Just a bit of a rant-heart worries

[Heley]

So today I went for an ECG. There was a slight abnormality but the echo-cardiogram confirmed that everything was fine. I've had health anxiety regarding sudden cardiac risk in the young for three months, and I thought that after this, and finding out that I'm okay, my panic and anxiety would end. And that I'd be happy again, and go back immediately to everything I used to do and how happy I used to be.

And yet here I still am, running out of a room because I feel like I can't breathe and spending the next few hours severely anxious. Why is this still here? I was so excited for today to finally be the end of the worry. A cardiologist, a physiologist, and a professor, all saw the results and all said it was fine.

Why am I still so scared and sitting here crying like a five year old?

I'm so ashamed of myself that this still hasn't resolved. How much proof am I going to need before I realise I'm okay?

[Pinktel]

wonderful that you've had these results to set your mind at rest, the echo cardiogram really is a sophisticated test, if that is saying your heart is structurally normal then how fantastic!

Now you need to begin some cognitive therapy to drum these facts into your mind. Are you doing any CBT? It can be all very well to tell someone that something is fine, just as you can tell an agoraphobic that there is no threat in a supermarket, but once the cycle of anxiety and fear is set in motion we are all trapped in the same circles of panic.

Its the same as being told all about fight and flight sensations and then just expecting to never suffer panic disorder again.

It's not enough to be told something is okay. You need to cognitively and behaviouraly back it up with thought and action for it to start to sink in.

[Heley]

I've tried really hard to get on to CBT but I'm currently with a mental health therapist who is more focusing on controlling the anxiety rather than out right curing it.

Thank you for your post. I know it's a really accurate, useful test- and experts said all was fine. I just thought I would also feel fine again, you know?

[Izzie2494]

I have had two ECG's both came back normal yet I am the same as you, constantly check my pulse and worrying about my heart! X

[CharlieM]

Hi Heley,

Totally understand. I have had a bad day today, but gladly am still here to type this :)

My anxiety is all heart related, and despite being told numerous times by doctors and having normal ecgs, bloods, etc, I still think it is something serious.

Take the advice above, because I have started the CBT online and I am finding it comforting. It's a long haul, but so many people on here says it works, so give it a go.

I hope you are feeling better this evening.

Charlie

[Pinktel]

Why not download the now free CBT4Panic that is endorsed through this website? Myself and others over on the agoraphobia 2013 thread are having some success with it. It is a slow methodical process but speaking from experience personally I am heaps better because of it. As a programme it is better than the NHS CBT I was provided.

I believe there is also a free panic helpline with another website who offer a telephone based cbt, Think it is called no panic.org.

I guess what I am saying is you don't have to wait for the over stretched NHS if you don't want to, there are some great alternatives to start empowering yourself with.

[Lilharry]

And I can definitely recommend these online modules for health anxiety - helped me http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=53

[backfromthebrink]

That is a great link, there Lilharry. I am feeling a bit better already from reading it :yesyes:

[Heley]

Thanks everyone who replied. It's good to know I'm not alone when I'm at such a low ebb!

[backfromthebrink]

Heley, did you have a resting ECG or an exercise/stress ECG? How long did you have to wait after seeing your GP, before you got seen by the specialist?

I haven't had one and am thinking of either asking my GP for a referral or just paying and going privately (so I don't have to convince my GP I may have yet another health issue and which test I want, and then get incredibly anxious waiting - and can just satisfy myself right away). Unlike some tests, I don't think an ECG is incredibly expensive… (anyone know?)

[Heley]

A resting ECG and an echo. If you want an ECG for free, sign up on CRY's website? They do free sessions around the country :) (if you're between 14 and 35)

[backfromthebrink]

What is CRY? I will have a google… I'm 34, so just there…

[mrsnobody]

what is cry???? do you have ther web site address???

[backfromthebrink]

Oh, that looks brilliant. The only problem is all the clinics except the London one are too far away, and the next London one is fully booked.

[Heley]

CRY- a site for cardiac risk in the young.
They do ECG's that are looked at by a cardiologist and if there's anything even slightly out of the ordinary (like me) they do an echo-cardiogram to make sure.

It's a charity run by people who have relatives/friends who have died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart defect that often causes no symptoms before the fact.

They update when their next bookings will be frequently, so just keep looking at the website (or travel, I went the 100 miles to Birmingham yesterday to do so and I would highly recommend it).

[hanshan]

If a cardiologist, a physiologist, and a professor all saw the results and all said it was fine, then you've reached the limit that medical reassurance can give you.

The main point with health anxiety is that it will continue to operate whatever the number of checks and reassurances that you receive. In this sense, it is fundamentally irrational.

More checks will provide temporary relief, at best. It is the anxiety that you need to deal with for long-term relief.