Ed2468
20-02-18, 13:38
Hi all
I am new to this forum and thought I can share my experience - probably won't help anyone but maybe putting my feelings in writing will give me some perspective.
I have been struggling with health anxiety for about 2 years. I am 40 years old and 'healthy', gym 3-5 times per week.
My trigger was my mother passing away 2 years ago as a result of Lymphoma cancer. We have never before had cancer in the family and I was oblivious to any potential health issues.
To give you an idea, over the past 2 years I have been for the following:
1) Colonoscopy/Gastroscopy - was convinced I had colon cancer so went for tests at the GP (who said all is fine), but still I went to a Gastroentorologist to perform a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. All results were fine
2) Had a very slight pain in my hip - convinced it was some cancer of the hip. In a panic I went for physio session after session. 'Problem' cleared up in 6 months.
3) Had this scratchy feeling in my throat - obviously throat cancer. After a general checkup at the GP I got the all clear. Obviously this was not enough so off to the ENT specialist I went who gave me the all clear (and said my issue seems to be health anxiety rather than anything else).
4) Abscess in my gums - obviously something seriously wrong. Ended up having a root canal and problem solved.
5) A dodgy looking mole on my back. Panicked because it has to be skin cancer. Off to the dermatologist who gave me the all clear.
6) Panicked because my left ear is not hearing as good as the right ear. I do shooting on the range (not always with ear protection) so after a GP visit and an audiologist visit they stated the obvious to me.
7) Today I noticed a tiny abscess under my tongue, with a red 'halo' around it. Now I am freaking out that it is oral cancer. The oral hygienist said it is 'canker' which is a simple infection that clears up on its won. Then went to the dentist who said the same. Then went to the GP who said it should clear up in about 2 weeks and if it doesn't I need to come back.
Why am I freaking out and can;t just take things at face value?
I am on medication for anxiety (Talamil) and have tried CBT with a psychologist with limited success.
I am so frustrated with myself and just wish I could have a 'don;t care' attitude with regards to health issues. Life is great when I don;t have any symptoms but it really is unbearable when I have these symptoms that keep milling around in my mind.
Would appreciate any advice/resources etc that may have worked for some forum members.
Thank you!
Eddie
I am new to this forum and thought I can share my experience - probably won't help anyone but maybe putting my feelings in writing will give me some perspective.
I have been struggling with health anxiety for about 2 years. I am 40 years old and 'healthy', gym 3-5 times per week.
My trigger was my mother passing away 2 years ago as a result of Lymphoma cancer. We have never before had cancer in the family and I was oblivious to any potential health issues.
To give you an idea, over the past 2 years I have been for the following:
1) Colonoscopy/Gastroscopy - was convinced I had colon cancer so went for tests at the GP (who said all is fine), but still I went to a Gastroentorologist to perform a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. All results were fine
2) Had a very slight pain in my hip - convinced it was some cancer of the hip. In a panic I went for physio session after session. 'Problem' cleared up in 6 months.
3) Had this scratchy feeling in my throat - obviously throat cancer. After a general checkup at the GP I got the all clear. Obviously this was not enough so off to the ENT specialist I went who gave me the all clear (and said my issue seems to be health anxiety rather than anything else).
4) Abscess in my gums - obviously something seriously wrong. Ended up having a root canal and problem solved.
5) A dodgy looking mole on my back. Panicked because it has to be skin cancer. Off to the dermatologist who gave me the all clear.
6) Panicked because my left ear is not hearing as good as the right ear. I do shooting on the range (not always with ear protection) so after a GP visit and an audiologist visit they stated the obvious to me.
7) Today I noticed a tiny abscess under my tongue, with a red 'halo' around it. Now I am freaking out that it is oral cancer. The oral hygienist said it is 'canker' which is a simple infection that clears up on its won. Then went to the dentist who said the same. Then went to the GP who said it should clear up in about 2 weeks and if it doesn't I need to come back.
Why am I freaking out and can;t just take things at face value?
I am on medication for anxiety (Talamil) and have tried CBT with a psychologist with limited success.
I am so frustrated with myself and just wish I could have a 'don;t care' attitude with regards to health issues. Life is great when I don;t have any symptoms but it really is unbearable when I have these symptoms that keep milling around in my mind.
Would appreciate any advice/resources etc that may have worked for some forum members.
Thank you!
Eddie