Health anxiety

[user1488481370]

Im feeling so overwhelmed at the moment.

Have been having upper abdominal cramps every few months for almost 20 months now. I can go months without them and sometimes when I get them I also have diarrhoea, this also tends to coincide with when my kids have got a bug of some sort. Since the end of October I’ve had 3 of these episodes of pain. It feels like severe trapped wind and NOTHING relieves it. It can last up to 10 hours. Doesn't feel severe enough to be gall stones and it’s not right sided pain either. More central. The cause of this pain is really starting to bother me. I’ve been to the doctors and have been prescribed omeprazole which I thought was working until last weekend when I was struck down with them again.

Im so scared that it’s something malignant. I need to make some major changes to my lifestyle, I’m massively overweight, have 3 kids, 2 of whom are very young and the the thought of leaving them scares the absolute shit out of me. I just don’t know where to start. Cancer is everywhere at the moment. I’m struggling with the constant articles and stories on my news feed, it feels like so many people I know have been diagnosed recently and it’s terrifying. I can’t think of anything else 😢

I don’t even know why I’m posting if I’m honest, I need to alter my thought processes and try to enjoy life a bit more but finding it very tough. Life as an over thinker is absolutely fucking miserable at times.

Sending you hugs OP. I know it's easier said than done but don't panic. Keep going to the doctor until they get to the bottom of it. It's very unlikely to be cancer, from what you've described, so don't let fear overwhelm you. x

Im here for you xx

Cancer is everywhere at the moment

There's a part of your brain called the Reticular Activating System and it's job is to bring your attention to whatever your mind thinks is important. It's why, when you decide to buy a particular make/model of car, you start seeing them everywhere. It's also why people can sleep in airports - the RAS filters out the noise as unimportant. So, in your case, you are worrying about cancer hence your brain will actively look for stories and articles to back up your "interest".

Please go back to the doctor and ask for further tests to find the cause of your pain. An endoscopy/colonoscopy would help put your mind at rest (although it's not the most pleasant procedure!). Given that the pain coincides with your children having bugs and your health anxiety it might be stress related - the fight or flight response playing havoc with your digestion. Either way a full check up is the first port of call.