Coping with diagnosed health problem and health anxiety

[countrygirl]

I am not asking for reassurance about my problem its more how to cope with living with it and the constant fear.
In a nutshell diagnosed with super ventricular tachy 6 yrs. Was coping with short intermittant attacks but after flu at xmas things have escalated and these attacks past 10 days have been daily and for up to 6 hrs at a time. 2 a&e visits. 1 hospital stay. I hate drugs but am having to take for me scary drugs which have side effects to try and stabilise me until they can do cardiac ablation.
It is nightmare scenario for someone with health anxiety. I know the condition is not life threatening but extremely unpleasant to endure.
The cardiac ablation terrifies me at the though of it.
Any pone have any words of wisdom on how i can accept and cope.

( this is a copy of post week ago which got deleted and admin asked me to repost it)

[ColdHands]

I know how you feel. Not about the Tachy, as don't have that. But I have real issues and HA too. I have had Thyroid Cancer, Had emergency surgery to remove my large ovary, I have Primary Biliary Cholangitis, and now I'm being tested next Friday for an esophageal lump/lesion. I've been overall blessed to have gotten through most all of this pretty unscathed. The liver disease is progressive and the esophageal lesion is an unknown but I am very worked up about the test next Friday . We are a different sort than most HA sufferers. Its hard to deal with HA, but when you actually have stuff wrong with you and have HA your mind starts to deal with Scanxiety and all the other stuff that goes with it. The thing is, that when you have a problem it keeps you vigilant, you you can't just obsess about it all the time. In your case anxiety will definitely hurt your heart issues, so learning to cope is key.

My mom had the cardiac ablation and it really wasn't that big of a deal. It was an easy procedure and she did well with it. She wasn't a well person overall and she had no issues with it. Its hard to say don't worry, but because worry is an olympic sport for us. But take great comfort in the fact you have something that can be treated and cured. Some of us that have untreatable diseases would easily trade places.

[nomorepanic]

Countrygirl - I will add the replies you got and who they were from.

[Fishmanpa]

Even people with HA get real life illnesses and conditions. That being said, of all the fears and illnesses posted about here, I know of two that actually had something serious going on. They faced it as anyone would and during that time, their anxiety took a back seat as they focused on their battle. Interestingly enough, having actually faced the challenge, their anxiety has remained in the back seat.

My father had this condition and the same procedure. He was in his late 70's. They kept him a day or so afterwards due to his age but it was a quick and easy procedure and he's doing well.

I totally understand the stress of dealing with real physical issues. Whether you believe it or not, the bottom line is you really do have the inner fortitude to deal with this. What other choice do you have? :shrug:

Look at it this way... This is a opportunity to stuff the dragon in the back seat and I believe you'll find it will be easier to do so in the future. Yes it's nerve wreaking but you're in good hands with experienced trained professionals :)

One of the real positives I took from facing the serious illnesses I've faced was that I came to appreciate what's truly important in life. You'll find your attitude changes about so many of the minor and petty things that tend to upset us. Read my signature. It's what I try to live by every day. In many ways, the worries so many post here are a kin to chasing the wind. And when you stop chasing it, you get to enjoy the cool breeze :)

Positive thoughts

[ColdHands]

Even people with HA get real life illnesses and conditions. That being said, of all the fears and illnesses posted about here, I know of two that actually had something serious going on. They faced it as anyone would and during that time, their anxiety took a back seat as they focused on their battle. Interestingly enough, having actually faced the challenge, their anxiety has remained in the back seat.

My father had this condition and the same procedure. He was in his late 70's. They kept him a day or so afterwards due to his age but it was a quick and easy procedure and he's doing well.

I totally understand the stress of dealing with real physical issues. Whether you believe it or not, the bottom line is you really do have the inner fortitude to deal with this. What other choice do you have? :shrug:

Look at it this way... This is a opportunity to stuff the dragon in the back seat and I believe you'll find it will be easier to do so in the future. Yes it's nerve wreaking but you're in good hands with experienced trained professionals :)

One of the real positives I took from facing the serious illnesses I've faced was that I came to appreciate what's truly important in life. You'll find your attitude changes about so many of the minor and petty things that tend to upset us. Read my signature. It's what I try to live by every day. In many ways, the worries so many post here are a kin to chasing the wind. And when you stop chasing it, you get to enjoy the cool breeze :)

Positive thoughts

Great response and so true. When stuff gets "real", the HA usually takes a back seat. The anxiety you feel about your condition, really isn't HA anymore. Its garden variety anxiety about an upcoming condition. The key is not to catastophize. Thats my problem

[countrygirl]

Brilliant replies. Thank you. Coldhands my friend has pbc diagnosed 8 yrs ago and has just been having a bad time with it . Her liver enzymes which should not have been above 40 were over 900! She is doe chemotherapy for breast cancer but at moment cannot have it due to her pbc.
Fishmanpa i often read your signature it is so true and i do try hard to follow it.
I always assume my fear over health proceedures is excessive but you are right most people would be apprehensive.
Just to add to it i have got my screening mammogram day after seeing specialisr cardiologist. Talk abou all at once!

[ColdHands]

Interesting about the PBC. That is big fear for me, if I get any kind of cancer will I be able to take the treatments because of my liver. And after having cancer, will I ever be eligible for transplant. Are they not giving her chemo because of her enzymes? Usually people still get cancer treatment even if they have PBC. It isn't ideal, but you don't have a choice in some cases. Sorry she isn't doing well. Overall my enzymes are not crazy high. They are in the upper 100's to 200s most of the time, which isn't horrible with PBC. I would hate to have a test right now, because of my anxiety over this esophageal stuff I am afraid it will be nuts high.

[countrygirl]

My friend usually has liver enzymes like you between 100 and 200. 900 was extreme and she is now down to 400. They also stopped her hormone tablets as well. She sees oncologist again in 2 weeks and will find out what happens next.