Serious health anxiety

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

Since pregnancy and after having my first child, I have experienced pretty intense health anxiety. Problem is, I am actually getting some worrying symptoms.

I am currently awaiting blood results due to aching legs (originally believed to be caused by vitamin b12 deficiency, however vitamin injection making no difference).

I also have the following: nausea; spotting, last period was lighter than usual (my 3rd period since stopping bf), dull cramp-like pelvic pain.

I am very worried I have cancer. My last smear (9 months ago) was normal, but I can't help but worry about these symptoms.

What do people think? My full blood count results due at the end of the week. Would they show cancer?

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

Anyone?

[OreoCat]

None of us here can provide medical advice, or be able to tell you how your blood test results will turn out.

However, as a severe health anxiety sufferer myself, I can tell you now, you would not believe how many physical symptoms the condition causes. Everything you have listed can be caused by health anxiety because you constantly monitor how your body feels and therefore notice more sensations that most people wouldn't even register.


Try the nomorepanic forums, or by typing in any symptom you are worried about followed with "anxiety" I can GARAUNTEE it will bring up several links to people with health anxiety experiencing the same thing.

Serious conditions are a lot rarer than you think, a non serious issue is most likely the cause of many worrying symptoms. However, it is important to consult a GP about how you are feeling, and they can guide you on what to do.

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

That's really good advice. Thank you.

[Secretspillernamechange]

I think your symptoms sound like anxiety, not cancer. Stress impacts your periods, and your stomach pain could be related to IBS. I know this is going to sound weird but if I get stressed I also get heavy legs!

Problem is, breaking the cycle is tricky since you're not imagining symptoms they are physically there - it's just the source is your brain and stress levels. When you get your blood results go and speak to your doctor about the extent of your anxiety and what you're worried about. If there's any cause for concern based on your symptoms then it can be followed up, otherwise you can look for ways (medication if necessary) of breaking the anxiety cycle.

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

Thank you.

[ballsdeep]

When I have anxiety my boob tingles! I have severe Heath anxiety and was convinced I had cancer. It got so bad I wouldn't even have a shower because I was afraid of feeling something! I paid for private scans and was at the doctors weekly. It was stress from work which manifested itself and became a fixation on my breasts. I'm not completely cured by a long shot but it is unbelievable how many symptoms are caused by stress!

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

I hope your okay, pp. It's not easy. Thank you for sharing. I am going to go to the doctors tomorrow.

[Haggisfish]

Could also be low vitamin d.

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

My father has this, haggis, so it is very possible.

[DoctorBeat]

How old are you? If you are of childbearing age, reproductive cancers are incredibly rare. It is very unlikely you have cancer. Cervical cancer is an almost impossibility if your smear was normal a year ago. It is a cancer that develops very slowly, so if you had no precancerous cells a year ago, it is almost impossible that you have developed cancer. I don't know if that offers any reassurance? Endometrial cancers rarely happen before the menopause.

[TweedleDee3TweedleDum]

I'm 29. Thank you, it does give me some reassurance.

[Iamthecatsmother]

About five years ago, I had some pelvic pain, itchy skin and a complete loss of appetite. I was terrified. I had lost my mum to cancer and I was convinced it was my turn. I had lots of texts, even a laparoscopy. All was clear. I saw a physio but the pain was getting worse. Eventually after six months of hell, I finally realised I had depression and anxiety. It actually turned out to be major clinical depression. I started on antidepressants and I'm ok now. All the physical symptoms slowly disappeared. I had no idea that depression and anxiety can cause physical symptoms.

You're doing the right thing in getting your physically symptoms investigated. But anxiety really can also cause physical symptoms!

[Iamthecatsmother]

*tests

[wineandsunshine]

I have health anxiety too and like another person has already said it can show up as physical symptoms which then in turn make you worry. It's a vicious cycle unfortunately. I'm sure all is fine with your results and then this will put your mind at ease, reassurance can help a little. Do ask for more help though if you need it x

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

Thank you wine.

[Inmyownlittlecorner]

I've recently developed health anxiety & lots of what you are describing applies to me. I have lots of physical symptoms.
I'm having CBT to help me control it, but it's hard going.

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

Thank you, Inmy. I've recently finished a course of CBT, and I found if so useful. I hope you are finding it helpful too.

I think it's maybe time I considered the medication route, I'm not sure. I'm off to the drs today anyway.

Take care.

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

Blood results back and all ok.

Stress induced pain.

[OreoCat]

I am glad your blood results are okay!

Have you got any treatments in the pipeline for your health anxiety? CBT or otherwise?

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

Thank you! I have recently finished CBT. I found it very helpful, but have been slacking with regards to putting what I have learned into practice everyday.

I am trying to normalise breathing exercises/mindfulness into my everyday life now.

[Haggisfish]

I've been taking my low dose duloxetine for three weeks now and I am so much better.

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

I am glad to hear that, haggis. X