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Original poster

Can you help talk sense into me- health anxiety worries

39 replies

limom · 03/08/2024 09:08

I feel like I've been stressing out for weeks now about my health.

I had some stomach pains and convinced myself I had pancreatic cancer or something. I went to see a private specialist because the GP didn't take it very seriously and had an ultrasound and and MRI scan. Ultrasound was fine and now I'm waiting on the results of the MRI. I thought about it every day for about a month with varying degrees of anxiety. My stomach hasn't really been hurting and I think I'm probably ok.

I had to have a blood test for something unrelated, as I take regular medication and it showed I have low folate. I found out yesterday I need supplements, fine. It happens but I am surprised. I've really had to stop myself googling low folate and cancer being linked or a cause.

Then last nigh I was scratching my arm and noticed I have a small lump under the skin on my forearm. Now I'm just stressing out about that. I know I have to get the doc to look at it on Monday and the most likely thing will be that I'll need a scan etc and I just know it's going to drag on and I can't stop thinking that it's something sinister and I won't see my kids grow up.

I just can't deal with this and feel constantly sad and worried. It's been a good 4-5 weeks since I've started to feel like this and I'm just terrified and it's really taking away my enjoyment of life.

How can I help myself deal with this anxiety around my health ? I'm just so afraid I won't see my kids grow up. Thank you.

OP posts:
XiCi · 03/08/2024 14:33

Look up The Anxiety Guy on YouTube. He overcame crippling health anxiety and his talks and meditations really help. His book was recommended on here and was life changing for me

Sassysia · 03/08/2024 14:32

I was similar to this years ago, would worry so much that something was wrong with me. My GP put me on citalopram (10mg) which is an antidepressant for anxiety and I’ve not looked back. It honestly just levels me out and I don’t obsess over random symptoms anymore. I do feel for you. Please speak to your GP about it.

Anewuser · 03/08/2024 14:30

It’s easy for us who are rational to say “stop worrying.” But I realise that’s just dismissing your concerns.

I’m no medic, but I’d bet the lump on your arm is nothing sinister. Most of us would not be contacting the GP unless we start to get other symptoms or the lump changes in some way.

You definitely need help with your anxiety so would still see the GP, whether that’s medication or therapy.

VividQuoter · 03/08/2024 14:28

I am so much used to doctors and hospitals, that I love them, though of course no need to go the other extreme end and become obsessed. Unless I apply for a job in a hospital, which will be good because they always employ.

VividQuoter · 03/08/2024 14:27

my husband is like you, even though he badly hides it. His father died of cancer at the age of 50 and this left him scarred. I on the other hand , have been to hospital wards all my life with severe asthmatic issues. I have virtually survived many times. My best friend died of asthma attack on a street in front of her kids. For me these things are just like: so what? This is life. It happens

VividQuoter · 03/08/2024 14:24

1.If you cannot accept that we live life as it comes and just chillax, 2. then turn to your faith if you have a faith, if you cannot do that, 3. See a counsellor

we all get ill and some of us heal, some of us die , even early. These are topics we shouldnt be afraid exploring and I advise you to look at eternal life and other faith issues, now. Might actually help you, rather than deepen your fears.

Krumblina · 03/08/2024 14:22

Stop getting tests.
Stop checking your body and stop Googling.
In order to do this find a therapist that specialises in anxiety that you get on with.
see them regularly and engage with it.
CBT, ACT and Emdr can all be helpful.

Caerulea · 03/08/2024 14:21

limom · 03/08/2024 14:15

So am I definitely over reacting ?

With love but definitely :)

Original poster
limom · 03/08/2024 14:15

So am I definitely over reacting ?

OP posts:
Caerulea · 03/08/2024 13:57

This is me & the only thing that helped me get a grip, albeit a loose one, is sertraline. It does not make it go away but I am not so panicky about it.

It's a horrible disorder to have & ppl just brush it off. Book in with your GP & ask for help. In the meantime, remind yourself that cancer is always the least likely outcome of tests - even for ppl put onto the two week pathway with specific symptoms.

If you feel yourself spiralling you have to distract yourself - I find silence is the worst so I've always got a YouTube video playing of something lighthearted or chatty. When you've got that urge to Google (which is all the time!) say out loud 'nope, not googling!'. If I absolutely cannot avoid it I tag my search with 'mumsnet' or 'reddit' so I just see experiences of ppl with whatever ridiculous thing I'm worrying about. It's often very very reassuring.

It's awful, I totally totally understand.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 03/08/2024 13:28

Ask the GP for medication. Propranolol or antidepressants.

Original poster
limom · 03/08/2024 13:25

Does anyone have advice on how to handle anxiety while waiting for results etc ?

OP posts:
Original poster
limom · 03/08/2024 09:28

Anyone

OP posts: