-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
Thank you, I know I’m the only one who can get myself out of this. Did you have chest pain with your anxiety. It’s so scary and believing it’s all anxiety is so difficult, but asking for constant reassurance is also training,I’m so tired x
It's only scary because you don't understand the stress response, pb. If a mentally well person has a near miss in the car - the fight or flight response kicks in and for a few seconds they have all the symptoms - racing heart, sweating, dry mouth etc - but then it all calms down. The person with HA is constantly in this mode because they are constantly convincing themselves they are dying of something. I was so convinced I had bowel cancer, I planned my funeral, and when I had the colonoscopy that would surely prove my worst fears to be right, what they actually found was a small pile and an otherwise fabulous colon. The stress response is there to keep us alive in order for us to be able to move really fast, really quickly - which is why we're packed full of cortisol and adrenalin. Constantly looking for reassurance will keep you in this cycle of hopping from one imaginary life-threatening illness to another, and I absolutely know how exhausting that is. Trust me, learn about how the stress response works and you will understand that your body is working overtime to keep you from the danger - which in your case is your own thoughts, not actual danger.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
I am getting chest spasms since yesterday, no one believes me..
Anxiety chest pain is usually centre of the chest - where yours is. It's caused though shallow breathing (hyperventilating) and/or bloating (also common with anxiety) where it increases pressure in the lungs which leads to chest pain. I puff up like I'm 4 months pregnant when I'm stressed. It can also be completely psychosomatic. All chest pain should be investigated, obviously, but once you've been told your heart is fine - you need to accept that it is anxiety, and work hard on relaxation techniques - starting with breathing properly. Then have a look at what you ingest every day - body and mind. You can absolutely get control back of this health anxiety!
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Ending up in A&E again on Wednesday morning with severe chest pain, ecgs, blood test and chest X-ray all normal !
Now have slight ear ache and sore throat and as usual thinking it’s corona.
This has to stop !
Have increase medication and know as a first step , I have to take it, which I have been doing.
Debating whether to have a corona test just to make sure.
I now finally accept chest pain is not my heart.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
Ending up in A&E again on Wednesday morning with severe chest pain, ecgs, blood test and chest X-ray all normal !
Now have slight ear ache and sore throat and as usual thinking it’s corona.
It's been proved to you that your heart is fine, so now you're moving onto to another symptom to focus on - classic health anxiety.
Quote:
This has to stop !
Couldn't agree more, but somehow I think this thread will keep going and going and going...
Quote:
Debating whether to have a corona test just to make sure.
....and this is why.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
You are putting yourself at more risk going to A&E at the moment. Ideal place to catch the virus if anywhere.
Yes it really does have to stop.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
Ending up in A&E again on Wednesday morning with severe chest pain, ecgs, blood test and chest X-ray all normal !
Now have slight ear ache and sore throat and as usual thinking it’s corona.
This has to stop !
Have increase medication and know as a first step , I have to take it, which I have been doing.
Debating whether to have a corona test just to make sure.
I now finally accept chest pain is not my heart.
Two weeks ago when I had my appendix out, they tested me for COVID-19 before admitting me onto a ward as is per protocol.
Right then and there the Doctor told me what Covid symptoms are like, you do not sound like you have them at all. A slight ear ache and a sore throat can be caused by stress. Trust me, I just got over a tonsil ulcer caused by stress! It took a week and a half!
Listen, It's pot calling the kettle black here but I know where you come from, I can see the spiral and I know you must want answers for whatever it is you're feeling. It's hard to accept that these are bodily sensations, but that's all they are.
The sooner you can accept you have no health risks and it's all created by your anxious mind, the sooner you can treat that and get on with your life.
I really do wish you all the best climbing out of the hole.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
I grind my teeth and hoping it’s from that, in the past I have had ear and throat pain from this.
Im trying to be rational I do not have covid symptoms, but I really do have to stop going to A&E.
The panic and fear just seems to take over.
I get loads of panic attacks everyday.
I have my nieces staying and it’s lovely, but I’m fixated on my ear and corona, it spoils everything.
I think a test would help to reassure me.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Aleman200
Two weeks ago when I had my appendix out, they tested me for COVID-19 before admitting me onto a ward as is per protocol.
Right then and there the Doctor told me what Covid symptoms are like, you do not sound like you have them at all. A slight ear ache and a sore throat can be caused by stress. Trust me, I just got over a tonsil ulcer caused by stress! It took a week and a half!
Listen, It's pot calling the kettle black here but I know where you come from, I can see the spiral and I know you must want answers for whatever it is you're feeling. It's hard to accept that these are bodily sensations, but that's all they are.
The sooner you can accept you have no health risks and it's all created by your anxious mind, the sooner you can treat that and get on with your life.
I really do wish you all the best climbing out of the hole.
Thank you x
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
I grind my teeth and hoping it’s from that, in the past I have had ear and throat pain from this.
Im trying to be rational I do not have covid symptoms, but I really do have to stop going to A&E.
The panic and fear just seems to take over.
I get loads of panic attacks everyday.
I have my nieces staying and it’s lovely, but I’m fixated on my ear and corona, it spoils everything.
I think a test would help to reassure me.
Really? And then a retest when the first one comes back negative etc etc?
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pulisa
Really? And then a retest when the first one comes back negative etc etc?
Just looking at all my posts and I’ve had ear and throat problems before and it’s been ok.
It always feels so real, maybe I shouldn’t get a test.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
You need to come to that conclusion yourself and stand by it.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
All this pointless worrying about health problems that I don’t have, I’ve now got really bad toothache and will have to go to the dentist.
Im worried about how safe it will be, but I need to go.
My anxiety cough has come back and I’m feeling in pain and so depressed.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
All this pointless worrying about health problems that I don’t have, I’ve now got really bad toothache and will have to go to the dentist.
Im worried about how safe it will be, but I need to go.
My anxiety cough has come back and I’m feeling in pain and so depressed.
Have slept nearly all day, not sure if that’s anxiety. tooth and ear Hurt,worried about covid again.
Will have to go to dentist, has anyone been recently.
The tooth that’s hurting, is fractured with a crown on , maybe I’ve damaged it, it starting hurting after eating crusty bread and felt sensitive straight away.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Yes I've been and it's fine.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pulisa
Yes I've been and it's fine.
Thank you x
Im just so scared, but I know I need the dentist.Hopefully will be able to get an appointment quickly.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Managed to get a dentist appointment, but not until the 11th September, teeth feel a bit better.
Ive now got spasms and burning in right groin and hip and am worrying about appendicitis. I’m really not imagining the pains.
This will never end ..
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Pb you're spiralling hard. You need to seek help in breaking this cycle. Im in the same situation right now so I know its tough but you have to try.
I recently had my appendix out because of appendicitis and believe me. If you had it you would not be typing right now. It was absolute agony. I went to a and e straight away because I couldn't even move.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
This will never end ..
No, it won't, unless you do something about it.
Out of curiosity...
How many of these numerous symptoms on this thread actually turned out to be anything other than anxiety? Only, nothing I have ever imagined to be seriously wrong with me, has ever been true.
Your mind will take you to places you don't want to be, pb - trust me. I've been there. Your body is full of stress hormones which are designed to help you to run away from a mad axe-murderer or stay and beat the crap out of them. With you, it's your thoughts which are signalling to your brain that you're in danger.
Your brain doesn't know the difference between imaginary and actual danger but it will react in the same way. Ever watched a movie and jumped out of your skin? Heart racing - the stress response in all it's glory? Your brain doesn't know it's acting - that it's not real. Those stress hormones, muscle tensing etc creates lots and lots of symptoms - all of which can be put into a search engine and will come up with some nasty disease. Also, as soon as one symptom disappears, you can bet your bum another will appear...
You must be absolutely knackered with all this. I know I was.
Have you had any CBT?
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
I am exhausted and very tearful all the time.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Which sucks, definitely, but also requires an action plan.
What are three small things you could do today that would feel like victories?
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Aleman200
Pb you're spiralling hard. You need to seek help in breaking this cycle. Im in the same situation right now so I know its tough but you have to try.
I recently had my appendix out because of appendicitis and believe me. If you had it you would not be typing right now. It was absolute agony. I went to a and e straight away because I couldn't even move.
Thank you, I know I would be in more pain, I’m sure it’s my hip as I’ve had it before, but it’s so hard not to panic and think it’s my appendix .
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
For the love of everything, stop telling yourself you're a hopeless case.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BlueIris
Which sucks, definitely, but also requires an action plan.
What are three small things you could do today that would feel like victories?
I've washed my hair, as I had not washed it for two weeks,I’ve gone out to get a coffee and I’m going to put some stuff on eBay.
My self care is really bad and this makes me depressed, as I would never of not washed my hair for two weeks in the past x
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Okay, that's a great start. Hair washing is relative, anyway, so don't stress about it too much.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
NoraB
No, it won't, unless you do something about it.
Out of curiosity...
How many of these numerous symptoms on this thread actually turned out to be anything other than anxiety? Only, nothing I have ever imagined to be seriously wrong with me, has ever been true.
Your mind will take you to places you don't want to be, pb - trust me. I've been there. Your body is full of stress hormones which are designed to help you to run away from a mad axe-murderer or stay and beat the crap out of them. With you, it's your thoughts which are signalling to your brain that you're in danger.
Your brain doesn't know the difference between imaginary and actual danger but it will react in the same way. Ever watched a movie and jumped out of your skin? Heart racing - the stress response in all it's glory? Your brain doesn't know it's acting - that it's not real. Those stress hormones, muscle tensing etc creates lots and lots of symptoms - all of which can be put into a search engine and will come up with some nasty disease. Also, as soon as one symptom disappears, you can bet your bum another will appear...
You must be absolutely knackered with all this. I know I was.
Have you had any CBT?
Thank you for your reply.I have had cbt, Psychiatrist says I need to take medication for my anxiety before anymore therapy.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Are you taking the pregabalin at the prescribed dose,pb?
How are you filling the hours in your day at the moment? Any more news about the work in October that you had been offered? It is so depressing to wake up each morning and to dread getting through the endless empty hours..Wouldn't some form of work actually help to distract you from your HA? xx
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pulisa
Are you taking the pregabalin at the prescribed dose,pb?
How are you filling the hours in your day at the moment? Any more news about the work in October that you had been offered? It is so depressing to wake up each morning and to dread getting through the endless empty hours..Wouldn't some form of work actually help to distract you from your HA? xx
I am taking the prescribed dose.
Should hear about the October work in a few weeks.
Getting pains in hip and groin again tonight and it’s making me panic , don’t know what’s causing it.
Gp is calling tomorrow for a review. My nieces are due to stay tomorrow and are coming round in the morning. Plan to bake and make bird feeders with them, but worried about the pain as it’s a bit worse than normal. Trying to tell myself it’s not appendix.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
I am taking the prescribed dose.
Should hear about the October work in a few weeks.
Getting pains in hip and groin again tonight and it’s making me panic , don’t know what’s causing it.
Gp is calling tomorrow for a review. My nieces are due to stay tomorrow and are coming round in the morning. Plan to bake and make bird feeders with them, but worried about the pain as it’s a bit worse than normal. Trying to tell myself it’s not appendix.
I want you to take note of the pattern here. You could have replied with:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
I am taking the prescribed dose.
Should hear about the October work in a few weeks.
.....And left it at that. You chose to post your symptoms. We all know you feel like shit so why keep saying it? OR, post something positive. Believe it or not, something as simple as the words you use can have a positive or negative impact on your mental health.
Take your post and remove the negative and it reads like this...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
I am taking the prescribed dose. Should hear about the October work in a few weeks. My nieces are due to stay tomorrow and are coming round in the morning. Plan to bake and make bird feeders with them.
See what I mean? :winks:
"Positive" thoughts
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
You are so used to defining yourself on here as a someone who posts about their aches and pains. Has it ever got you anywhere? So why not try a different approach as FMP and all of us have suggested over many months?
Tell us about your day with your nieces..not about your perceived illness of the day? It would mean modifying the way you use NMP but any decent psychologist would advise against symptom logging which serves no therapeutic purpose at all and just keeps your brain focused on all things illness-related.
How do you make bird feeders anyway? xx
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Dr called this morning with the results of my ct scan, no kidney stones, but a few small divicular pouches. These were not picked up by the colonscopy , not sure why. Dr said these are very common as you get older, but I’m really worried and of course the pain in my left side has returned and feels quite bad.
Gp also said she will send ecgs away to be checked, I didn’t ask why. I had one on the Wednesday and something small was picked up and then two on the Thursday that I was told were normal.
I feel so depressed, I think the medication is helping with my anxiety but I think it was masking my depression.
I really can’t see away out of this.
-
Re: Ear, tooth and jaw pain
So if you can’t see any way out of it, how will you deal with it every day? Just carry on as you are? Have a weekly ecg?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Scass
So if you can’t see any way out of it, how will you deal with it every day? Just carry on as you are? Have a weekly ecg?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This is what I keep on saying, Scass. At some point Pb needs to change her own narrative. The continual negative self-talk and obsessing only reinforces unpleasant physical and mental sensations.
It's very frustrating for those of us who don't want our anxiety and depression to define us. Yes, you can feel halfway normal but it's very, very hard work.
Still better than making such miserable conditions the keystone of your existence, though.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
Dr called this morning with the results of my ct scan, no kidney stones, but a few small divicular pouches. These were not picked up by the colonscopy , not sure why. Dr said these are very common as you get older, but I’m really worried and of course the pain in my left side has returned and feels quite bad.
My brother has these, yes it is common as you get older and a lot of people have them but don't realise because they don't have symptoms. It's wear and tear which is caused by straining on the loo etc and if your colonoscopy didn't pick anything up - that suggests that this is a very mild case which could actually be put right by diet and exercise to keep the bowels moving regularly.
Quote:
I really can’t see away out of this.
You have to learn to rationalise these things and not freak out over every slight anomaly. That will only come with therapy, so the sooner you get it the better. We're not machines. It isn't normal to never have an ache or a pain. As I type this comment, I have right-sided abdo pain and a headache that I've had for three days - nothing that I haven't had numerous times before and been tested for. Back in my HA days - this would be classic brain tumour/bowel cancer fodder, but I'm not freaking out because I know where that will get me. What it is is an IBS flare due to eating certain fruits and veg that irritates my insides ( I rebel occasionally, and then I pay for it) and the headache is related to that. I also puff up like I'm 6 months gone! If I rest my digestive system, and drink lots of water, it will pass.
I was like you once. In fact, I had a nervous breakdown through it, and I'm ok now, so there absolutely is a way out!
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
It's a shame that the psychiatrist can't liaise with the GP regarding all the repeated unnecessary testing. Communication between services is essential. It seems that the GP is enabling pb's HA and not challenging it. How on earth can all these ECGs be justified plus all the continued bowel investigations after a clear colonoscopy?
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Thank you for your replies, I know diverticular pouches are common.
I know I am allowing my symptoms to define me and stop me from living any sort of life.
The pains worry me so much, left sided pain yesterday and now bad right sided pain, I’m not imagining these and it’s quite bad at the moment.
i do feel that I’m in a crisis, gp has given me a 24 help line number as I feel suicidal at times. I can’t cope with this bad pain in my right side , I didn’t have it when I got up, but I did sweep the floor and bend down , so maybe this has caused it.
I feel that I have very little to live for, sorry I’ve have never said this before and maybe I shouldn’t say this here.
Im not an attention seeker , I’m just in such a mess.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Dr called about my ecgs. Cardiologist feels the first ecg I had that showed a slight problem was probably a technical error as the two I had at A&E were normal, they do want me to have a ct scan of my heart. I know it’s another test, and I’m not sure I will have it. Also mentioned my right sided pain and she feels it’s my hip, again I could have an mri of my hips and knees , but I have said no to this. Still worried about appendicitis as it’s on my hip bone now.
Also asked about diverticular pouches and she said if they are on the outside of my bowel they won’t show on colonoscopy and that’s why the ct scan showed them, I’m still worried about them and have read that a lot of people on here had them diagnosed with a colonoscopy
I took my nieces to the park today and they are coming back on Saturday as it’s the oldest ones birthday.
I feel that I’ve just got so many things wrong with me and now these pouches.
My Anxiety is still very bad, Psychiatrist is calling on Wednesday.
-
Re: Ear, tooth and jaw pain
Ok, so you’re being offered an mri but you won’t take it?
I know you are having lots of tests, and they might fuel your anxiety, but we also aren’t your doctor. So if your doctor suggests you do these things then maybe you should?
Regardless of your worries. You got lots done today & you got through the day. Focus on those things and not what ails you.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
I just hope you find some relief :hugs: Reading your post, I can't even to begin to imagine what its like to have these thoughts and fears running through your head nearly 24/7. I can literally sense and feel the mental exhaustion in your words :( Hope you feel better soon.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pb
Dr called about my ecgs. Cardiologist feels the first ecg I had that showed a slight problem was probably a technical error as the two I had at A&E were normal, they do want me to have a ct scan of my heart. I know it’s another test, and I’m not sure I will have it. Also mentioned my right sided pain and she feels it’s my hip, again I could have an mri of my hips and knees , but I have said no to this. Still worried about appendicitis as it’s on my hip bone now.
Also asked about diverticular pouches and she said if they are on the outside of my bowel they won’t show on colonoscopy and that’s why the ct scan showed them, I’m still worried about them and have read that a lot of people on here had them diagnosed with a colonoscopy
I took my nieces to the park today and they are coming back on Saturday as it’s the oldest ones birthday.
I feel that I’ve just got so many things wrong with me and now these pouches.
My Anxiety is still very bad, Psychiatrist is calling on Wednesday.
Have the tests and if they are clear (which I suspect they will be) accept that there is nothing seriously wrong with you pb. I had ECGS and a scan. I even had a panic attack when I was having it, and all was well - just my nervous ticker running fast. What it did was prove to me, finally, that there was nothing wrong with my heart. I hadn't had a heart attack. I wasn't going to have one. There was no sign of heart disease. In fact, I owe my heart an apology for thinking it was so weak and about to give up!
My Bro has had those pouches for years - his life isn't affected by them. Nor is it affected by his angina, stroke, hernias, deafness etc. That bugger nicked all the chilled out genes in our family for sure!
Unless the pouches are giving you problems, don't focus on them - or try not to.
I know you feel that so much is wrong about your life at the moment pb, but what's good about it? Your nieces for a start, right? What else can you be thankful for?
At my very worst, I had severe insomnia and was up and about most days from 2am onwards. I was sleep deprived and exhausted, but, oh those sunrises!
Try to find one good thing in every day and hold onto it, and when those HA thoughts threaten to overwhelm you - bring that thought back and remember that it's not all bad - even when we try to tell ourselves that it is.
One of the best techniques CBT taught me was 'thought court'. This is where you take that irrational thought and put in the dock. Cross examine it, and look at the evidence. How credible is that thought of yours? Is it truth? Or is it a lie.
I also look for connections, as you have with the right-sided pain. Sinister pain doesn't tend to go or switch sides. How fit are you? Do you exercise or have your muscles atrophied? Because when we are unfit, we are more likely to pull muscles and get aches and pains because there is less muscle to protect what's underneath. My mother put her back out for 6 weeks just bending down to put her shoes away. Anxious people are even more likely to have aches and pains because we are tensed up all the time so any minor injury will feel more major to us. My right sided pain was explained away as either a curve in my colon or possibly scar tissue from when I had a C section - something that I constantly forget when doctors ask me if I've ever had an operation on my tummy. My brain just keeps thinking childbirth, not operation. Mind you, there is a whacking big scar there, so.... Basically they couldn't find a definitive cause for it.
Keep going pb - you'll get there.
-
Re: pb's Health anxiety worries thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
NoraB
Have the tests and if they are clear (which I suspect they will be) accept that there is nothing seriously wrong with you pb. I had ECGS and a scan. I even had a panic attack when I was having it, and all was well - just my nervous ticker running fast. What it did was prove to me, finally, that there was nothing wrong with my heart. I hadn't had a heart attack. I wasn't going to have one. There was no sign of heart disease. In fact, I owe my heart an apology for thinking it was so weak and about to give up!
Lll
My Bro has had those pouches for years - his life isn't affected by them. Nor is it affected by his angina, stroke, hernias, deafness etc. That bugger nicked all the chilled out genes in our family for sure!
Unless the pouches are giving you problems, don't focus on them - or try not to.
I know you feel that so much is wrong about your life at the moment pb, but what's good about it? Your nieces for a start, right? What else can you be thankful for?
At my very worst, I had severe insomnia and was up and about most days from 2am onwards. I was sleep deprived and exhausted, but, oh those sunrises!
Try to find one good thing in every day and hold onto it, and when those HA thoughts threaten to overwhelm you - bring that thought back and remember that it's not all bad - even when we try to tell ourselves that it is.
One of the best techniques CBT taught me was 'thought court'. This is where you take that irrational thought and put in the dock. Cross examine it, and look at the evidence. How credible is that thought of yours? Is it truth? Or is it a lie.
I also look for connections, as you have with the right-sided pain. Sinister pain doesn't tend to go or switch sides. How fit are you? Do you exercise or have your muscles atrophied? Because when we are unfit, we are more likely to pull muscles and get aches and pains because there is less muscle to protect what's underneath. My mother put her back out for 6 weeks just bending down to put her shoes away. Anxious people are even more likely to have aches and pains because we are tensed up all the time so any minor injury will feel more major to us. My right sided pain was explained away as either a curve in my colon or possibly scar tissue from when I had a C section - something that I constantly forget when doctors ask me if I've ever had an operation on my tummy. My brain just keeps thinking childbirth, not operation. Mind you, there is a whacking big scar there, so.... Basically they couldn't find a definitive cause for it.
Keep going pb - you'll get there.
Thank you for your reply, I have read this a few times to try to take all the good advice you have given onboard.
I will have the tests.
I am exhausted and although I sleep well, I’m always tired.
I do focus on my pains and symptoms , which do move and change , often daily.
Its so hard to believe that a lot of the pains are benign.
I allow my pains to completely ruin my day and I’m the only one who can try to challenge this.