Could I have Health Anxiety?

[lily1]

Does this sound a bit like it to you?

I have always worried about my health since childhood, I used to worry I had HIV once as I had a tummy upset, and recently I had a problem with my tounge so I googled symptoms and ended up on a forum that deals with mnd so I went to my gp and a specialist and they said I was fine so I accepted that.

Next thing was I found a lump in my breast, went to my gp had all the tests and was told it was cysts.

I cant get this out of my head so I am checking my breasts all the time, panicking can I feel something?
Its all I think about. Its got to the point when I cant have a shower without dreading what I might find:(

It drives my husband mad he says Im fine but I dont believe him.


Any advice?

---------- Post added at 20:04 ---------- Previous post was at 19:30 ----------

Anyone?

[nomorepanic]

Have you read this ...

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/healthanxiety/


You may be able to relate to that

[constantworry]

Oh, I can definitely relate to the showering. It's just awful. My current obsession is lymph nodes, so I am terrified to find anything. I still have the breast issues as well but the doctor said all it okay but, I just can't get it out of my head either.

[lily1]

Oh, I can definitely relate to the showering. It's just awful. My current obsession is lymph nodes, so I am terrified to find anything. I still have the breast issues as well but the doctor said all it okay but, I just can't get it out of my head either.

Yes, I can relate so I may have HA then...

I have had my gp check the lump and say she is 99% sure its nothing, a specialist also said he thinks its nothing and then all the tests showed nothing but still it scares me:(

I check under my arms and around my collarbone every shower. I just want to enjoy my life and not dread having a shower in case I find something!

I have become so scared that I have gone totally organic with my shower gels, cleaning products food etc this provides me with some comfort that good is outweighing the bad and it takes my mind away:unsure:

Do you find its like a driven obsession to check OCD and if you dont check, you might have missed something that is bad?

[tiredOfOcd]

Yes, I do feel there's an OCD component to this.

The checking and rechecking and rerechecking and on and on and on because "i might be wrong" or "it may have changed in the last 30 seconds" or "i'm so relieved everything's ok but i have to make sure it stays that way" is a classic description of OCD.

at least IMNSHO.

i think its a very very fine line where OCD ends and HA begins.

[lily1]

Thank you yes so do I, i'm glad someone has said it as its something I have suspected myself.

I also find myself thinking did I feel that right,and check again to reassure myself it wasnt anything but end up convincing myself that is something and try to find what I had first felt.

My mum has ocd, she has to check everything is off, and goes over it so I may have this trait. When I was 15 I used to 'touch' the tv several times dont ask me why!


My husband says its all in the mind but to me its very normal and very real:(

[constantworry]

Yes, the constant checking is terrible. Some say that if we stop checking, then the need to check will keep getting better as well, but I fear that if I stop checking, I will miss something. But it never fails, when I check, I just find something else to worry about.

[lily1]

Yes, the constant checking is terrible. Some say that if we stop checking, then the need to check will keep getting better as well, but I fear that if I stop checking, I will miss something. But it never fails, when I check, I just find something else to worry about.

Same here!

My husband says stop prodding yourself, you make it sore/worse. The only relief I seem to get from the worry is when Im asleep, and when I'm sleepy as I dont worry then!

[Tinker28]

I agree with lily1 I find hen I'm sleeping or sleepy I'm not worried. I wish nothing but the best for everyone!:hugs:

[constantworry]

Ha Ha, you mentioned the 99% thing. You know that would make those who don't suffer from anxiety feel better, but not us.

[Masqued]

I have the same issue with checking things. I had the breast issue previously this year when I had some soreness bit turned out I was poking an area too much. These days I check 7 days after my period ends and thats it. My latest ocd is checking Moles.
Had the shower thing too! Found I wasnt washing myself so well and lost interest in my appearance so I kicked myself in the butt and pulled myself together. I just make a Drs appointment and write a list of things that worry me. You will be surprised how much you cross off before you het to see the Dr because you are caught on that panicked moment.