Health Anxiety is ruining my life

[AMMoverthinking]

I have always had anxiety. As a little kid I would have panic attacks if we drove across the Westgate Bridge certain it was going to break and we would plummet to our deaths. When their was a black out I was certain someone was going to break in and kills is etc.

After having my children my anxiety ramped up. I am constantly certain I have one health disease or another and I become fixated on it and really depressed. Once I go and get it checked and get the all clear I am fine for a little while until I start to fixate on something else. I’m currently convinced I have breast cancer. I didn’t sleep. I now can’t eat and have to go to work soon and pretend everything is okay when really I just want to curl up into a ball abs cry.

I finally got the courage to mention it to my doctor last year but be wasted me to see a psych. I also have social anxiety so speaking to a stranger opens a whole over can of worms for me.

my biggest fear stems from leaving my children and not getting to see the grow up. So when I’m like this even seeing my children will upset me.

I have a doctors apt this afternoon but my regular doctor was away so now I need to see a stranger 😬. Plus I know she’ll probably just want to send me for an ultrasound so that’s another day or so wait for that. I do already have dense breast tissue found the last time I was convinced I had breast cancer so my boobs already feel different so I can’t even calm myself down this time. I’m just so panicked today m.

[maccaz]

I have all of those same symptoms and same deal, multiple doctors forced me to accept it is anxiety. The spasms etc are so distressing lol. I'll see how the book goes, thanks!

[Meg_611]

So you have constant heart pounding feeling too?

My heart rate is normal and I have been checked by a cardiologist with stress test and ultrasound of my heart and all is fine. But my heart always feels like it is pounding so hard- and my pulse in my neck is so prominent it feels like it makes my whole neck throbs and when I lie on my back I can see it pulsating and moving my neck with my heartBeat

[JEF15]

Hi @meg_611

Sounds like what I am dealing with right now. My heart pounds so hard and I can see it in my neck pulse, which then I stress over why, is that normal? So then I stress more. Its a never ending cycle and im sick of it. I dont know if I shrug it off as anxiety or i have an health concern im ignoring. Just thought Id let you know your not alone in these feelings 🙂

[CalmCat]

Hi JEF15,

Thanks for sharing such a personal post.

I too throb when anxiety is high. I'm usually not breathing deep breaths at the same time.

Make sure you talk to you health care professional next time you see them.

Regards,

Doz

[AMMoverthinking]

I’ve had every test under the sun on my heart and lt was out down to my anxiety.

Really can’t shake this breast issue lately. From all the poking and prodding and googling I’ve come up with one is more dense than the other and now I’m obsessing again. As I said my last ultrasound was only a few weeks ago but that does nothing to calm me.

I’ve made an appointment with a female doctor on Monday to see if she can calm me down. Google just keeps telling me the worst. I honestly feel like I can’t get on top of this. My other doctor doesn’t seem to take me seriously despite the fact that he knows my families mental health history. It’ll be a long two days before I see this new doctor. I honestly just feel like crying.

hope you are all doing well.

[Tugboat]

Hi AMMovrthinking

i have had health anxiety for 30 years .... it has covered just about every part of my body. Every bit of pain I have for more than a couple I think cancer straight way. OMG how draining is that, I cannot focus on anything other than my pain, then do the Dr thing and here we go test after test... over the years I have not had any major issues however enough still to make me worry. The one thing I refuse to do is google..... this would really spin me out! I am currently having anxiety over a blemish on my face which I have had for ages, but a freind said you should keep an eye on that.... SO HERE WE GO ANXIETY AGAIN. I have been to the dr and he has prescribed cream so hopefully that will help otherwise further testing....arghhh ANXIETY... I check the blemish every couple of hours which is ridiculous but I cannot help it.Seeing the Dr Thursday. It’s great we have a forum where we can discuss our crazy thoughts. Love to you ❤️

[AMMoverthinking]

Thanks. It really is so exhausting.

I did a similar thing last year about a lump I have in between my nose and I. A family friend commented which lead to a whole heap of worry. Mum has said I’d always had it, I convinced myself it was growing. My GP said he didn’t think it was anything but could be so gave me a referral to the dermatologist. Dermatologist looked at it and instantly went oh that’s a mole and I bet you’ve always had it. Did a thorough check for me overs whole body. Instantly I was calm. Until the next time popped up.

Good luck at the doctors. Im currently in the process of taking myself in and out of cancelling my appointment but I know it’s for the best.

[Meg_611]

Hi Jef15

how long have you had these symptoms for?

My heart rate is normal rhythm but I feel like my heart is better twice as hard as it should

when i lay on my back with a pillow my neck visibly throbs with my pulse

does this happen to you?

[AMMoverthinking]

Hi everyone.

Just an update to say I went and saw a new doctor. A female this time. I thought about cancelling but my husband came with me to make sure I’d go in. She was lovely and we had a good chat. We’ve made a double apt for Friday so we can work on a mental health plan.

Hope you’re all doing well.

[Meg_611]

That’s great news!
I hope your appointment goes well on Friday too 🙂