Hello everyone. I already posted an 'introduction message' to the appropriate section of the forum, but I just wanted to let you all know that this is probably the first out of many posts I will be making here. I tend to be quite the worrier...
But first, perhaps I should actually get into the things I am worrying about.
This all started about two months ago now, well, this bout at least. A few years ago I had obsessive thoughts about having brain cancer, but those have subsided at least a bit.
Lung Cancer? Why did I think I had it? After experiencing a few strange feelings in my chest, strange pains that matched up with a throbbing sensation, a bit of occasional shortness of breath, these were just a few of the many things that first led me into my adventure of hypochondria. What didn't help me, was that the first day I went onto Google to search my symptoms, I began developing a persistent cough with mucus. This later turned out to be, what I believe actually, is a sinus infection.
I immediately made an appointment with my doctor and went in. I was scared as hell. After describing everything, he said he thought I might be having issues with my galbladder. This was mostly due to the strange back pain/tingling sensation I always get around my left shoulder blade. (Another thing I constantly worry about.) The next day I went into the hospital for testing. And after a $600 test and a follow up visit, I'm uninsured, he recommended that I go back on my anxiety medication.
Really? You think so?
The day after I started my medicine, I developed a strange sensation in the left half of my face, more centered towards my jaw. It is an almost tight-like feeling, a pressure, a constant dull feeling that is always there. Nearly two months later, I still have it.
By now one must be thinking that I have truly lost my mind, but no, it only gets worse from here.
I have become so depressed/panicked over this whole thing, that I have actually began trying to accept the thought of death, trying to accept the fear that I have some sort of cancer before it actually reveals itself to do anything. I've missed school, I've missed work, all because I don't really see that much of a point in wasting the little time that I 'think' I have left.
The symptoms of anything I am feeling right now include.
-The dull feeling in my face. - I somehow think it is some kind of cancer.
-Tingling/pain in the left half of my back. -I'm convinced it's either lung or bone cancer.
-A sinus infection. - The second one I have had since this all began, I think it's sinus cancer.
-Occasional headaches. - I think it's either brain cancer or a lung metastasis.
-Strange twinging pains in my chest, usually the left side. - I think it's lung cancer. These sometimes radiate down my left arm, which also makes me think Cancer.
-Slight hoarseness. - Yet again, lung cancer.
-Cough/sinus problems/mucus. - Could be a sinus infection...but you never know.
-Strange stomach issues, non-regular and often downright strange bathroom visits. - I have a history of IBS, but I think it's some kind of cancer of the stomach.
As you can see...I have a lot of fears, many, many different things that I think I have, many wasted moments of worry and anxiety that I could spend on many other things.
I am slightly overweight, don't eat very good (I know, I know...but...college), and am on Zoloft and Pepcid.
Why can't I just live my life?
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Youll find lots of friendly support here. 
