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[kiwilass]

Hi, I have suffered from a health anxiety for approximately 10 years (after my husband required urgent heart surgery) I had little support to deal with so drs have said i suffer from PTSD. I worry about everything health related, dentists, drs, cancer. It consumes me most days. I am on anxiety medication, a very low dose, which does that the edge off it. Since Xmas I have noticed my symptoms peaking again. I guess being at home at not at work being kept busy doesnt help. I made a list of medical things I have to do. I booked in for a mammogram but feel physically sick about it, I need my eyes check, booked the kids in but their dad is going to have to take them because I am too anxious. I am diabetic diagnosed in last 2 years. Cant accept it so still trying to keep on top of it. Luckily I now have a very understanding dr who although i am afraid to book in is very gentle with me. I dont feel my husband understands how I feel. I am very moody and emotional most of the time because of the bad thoughts that go through my head. I did book in and saw a hynotherapist and she was amazing. Like everything i found it hard to keep up but feel I should go back for another session.

[Zeal]

Hi Kiwilass,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to hear that you suffer from such debilitating health anxiety. I'm so glad you have an understanding and supportive doctor. I've never been to a hypnotherapist before. Was the consultation what you expected? Even if you do go back to the hypnotherapist and find it helpful, still definitely continue seeing your GP.

Do you think your husband lacks the knowledge needed to understand what you're going through? It's worth your husband coming into one of your appointments with your doctor. Consider asking your doctor about this next time you see them. On this site, there are fact sheets your husband could read under Supporting someone on the top blue menu bar. For your reference, I recommend the resources on this site: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm There is one specifically for health anxiety (Helping health anxiety).

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[BballJ]

Hi kiwilass,

Firstly, welcome the forums.

Ahh, health anxiety, one of the more common anxiety related issues, one i can relate to as I have had major health anxiety for years, the panic attacks everything associated with it, I have had so I totally understand how it affects your daily life. I did however have some success after I started understanding how my anxiety relates to it and working through that with my psychologist has helped a lot. What stuff did the hypnotherapist talk about with you, how did you feel after it and is it worth going back again if you felt relief?

My best for you,

Jay