orry yet another health anxiety thread from me - arm pain?

[SnozBuriedUnderThePatio]

I have woken up with a stinging pain in my left elbow spreading halfway down my forearm. It hurts more when I straighten it but is also hurting at rest.

My logical brain says I have slept on it funny but dr google says it is a heart attack or a blood clot.

Someone please tell me a story of the time you had a non fatal arm sprain.

[SnozBuriedUnderThePatio]

I am literally pacing the kitchen scared I am about to die

Sick of this.

[Tinfoiled]

Are you getting help for your anxiety?

[SnozBuriedUnderThePatio]

I've had cbt for this exact problem - seeing a symptom and immediately thinking death but it hasn't helped. They taught me to run through the step by step process of what actually happens after a 'symptom' but it makes it worse unless I can find a non threatening reason for the symptom.

[SnozBuriedUnderThePatio]

Anyone please?

[Tinfoiled]

I'm sorry Snoz I had to go out after posting that which was silly of me. How are you doing now? Cbt doesn't work for everyone unfortunately but there must be other options. Have you been to your gp to talk about it? I can't advise on your elbow as am not a medic but I feel sure it's highly unlikely to be anything life threatening. I do think that reassurance from us Internet randoms may be reassuring in the short term but looking for a longer term way to tackle your underlying health anxiety would be a better goal? Sorry, I do mean that kindly. Is there other stuff bothering you at the moment which has increased your anxiety levels do you think? I hope you're feeling better now

[SnozBuriedUnderThePatio]

Thank you I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I have calmed down a bit now.

It's been going on for 2 years and I've been on sertraline but I am off it now and was doing ok just bursts of panic here and there. I've had dental work this week (huge dental phobe) which has left me on high alert I think.

[SnozBuriedUnderThePatio]

I have kept my arm still and it is improving so I am almost convinced it was muscular/a strain or something so at least that panic is done.

[Tinfoiled]

I'm glad you're feeling a bit calmer. Ah I think you've hit the nail on the head that you're still on 'high alert'. Have you got some calming activities or something where you can get into a 'flow' which takes your mind off things? There's a good website called getselfhelp which might give you some strategies. A lot of it is cbt based but have a look.