anxiety over health symptoms is killing me

[SpanishFly]

I have symptoms which all point to something serious - the doctor unfortunately agrees.
I have blood tests booked to confirm what's going on - but in the meantime I cannot eat, the weight is falling off me, I have a sore spasm in my stomach, my heart is thumping, I want to cry and sleep constantly. My mind is going to horribly dark places, and I haven't know pain like this due to panic and anxiety.
It could be a few days to a week until I know anything further, but I still need to work, be a mum and function as a human.

Any tips at all to stop my mind going to these horrible scary places? I have been doing breathing exercises which help to an extent. I've currently got a camomile tea. I know I need to eat something, but it makes me want to retch. Should I just wait until I'm ready to eat or try to force something down? I have vitamin drinks, so I will have one of those to try to keep the nutrition going in, at least

Thank you.

Who do you have for support OP? It’s a horrible situation but try to break it down into little problems that you can tackle.

Firstly, work. Do you have to go to work? Can you get signed off with stress? If you have to work can you have an honest chat with your manager about what’s going on?

Second, being Mum. How old are your DC? Do you have any relatives or friends who can help you out?

With regard to eating it’s probably best not to force yourself to eat, keeping your fluids up is important and if you feel like eating try something light like yoghurt or soup first.

Your mental health is bound to take a huge hit here, not knowing what’s going on is frightening. Be kind to yourself. Can you ask GP to expedite your tests or to signpost you to services that may help?

Depending on what your GP is testing you for, there may be charities that have information and support on their websites or have a helpline you can access for support while you wait.

Do you feel comfortable saying what diagnosis they are looking at?

Thinking of you OP and sending strength

I'd rather not say right now. I appreciate your suggestions.
Re work - I think if I take time off I'll be inside my head even more than I want to be. The day to day stuff with the kids is fine, they are old enough to do all their own things like dressed, teeth, out to play etc. But I am struggling to put on a face for them, and just want to cry.

Big hugs OP. It sounds like you’re very scared and I can imagine from what you’ve said that seems like a very logical place to be.
I’m really sorry firstly that you’re dealing with this. Mentally the breathing exercises will help. Trying to calm the breath will help to deal with the anxiety.
Could you call the GP and ask for a prescription of beta blockers to help deal with the symptoms of anxiety until results are back? You aren’t and won’t be the first person to deal with this. It’s a very normal reaction.
Definitely like @FlorenceNightshade said have a look for charities who deal with whatever it is. There will be resources there to help you.
Lots of water to drink. Eat when you can - toast, soup, biscuits whatever. Yes to nutrient drinks if you can sip on them through the day. The lat thing you need is to become dehydrated and unwell so keep the fluids up.
Good luck

@SpanishFly I totally understand sometimes work is a nice distraction but make sure you are kind to yourself, lean on your team if you have one and don’t be afraid to try it and then say actually this is too much I need to get out of here!

I hope you aren’t left in limbo too long and that whatever your results are you get support to deal with them