Health Anxiety

[Lauraj54]

I have a bump on my tongue and I’m so scared it’s cancer. Two doctors have seen it and said they don’t think it is cancer, dr google of course suggests it is.

i can’t let it go. I have constant health anxiety fears 😞

[missep123]

Hi Lauraj54,

I can completely relate. I used to be like this too. I even convinced myself once that a new mole on my head might be a melanoma and I was so upset (turned out to be a very normal mole and afterwards I thought to myself, next time I will breathe and see a professional before I jump to conclusions which I usually tend to do).

This bump, has it been growing? Could it be an ulcer?

I think it's really good that you have seen two different doctors. I know that it can be scary with all the news articles and information on google. I think the thing that gives me comfort is that these doctors have gone through extensive medical training and the more time they have spent working, the more experienced they become. Plus you have seen two different individuals who are able to provide two different opinions so theoretically this reduces the percentage of uncertainty.

I'm definitely here for you though, I know this feeling of anxiety and fear over health. It can take over our whole thoughts and life.

[Lauraj54]

Thanks so much for your reply. It has not grown or changed and appears more like a skin tag. Just that I get sinuses on and off and because google associates those symptoms with cancer I panicked

[CalmCat]

Hi Lauraj54,

Thanks so much for sharing.

I to can relate, I used to go on Google all the time to find out what was wrong with me. Then I'd self diagnose and freak out. I do it much less since my mental health has come under control.

I totally agree with missep123 though, going to the GP is the best thing to do in any circumstance.

Hope your having a great weekend.

Regards,

Doz

[missep123]

Hi Lauraj54,

I can relate. I used to google my symptoms quite often. It gave me comfort in knowing academics and medical professionals have warned that anyone can edit pages and write information so the accuracy is questionable. After posting on the forums and getting two medical opinions how have you been feeling? Have you felt as though the anxiety has lessened?

Here for you! As you can see you're definitely not alone because I have done the same in the past and Doz86 could also relate!

[Lauraj54]

Thanks again for your support and response.

I couldn’t get into see a specialist for weeks, so I made the decision to go to emergency because my anxiety was so bad worrying.

I saw two specialists how advised it’s actually a swollen taste bud ( due to pregnancy things swell, I’m 33 weeks). They both said does not look like cancer at all and very likely benign. They were not worried at all and didn’t take any kind of biopsy.

I do feel silly, but it has helped my anxiety. I’ve had four specialists say they don’t think cancer at all, so I can hopefully let it go now.

thanks again.

[missep123]

Hi! And of course, definitely always here to have a chat.

I'm glad that you had it checked and that they weren't concerned to take a biopsy. I never knew that it could be due to pregnancy but that totally makes sense. I think in pregnancy so many changes happen in our body.

I don't think you are being silly, it seems as though you were just trying to be cautious! I hope that by talking about it, it can help to relieve some of the anxiety.

Are there things you enjoy doing that can help you take your mind off of things/re-focus attention onto your self-care?