Extreme anxiety about MRI and my symptoms... Can anyone relate?

[bulan]

Friends, I'm fighting extreme anxiety tonight and needed to reach out... My problem is health anxiety. I've experienced so many physical symptoms this year, and I can't remember a time when I've seen my doctor as often as I am these days.

I've had certain symptoms for many months now--partially blocked sinuses (although the blocked feeling moves from one side to the other depending on my posture) which feel heavier when I bend over. I also have headaches on the right side of my head, and what seems to be a plugged eustachian tube on the right side as well, with earaches on and off (also on the right side), and mild but worrisome pain on the right side of my nose.

I've seen an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist (the same guy; no second opinions) numerous times, as well as my family doctor, and neither suspect anything serious. My GP sent me for an MRI anyway, just to be on the safe side. So I had my MRI yesterday, and I was beginning to feel less anxious -- until tonight. I happened to Google my symptoms and came across a type of cancer I haven't thought about much before. But it fits many of my symptoms, and now with my MRI results due any day, I'm facing an extreme battle to control my anxiety.

If you have any insight, or a similar experience, I'd love to hear from you. Thank you!

---------- Post added at 03:49 ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 ----------

I'm curious, if it were a sinus problem, wouldn't my Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist have caught it? He told me on three visits that he didn't see any problem. So, this worries me. :(

Right now I have tooth pain in the upper right side at the back of my mouth, the right side of my nose hurts, my right temple hurts, and it hurts behind my right eye. Also, the right side of my sinuses are more clogged than the other. I truly wish I weren't so scared of the worst case scenario. :'(

---------- Post added at 04:01 ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 ----------

Strange question... I just looked up and to the right, and my right eye hurt when I did that. But after the first few times of doing that, it doesn't hurt anymore. Is this a sinus symptom too?

[Minstrel Memories]

Hi Bulan

I've had many of the symptoms you are describing particularly the sinus problems and blocked Eustachian tubes and also mild tinnitus

Did the same as you visits to my GP and ENT also had a MRI scan - all clear could find nothing

Spent hours googling symptoms (don't do it) and finally was diagnosed with anxiety

I just accepted it and joined this forum where I am sure you will receive lots of knowledgable advice as I did

I don't know where the anxiety came from and now I don't really care as I say just accept it and try and stay busy

It's helping me and may help you but its a long haul

Best wishes and good luck

[hanshan]

I've had blocked sinuses, and yes different sides can seem more blocked at different times. It's not indicative of anything serious.

If your doctors aren't worried, particularly if you've seen an ENT specialist several times, trust their judgement when it comes to physical illness. They've been seeing hundreds of patients every week for years, plus years of intense study. They are not as well equipped, unfortunately. in coping with psychological illness.

[chickpea]

I had all the symptoms you describe for over 2 months last summer.
It got so bad, my vision started being disturbed and I had to have an emergency eye health check, in case it was a brain issue. All fine.
Saw my doctor - couldn't find anything wrong.

In desperation, I saw an osteopath, who explained that a problem with my neck and shoulder was stopping my sinuses from draining properly - hence the face, eye, cheek, head pain and pressure.

4 sessions with her and it had gone completely.
I also steamed with menthol crystals and used a saline nasal spray to help unblock my sinuses. I was also told never to sleep on more than one pillow, and to try a memory foam orthopaedic pillow to help keep my neck properly aligned.

[bulan]

Thank you, Everybody!!!

And chickpea, your experience gives me a big possible clue about my situation. Just this year I was told I had mild scoliosis and arthritis in my back. These are new to me, and I'm in my mid-30s.

So I'm going to see an osteopath as well. I think I've heard of osteopaths who specialize in cranial osteopathy, which sounds hopeful too.

Thanks again!!