serious question about HYPOCHONDRIA

[MissesF]

....i have so many aches and pains at the moment- and know i should see the doctor- but as i am also diagnosed with OCD and have other mental health problems...am feeling scared to do so.none of them are life threatening...but i feel crap.

I have aching knees...symptoms of carpal tunnel in both hands....Irritable bowell...tired all the time- cold all the time....there is more....

Hypochondria is a serious issue.
That is something that needs to be coped with.

You shouldn't waste your doctor's time. However, you have a right to receive medical treatment when it is necessary.
You should see a doctor when you are sick and that doctor ought to take you seriously, treating and diagnosing you as any other patient.
Let the doctor decide whether you are being hypochondrial at this time.

If you're not sure, have you discussed your problems with anyone? Do you have a DP/DH or friend who may be able to give you some perspective about it?

I often worry about this.
I seem to have one thing after another which really get me down. However, after years of saying i had tummy ache and no-one listening it turned out I had gall stones and wasn't imagining it.
So...I'd go to the doctor, thats what they are there for and they may see a link between your symptoms or if you are suffering from hypochondria they should be able to offer you methods of coping with it.
Good luck.

It has been said that people who are Hypochondriacs suffer with Depression. Do you suffer with this MissesF?

I know what you mean though. I used to be at my Doctors surgery practically every week for something - similar to what you have described.

Is there a sympathetic GP at your surgery? Maybe you could make an appt when it is not so busy - for example, at my GP surgery morning appts are emergency only but you can phone after 2pm to get an afternoon appt. Does your surgery do this? It's not so busy in the afternoons so the GP's are less likely to be stressed out and hopefully will have more time to listen.

thank you all for such sensitive replies.

yes i have been on antidepressants for 10 years.

i am overweight (so i am sure thats half my trouble)

i am also over anxious about even making the appointment as in the past 5 years i have seen 5 doctors- and as i only go maybe once a year to see a GP...i'm sure when i call this time another will have left to have a baby....as that is what keeps happening.

its ridiculous really....as i type this...stating i am worried i am wasting doctors time etc...when infact the last time i saw a doctor was JAN 2006 when i was refferd for tests- turned out i had gallstones (ditto HXBunny!)...so that was a 'real' illness.

so i am worried about bothering a doctors surgery that i have not had to visit with either myself or my sons for over 18 months!!!

so...what i may do is write a letter...addressed to the GP that i like the best...who may remember me ....i think thats half the trouble. because i have mental health probs- the anxiety of seeing new doctors all the time really gets me down.

That sounds a good idea.
Remember too that drs are used to dealing with all sorts of stuff and can not be shocked! They will have encountered siuations just like yours before and if they are any good should be sympathetic and want to help.
HTH

Thank you for the extra information.
Now we can understand your point of view better.

Writing a letter is a good idea. It may help you to organise your thoughts and symptoms before you see a doctor. Then you will be able to explain everything more clearly.

One other idea is to call the surgery to see whether the doctor you like is still available. As you said, you can hardly be accused of wasting their time as you haven't been in 18 months.
Barbiegirl's idea of going in the afternoon when the doctor is likely to have more time for you is a good one too.

Is there someone you could take someone with you to your appointment? They may be able to help with the nerves of meeting a new doctor (if that's necessary). They may also be able to help explain your symptoms and to offer perspective on whether you're being hypochondriacal and whether the doctor's being reasonable.

Make sure that you get the help and support that you need.
Good luck with it.

MissesF - Just get yourself to the Docs who cares what they or anyone else thinks. Like I said I am at my surgery all the time with mt DC's or myself, all the GP's know me but at the end of the day my DC's and my health are top priority. It is just comforting to know there is nothing serious wrong.