Anxiety physical symptoms-swelling??

[lifeistiring]

Hi, i have been having some bizarre swelling in my body for a few weeks now which I was initially treated with antihistamines - made no difference. It will come and go but I get a heavy sensation in my limbs and then they feel achey and swollen, like they're full of fluid. It can't really be seen to anyone else but to me the affected areas feel quite firm.
I have woken up tonight itchy all over and I am getting increasingly concerned about lymphoma cancers. Sounds dramatic but...! Had recent blood tests, many check ups and even an ultrasound on my arms where I am getting the swelling mainly and all seems ok. Only had lymph nodes in my underarms scanned though and not groin or neck.
I will mention I do suffer with anxiety (also around health) but I can't ignore this symptom! Please help/advise if you can x

I have severe anxiety/hypochondria too and get a similar feeling especially when hormones are low. I describe it like heaviness, like I’m full of concrete or something! I’m sure it’s just anxiety and hormones. I’ve felt the same about this and other physical symptoms of anxiety but you will look back on this when you’re feeling better and see it differently. Try reading ‘help me, I’m a hypochondriac’ which I found really useful. Also try this technique: Plan A, which you’re following now is that these symptoms are caused by a serious undiagnosed illness, right? But plan B is that these are simply the consequences of anxiety and they will go away. Promise yourself that you will follow plan B for a week. Every time you think about it, think Plan B. Promise yourself that you will revisit things in a week and go back to doctors if you’re still feeling the same. This has really worked for me with hypochondria though I still have general anxiety. Therapy and meditation helping though. Try the Calm app on your phone. Good luck. It’s such a horrible thing to deal with.

Could it be side effects of any medications you are on?

Hi, thank you so much for msg that is so helpful and makes such sense! I really want to try and have a go at this, but I feel this time things have gone to far for me to..as in I physically can't control it. I've been trying for a couple of weeks since all this started and I'm losing my grip on it. Have very little support, not close with my mom or sister or any family member really. Friends I don't want to bother as they have their own lives and it's important for me to 'keep up appearances' as I can't bear to think of people knowing I'm struggling. My GP surgery sees me as a pain in the bum (can't blame them) My husband is wonderful but he's so different from me, he just doesn't understand it and I think it's wearing him down and frustrating him so much. He has a stressful job all day and he gets home to a wife who's out of control with health anxiety, 2 kids, house work etc - I just feel so guilty as I can see his face if I say I'm worried about an illness.
I don't know why but I keep thinking this time is different. I've had many physical symptoms before and managed to control them in some way - this time it is too strong which is making me think of times when I was right to push. What makes me so unsure is we have been caught out before x

I know what you mean about DH. I’m exactly the same with mine. You just feel like they are thinking ‘I don’t need this nonsense’! Today I had a panic as my lip was very slightly swollen. I can relate to the ‘this time it’s different’ feeling and the needing to push. You do hear so many stories about when health professionals haven’t noticed something but then we have to remember that they almost always do and we wouldn’t hear about that as it’s not newsworthy! It sounds like you’re in a place where professional help is needed. I’ve been there many many times. Could you get some therapy? Just google local counselling services. Most of them have a mobile number. Ring them up and make an appointment. That in itself will make you feel better. Many offer cheap first appointments. I’m going to do my Calm meditation just now!

I would also consider what the other poster said about medication. Especially hormonal contraceptives. Also consider whether PMS or even peri menopause could be a factor if you’re feeling more out of control than usual. I too don’t tell friends or family who all think I’m really together! I only tell DH who’s fed up with it all.