Health Related Anxiety

[Sarsy]

Hi there,

I'm new to this, so feeling a bit nervous! I'm really struggling with my anxiety at the moment. I've been having spasms in my chest, I guess you can call them, for quite some time now, and after numerous GP & hospital visits, my GP referred me to a Cardiologist. I was given the all clear! That gave me some relief, but that was short lived. I still have spasms, which then puts me into panic mode, which makes me feel physically ill. It's a really vicious cycle.I SHOULD be happy & content with the specialist's outcome, but am finding it really hard to move on. Does anyone else out there have health anxiety, and if so, would really like to hear how you cope with it. It's really starting to wear me down, and in turn is having an effect on my family. Thanks for letting me share!

[Chickem100]

Hi Sarsy,

Good on you for posting I know it's hard but you've taken the first step so well done! My partner has suffered through health anxiety for years so from one perspective I know what you're going through as I've watched her suffer for long periods of time. The good news is she's come out the other end, yes there we're some very difficult times but with a lot of support and counselling she moved on, now I know it's not as easy as that but there's light at the end of the tunnel. I'm more than happy to discuss further if you would like and I'm here to help in any way I can. All the best.

[Sarsy]

Thank you very much for your reply. I see you wrote she had counselling, was there other things that helped aswell, exercise, meditation, diet etc?

Thank you 😀

[Chickem100]

Good morning,

Yeah medication was a big part of it and at first she didn't want to do it but after some thinking she went down that path and hasn't looked back. We've got dogs so everyday it was a long walk to the park and that was great as it got her out of the house, helped her fitness and was something to look forward to everyday. We did some meditation and that was ok but not necessarily for her, not to say its not worth trying! It was a matter of finding things she was interested in, even something as simple as finding a great tv show that she was invested in and wanted to binge watch! She had real issues with getting reassurance from the internet (which was a dreadful idea) so we worked on limiting that and keeping occupied during the hard times, it wasn't easy and we had some difficult times but getting support from friends or family, or anyone you feel comfortable talking to is a great way to start. Even using this platform can be a great way to explain whats happening and everyone here only wants to help. Hopefully this helps in a small way, let me know if I can do anything else!

[Dutchie74]

Hi Sarsy,

Hope you are having a better day today.

I can totally relate to you. I had an ECG at the doctor's this morning after a panic attack in the waiting room as I felt I was going to faint.

She was happy with the results and checked with 2 cardiologists but even so I am not convinced. My dad died of a heart attack at 53 which does not help. Now my doctor has prescribed medication and referred me to a cardiologist to be safe.

I don't really have advice myself on how to cope with health anxiety but I thought it would make you feel less alone knowing you are not the only one.

Take care 😊

[Academy]

I also have health anxiety. I don’t get chest pains. My problems always are with the eyes (going out of focus) . The worst part is this happens rarely but I worry about it constantly. I can get into my car and drive but can’t get out and go into a shop. Does anyone else have this problem?

[ruruibby]

Me! I do, I have health anxiety and it is crippling. I fixate on any little lump or bump or pain or ache and instead of thinking it’s just that, i think extreme life threatening issues. I struggle to distract myself as well - as they say it consumes me - sometimes when I see a Dr, and I’m given results that it’s nothing of concern, I might read somewhere about how some people have been in situations where they have been misdiagnosed and the Dr got it wrong then I’ll think that it’s possible that’s what has happened to me.... and the thing is if it’s not one thing it’s another, as soon as one things clears up almost straight away another thing starts and the cycle begins again 😞

[Stanlee14]

Hey Sarsy

I can relate especially to your spasms. Mine started after my first of many panic attacks about a year ago. I should point out my attacks where health anxiety related. So when these spasms started it only confounded the beliefs I had some disease.

I think I’ve been through every thing in my head from ms to nerve damage, vitamin deficiency and the stereo brain tumour, cancer ect. I’ve found myself jump from one thing to the next. When I get over one the next thing replaces it. It’s exhausting. It’s a vicious cycle as soon as I start to stress the symptoms of anxiety are refuelled.

Anxiety symptoms are different for everyone. For me I’ve had dizziness nausea, shaking, palpitations, shortness of breathe, all very standard anxiety symptoms. However one that worried me was the spasms, as it is not one normally associated with stress, But I’ve found it is a symptom many suffer from, it’s just not talked about much. In fact I’ve spoken with multiple people on this forum with the same symptom, it’s also the reason I’ve replied to your post. Hope it helps. Best wishes -Stan

[Dreaming24]

Hi Sarsy,

I’m just chiming in here to let you know you aren’t alone. I actually have the same symptoms as you, chest spasms in the left side of my chest. It sends me into an absolute panic when I have them. I also experience heat palpitations which has had me convinced I’m dying.

I’ve also seen a cardiologist and had an echocardiogram and a Holter monitor which came back all clear, but like you I still don’t find the results reassuring because I don’t have the answer to my problem.

I have been seeing a physio to help with the spasms/cramps and that does seem to be helping.

I find meditation helps, I also love seeing my psychologist but it’s gotten to the point for me where I’ve decided to try medication as well. This is something that I’ve never wanted to do but health anxiety was affecting my life and I needed to take a stand and decide to make a change as I believe life is something to be enjoyed and you shouldn’t feel like you just need to survive through each day.

It helps knowing you are not alone! I hope you can find some relief from your anxiety.

[Antanxiety]

Yep severe health anxiety sufferer here. Have had some bad health results of late so my anxiety is in hyperdrive which now gives me chest pains, shoulder pains, palpitations the lot.

Ended up in hospital the other night, ecg fine, blood tests for heart attack fine. Yep I still don’t believe them and everyday I am going to have one.

rang up and booked my stress test and they casually said yep next month we can book you in. So still freaking out bad