Health Axiety "HELP"

[Nkme]

I suffer terrible health anxiety.

For about 3 years now I have suffered with the fear of getting breast cancer. I constantly check myself and it seems to be everywhere I look. I have been on medication now for 21 years. Just recently the doctors have given me a higher dose and something to help me sleep. I just cant stop thinking that i have breast cancer and that maybe the doctors missed something. I have seen 5 doctors and had ultrasounds in the last 12months and everything health wise is great. There is just that horrible thought and feeling of Anxiety that just creeps up on me. I start shaking and i cant breath properly. I was hoping that someone else out there suffered the same feeling about there health that could give me some advice or even just to talk. Its ruining my life and interfering with my social life also. I have lost all my friends due to them not understanding me.

[will86]

hi they,

I am new here beyondblue support service this year in 2018.

I have a disability and my anxiety. I suffer terrible health anxiety too.

I suffer terrible health anxiety from 5 to 32 yrs old now.

I can't sleep at all nights.

I hearing from my foster mum and she's family too. my foster mum and she's family said me very bad things on me and call cop on me too.

[Luckie19]

Hi Nkme,

I am sorry you are having such a terrible time with health anxiety. I have also signed up to the forums this week as I am also struggling with it at this point in time.

Four weeks ago I was told I was having a miscarriage - it was very early days and therefore nothing was visible on an ultrasound, the doctors were concerned it may be an ectopic pregnancy and have been monitoring my hormone levels via blood test every 2 - 3 days for the past 4 weeks. I became convinced that I had an ectopic pregnancy and that a life threatening rupture was imminent. I couldn't sleep every twinge I felt in my stomach was a sign, I was scared to be alone at home (in case I collapsed and couldn't call an ambulance) I didn't want to drive anywhere by myself, every time I was out in public I had horrible visions of being a public spectacle and collapsing in public, I honestly felt like I couldn't go more than 15minutes without worrying about it. I presented to ED 5 times over 3 weeks (they took me very seriously each time - which I think made matters worse) however each time after bunch of tests I would be reassured, that I wasn't in any imminent danger and the way my doctor was managing it was the safest way to proceed. I would go home feeling really good, sleep well for one night and then the panic would set in, what if the doctors were wrong, what if it was growing so fast that I was now in danger again since my last appointment.

I had a doctors appointment yesterday and they told me that I had been over managed and subjected to too many tests, which they think was contributing to my anxiety. They have decided to only do a blood test once a week as my levels are now really low and will correspond with me on the phone so I don't need to attend the hospital. I still feel anxious that they have made a mistake, and have some stomach pains (probably caused by anxiety) that I am concerned about, but I am trying to trust them (after all about 7 doctors have all told me the same thing now). I am also at the point where I know I can't show my face in ED again unless it is really serious (even though it always feels really serious at the time)

Sorry my story is so long, however I just hope it makes you feel not so alone NKme!!!

[startingnew]

hello and welcome to you all

Health anxiety can be quite tricky, we have a few members here with this and a few threads can be found using the BB search bar.

Drs really only prescibe medications and offer a listening ear, do you think you would be willing to speak to a psychologist about this? perhaps they can teach you new coping methods, and what to do what things get out of control?

[Nkme]

Thank you for your advice.

I’m actually starting a course in 2 weeks through Mindspot to try and help manage my compulsive breast checking and anxiety. I’m hoping that this will give me some relief.

I have been struggling the last 3 weeks. I have had my breasts checked again by my GP and I have also seen a BC nurse, she has explained a lot of things about breast cancer to me. I feel so stupid sometimes and I know I’m worrying over nothing but I just can’t stop thinking about it. My anxiety over this is now interfering with work and everyday house hold chores.

I hope I can get some relief soon.

[startingnew]

Hello, its lovley to hear from you again. im glad youve got some supports helping you through this and i hope the mindspot course is helpful too.

Anxiety of any sort can be debilitating cant it whether it seems stupid or not, it is a real fear to you so you need some help to work through it. unfortunalty its not an overnight fix but i do hope you can find things that help you to be less anxious and learn to live without worrying so much.

[Nkme]

I just find it really hard to talk about my health anxiety, especially the compulsive BC thoughts. I feel as though I’m the only one that has this illness.

Its just really scary sometimes and there’s no controlling your mind no matter the reassurance from my GP