any CT scan,xrays, and that would take weeks.as it did to go see the surgeon. I tell my mom to take me but she says I'm fine. I feel like they don't listen to me. I'm scared. I keep thinking what if I do have that, it will ruin my life. It's hard to think positive. And I'm always thinking this. I want it to go away. Then I feel little throbs every where but idk if it's the anxiety or that. I am about obese so I look for bumps and find some under the skin but they are allot. Kinda feels like cellulitis but idk the difference
Posted 7/5/2012 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
I know how you feel. When I have the least little issue, I will google symptoms and the search results cause me more anxiety than the initial health issue. So, I have to agree with what the mod said about not googling symptoms. That is something I am starting to work on myself. You have to trust that your doc knows what he or she is doing. The only other option, if you are really not satisfied with what the doctor is doing is to get a second opinion. It will likely cost you, but if a second doctor says the same thing, then maybe it will ease your mind. Anxiety is no fun, so I hope that your are able to work through this. I am new here, but it seems that this place has a lot of resources to help ease your panic/anxiety symptoms, so be sure check everything out.
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