Health anxiety/rib pain.

[eml19]

Hi I suffer really bad with health anxiety and for the past week I'd says it's been the worst it's been in almost 10 years. I can normally contain it however had to take myself to the doctors I've been prescribed propanolol. I've been experiencing pins and needles down my arm which I've told the doctor about not all the time just now and again I notice it when I'm not busy. I've also been getting a pinching pain in my left rib which can be round the back of the ribs or front lasts no longer than 2 seconds then it's gone again comes and goes throughout the day causes no pain it's just annoying. Also had problems with my vision seeing stars etc when I'm extremely stressed and feeling as though I'm not on this planet. It's the rib issue that's concerning me the most I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this? When I'm at work I hardly notice it but as soon as I'm home I'm picking up on every symptom again I've been reading on Google daft things that's working me up regarding the spleen etc however as I've been to the doctors and been checked over I don't think it's that the doctor has said it's all anxiety. Sorry for the ramble. It's all on the left side the rib and the arm xx

I think the important part of your post is this;

When I'm at work I hardly notice it

So when you are busy/distracted there's little/no pain. That suggests that it's not a physical issue, doesn't it?

Have you had any therapy for the health anxiety?

One tip for when you're feeling stressed and seeing stars is box breathing - it's often the case that you're not getting enough oxygen. Have a look at this video (it also might help for when you are focussing on your ribs)

Yep when I'm busy I tend not to focus on it as much. If it doesn't settle down in a month or so the doctor has recommended therapy. Thank you x

Our bodies do weird and wonderful things all the time - extra heart thumps, odd twinges and pains, running hot (or cold) sometimes and, of course, gurgles, groans and other amazing (sometimes embarrassing) noises and smells!

Normally we don't even notice them but on occasion we can get fixated on one particular 'thing' and start to worry that it's a sign of something sinister. Once our mind decides that's the case it becomes as though it's all encompassing which, of course, makes any/every twitch of pain highlighted. Try changing your routine at home, where there's currently no other distraction. Go for a walk, do something absorbing away from your computer - needlework, jigsaws, reading, baking; whatever will provide focus and enjoyment. After a while you'll have broken the habit of scanning for problems.

Hi just wondered if anyone else had experienced this I'm still getting it and quite honestly my anxiety from it is keeping me up at night I'm terrified to go the doctor incase they send me for more tests and find something. I also get slight tingling down my left arm it's all on the left side and lastnight the pain spread across to the middle of my back it hurt to move side to side and to take a deep breath, I've applied deep heat and 2 paracetamol
And the pain has mainly gone just slight aching in my ribs and side now when I move to the side or lift something. Anyone with any experiences ? I wish it was just as simple to pop to the doctors but as I said it's a vicious cycle with my health anxiety

Anyone please? X

What do you want to hear? No one on here can diagnose you but if you won't go to your doctor there's not much anyone can do.

Have a look at this video about health anxiety, it might help you better understand it;

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@Eyesopenwideawake I'm not asking for a diagnosis, I understand it's my own problem with not wanting to attend the doctors as I've said it's a vicious cycle with health anxiety which I've suffered with for many years I'm not new to it. I'm seeing if anyone else has experienced such symptoms also.

I have. I'm having exactly the same issues, googling them and coming up with spleen issues, etc. However, I did have costochondritis once which is an inflammation of your rib bones, they're the same symptoms.

I don't know what to say or what to recommend as I'm on the same boat and waiting for a referral to the psychiatrist to go through as I'm already on meds so only the Psychiatrist can change meds safely. Sending you strength

@BetsyBobbins thanks for your reply. I've been looking at costochondritis as a lot of what I'm experiencing seems to match up even down to the pins and needles however the anxiety makes me think the worst! It's awful. Hope you get answers x

I'd say go back to your GP and push for a referral for counselling and also further tests if that's what you want. Most of the time we feel like we're bothering people but I've overcome that feeling now, if I feel I need help I will ask for it until I get it. Hope things improve for you too 🙂

I’ve had pain in my ribs for a whole year. The doctor says it’s costochondritis. But that usually resolves within a year. If anything it’s getting worse. I’m resigned to the fact that it’s probably something awful and I’m going to die because nobody cares enough to diagnose me and get treatment. I don’t feel like I’m being anxious or hysterical - I’m perfectly calm and it’s perfectly normal to feel scared with these symptoms. At first I was scared but now I just feel flat, like I’ve given up. I’m prepared to die.

@Lumiodes sorry to hear of your struggle. I'm the same at the minute I'm really struggling to accept that it could be something innocent it hurts when I move certain ways and when I cough and laugh at the minute. Been brushed off by the chemist today just really really fedup of worrying day in day out.