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Posted 6/26/2013 8:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone, I just registered with this website and I'm sure I'll be posting here for support in the very near future so I'd like to introduce myself if anyone is interested...

I'm a 26 year old male who has been professionally diagnosed with GAD, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Depression, Gerd/Acid Reflux, and I personally suspect that I have a bit of OCD and social anxiety not to mention I am definitely a major hypochondriac.

I was first diagnosed with Panic Disorder after a year-long search for what was causing me symptoms during my junior year of high school when I was 17 years old. I was put on Lexapro and have been on it ever since. The effectiveness at first was astounding but that has diminished significantly over time. I am upping my dosage to 30mg tonight.

My mom is a very anxious person who was extremely overprotective of me growing up. When I was in kindergarten I remember having a problem with being away from my mom, I remember having separation anxiety I guess you could call it and the teacher and my mom knew about it. Going to kindergarten and being away from home was a problem. In first grade I developed a phobia of choking and starting eating nothing but baby food and ice cream for awhile before returning to normal.

I was very depressed in 8th grade, crying a lot of the time. My hell didn't take full swing until junior year of high school though.

Long story short, I've been going through a really rough time lately with my anxiety. My anxiety is rooted full in health worries and catastrophic thinking. My biggest fears lately have been having a blood clot or having colon cancer. My stomach has been upset for 2 weeks now nonstop and my appetite simply isn't there. I'm back to googling symptoms, statistics, and everything else related to how I'm feeling.

I'm so worried that the way I've been physically feeling is due to a something deadly and catastrophic... I know anxiety plays tricks on us and can wreak havoc on our digestive tracks but I just can't help but wonder why I'm in so much physical pain and discomfort lately. Why has my appetite disappeared? Why has my stomach been hurting everyday? Can anxiety truly possibly be causing all of this?

My biggest fear as of lately is that I have colon cancer. Back in 2009 I dealt with the same fear because of having bright red streaks of blood on top of my stools. I had some tests done back then but I was -not- scoped. Now in 2013 I've noticed bleeding with bowel movements again, not every time, but enough to cause me GREAT concern... I have an appointment to see a GI doctor in a little over 2 weeks but I can't shake this fear that I have something deadly...

Any can relate or go through something similar? Thanks.
Posted 6/26/2013 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi WW and welcome!

You would not have to read many posts here in our archives to know that you do not suffer alone. Many of us also endure health anxiety. It is miserable, and I am so sorry that you are dealing with these fears and worries.

There is however hope! You mentioned medication, and that you are upping your dose. You have kept to a fairly low dose for a long time, so that is promising...you will most likely benefit from your increase. (after the initial break-in period)

Have you also considered therapy? I used to suffer severe health anxiety and panic disorder. I sought help in the form of CBT therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) which is highly effective in treating both of these issues.

I would urge you to consult with your doctor regarding a referral if you have not done so already. Even if you have done some therapy previously...a re-visiting of treatment can make a huge difference at anytime. I went through two courses, along with self-help to enhance my recovery.

Speaking of self help, we have a great Resource Guide here (main page, 1st post) Check out the wealth of information and ideas for working a home program! I can also recommend some really good books on managing health anxiety, at your request.

I hope that you will continue to post with us if you find it helpful to you. I am sure that you will find much understanding and support here among our members.:)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 6/26/2013 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Google will have you crawling around on your hands and knees bawling and slobbering, "Stop It"!

Think about this its real facts, no one dies of colon cancer before middle age! your 26. If the blood is
bright red or pink you have a hemorrhoid and its bleeding, straining can cause these but go to the Dr appointment and let them check you out, I have never heard of anyone being scoped at your age unless they have had internal injuries. Most of us come here for the same reason you have PAD panic/anxiety/depression
health related anxiety is really tough it tends to stay on your mind and dominates you every waking
moment. We have the best Monitors here ever and they will be getting with you and making some
recommendations for your future recovery, and yes you can and will get better. Don't just read what these
Ladies recomend take them to Heart because they will be the key to your Recovery! Peace

Larry ***
Posted 6/26/2013 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck man I'm in the same boat. Upping my dose for the first time in 6 years tomorrow!
Physically I'm guessing you're fine however def. follow up with your doctor and see what they have to say. However anxiety can play tricks on us.

worrywort87 said...
Hello everyone, I just registered with this website and I'm sure I'll be posting here for support in the very near future so I'd like to introduce myself if anyone is interested...

I'm a 26 year old male who has been professionally diagnosed with GAD, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Depression, Gerd/Acid Reflux, and I personally suspect that I have a bit of OCD and social anxiety not to mention I am definitely a major hypochondriac.

I was first diagnosed with Panic Disorder after a year-long search for what was causing me symptoms during my junior year of high school when I was 17 years old. I was put on Lexapro and have been on it ever since. The effectiveness at first was astounding but that has diminished significantly over time. I am upping my dosage to 30mg tonight.

My mom is a very anxious person who was extremely overprotective of me growing up. When I was in kindergarten I remember having a problem with being away from my mom, I remember having separation anxiety I guess you could call it and the teacher and my mom knew about it. Going to kindergarten and being away from home was a problem. In first grade I developed a phobia of choking and starting eating nothing but baby food and ice cream for awhile before returning to normal.

I was very depressed in 8th grade, crying a lot of the time. My hell didn't take full swing until junior year of high school though.

Long story short, I've been going through a really rough time lately with my anxiety. My anxiety is rooted full in health worries and catastrophic thinking. My biggest fears lately have been having a blood clot or having colon cancer. My stomach has been upset for 2 weeks now nonstop and my appetite simply isn't there. I'm back to googling symptoms, statistics, and everything else related to how I'm feeling.

I'm so worried that the way I've been physically feeling is due to a something deadly and catastrophic... I know anxiety plays tricks on us and can wreak havoc on our digestive tracks but I just can't help but wonder why I'm in so much physical pain and discomfort lately. Why has my appetite disappeared? Why has my stomach been hurting everyday? Can anxiety truly possibly be causing all of this?

My biggest fear as of lately is that I have colon cancer. Back in 2009 I dealt with the same fear because of having bright red streaks of blood on top of my stools. I had some tests done back then but I was -not- scoped. Now in 2013 I've noticed bleeding with bowel movements again, not every time, but enough to cause me GREAT concern... I have an appointment to see a GI doctor in a little over 2 weeks but I can't shake this fear that I have something deadly...

Any can relate or go through something similar? Thanks.

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