Health Anxiety - Colonoscopy

[Elizabeth2601]

Hi all,

I am hoping that someone can help me. I suffer with serious health anxiety - I have been seeing a psychologist but it is not seeming to help, she suggests trying to be mindful but I can't concentrate on anything.

There are factors that have me concerned, I am so worried that I have cancer. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow and I can't breathe I am so stressed about what it will find.

I am 33 years old, overweight and have a one year old little girl, I keep imagining not making it to her 5th birthday or even her 2nd birthday. I feel like I have brought cancer on myself because of an unhealthy lifestyle.

I just wish I could calm down and stop thinking about it.

[Birdy77]

Hello Elizabeth,

I don't know if I can help you, but I am here to help you feel less alone.

It is good that you have a colonoscopy tomorrow, because it is proactive and it will let you know what is going on in your body. I know you feel very anxious about tomorrow, but you will be in good hands.

There are quite a few threads on the forums about health anxiety, so you might find some strategies if you put that in the search function.

There is a lovely thread also about "Grounding yourself what is it and how do you" by a wonderful member here called Ggrand. If you put that in the search bar, you'll find it ... just to help calm you down tonight.

You can always just vent your anxiety here on this thread ... responses from people won't be straight away, but we are a caring community, and care about YOU.

So, welcome Elizabeth.

You are not alone.

🌻birdy

[Croix]

Dear Elizabeth2601~

Having the mind go around and around thinking of your health is horrible way to be. It invents all sorts of worst-case situations that seem reasonable or even likely at the time. Then you have tests and can find it hard to believe the results if they come back negative.

I have a different sort of anxiety but like you have had an MRI, CAT scans, umpteen tests and a colonoscopy too. All say I'm fine despite quite severe physical symptoms. I've now come to accept it is a result of my anxiety.

Your psychologist suggests mindfulness which frankly I'm hopeless at. My mind goes where it wants. I have however found a reasonable solution, a free smartphone app caled Smiling Mind. It takes practice but does work and breaks the mind out of a circle. There is sufficient structure and guidance as you use it to keep you on track.

Good luck with the procedure tomorrow

Croix

[Elizabeth2601]

Thank you so so much for your kind reply. It is so lovely to know that I am not alone. It really is horrible to have these thoughts.

I am glad all all of your tests have come back fine. I didn’t realise that anxiety could cause such serious symptoms. What sort of stomach symptoms did you get if you don’t mind sharing?

Thank you again for your very kind words

[Birdy77]

Hey Elizabeth,

How are you tonight?

How did everything go with your procedure today?

I haven't had tests done (I have participated in 'screenings" though, that have all come back negative) ... I don't think I have health anxiety, but I often convince myself I have a particular condition, especially in the middle of the night, I get a pain and think BAM: I've got cancer of the *whatever* which then prevents sleep, induces further anxiety etc. Fun Times.

So I sort of understand.

Hopefully you are feeling a bit more settled and calm (although not a pleasant thing to go through today) ...

Thinking of you.

🌻birdy