Page 8 | Just been to GP - saw "hypochondriasis" on notes...

TolpuddleFarter · 2023-05-22T10:54:43+00:00

Been to see GP about some side effects I have had from a medication I was on. Looked at the computer to see "hypochondriasis (3)" on my notes, which obviously is three times where it has been flagged that I am a hypochondriac. Does this mean from now on I will struggle to get taken seriously?

Original poster

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:12

bryceQ · 22/05/2023 17:05

Have you tried things like sound baths and yoga nidra, it will take time. Your nervous system is agitated so it's going to take time, there are lots of techniques to engage your parasympathetic nervous system the rest and digest response. No quick fixes but I've mostly cured my chronic pain through these techniques.

Tried yoga nidra last night. My brain was jumping all over the place, so it really is going to take a lot of work for me. It was upsetting how hard I found it! But I will persevere, because I need to.

OP posts:

Original poster

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:13

I'm now anxious that my anxiety is making the jerks worse, or even causing them. Honestly, my brain is too much.

OP posts:

Outofthepark · 22/05/2023 17:13

But are you doing an hour of decent exercise per day as per the doctor's advice as well? You need that to improve as well.

Orangesandlemons77 · 22/05/2023 17:14

Have they done much to help you with the Health Anxiety OP? They can do CBT, and also there are some books in the library in the 'books on prescription' series.

Original poster

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:16

Eyesopenwideawake · 22/05/2023 16:40

I haven't RTFT but this jumped out at me;

My health anxiety or hypochondria probably comes from a place of growing up in an environment where I felt unsafe.

You're probably correct in that assumption, certainly the insomnia could have been caused by your childhood - there's a part of your subconscious which is overreacting to the "jerks" and seeing them as a threat, rather than being what they are, normal. Have a peek at my AMA.

Just had a look. Eye-opening! I honestly think I need hypnotherapy.

OP posts:

Original poster

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:17

Orangesandlemons77 · 22/05/2023 17:14

Have they done much to help you with the Health Anxiety OP? They can do CBT, and also there are some books in the library in the 'books on prescription' series.

I have been referred to CBT a few times. I find it helpful at the time, but it probably isn't as intensive as I need it to be. I am still waiting to hear from the wellbeing service for CBT this time round.

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IWasOlderThen · 22/05/2023 17:19

I am glad to see some progress is being made re: labels generally. Eg, in some trauma informed circles instead of attention seeking, they are using nurture seeking or care seeking. Not only more accurate but also helps for a more compassionate narrative.

I think some labels are unintentionally belittling. Because they create a false picture of what is really going on, attention seeking being one of them. And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is another label I hate. They used to cal it M.E. Which was far less belittling.

Original poster

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:20

CourtneyB123 · 22/05/2023 16:56

Ah also OP just read your message above about the twitches (really really common), anxiety can give you any bodily symptom, nothing is off limits. When you're constantly in flight mode the nervous system is in overdrive all the time so your body reacts as you well know. But, the brain can't tell the difference between a real threat and a perceived threat, so this can also give you symptoms when you're not consciously anxious, as weird as it seems.
I have had so many symptoms that I can't even count anymore, currently hyperfocused on lymphoma which isn't ideal lol. Hope you're okay x

I don't know if this is any comfort, but I had a lymphoma obsession a few years back during a difficult time. But it obviously came to nothing - I just kept checking a lump and then I stopped checking one day. My rational brain knows what I'm doing... But that doesn't always help, does it?
Hope you find a way to find peace x

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IWasOlderThen · 22/05/2023 17:21

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:17

I have been referred to CBT a few times. I find it helpful at the time, but it probably isn't as intensive as I need it to be. I am still waiting to hear from the wellbeing service for CBT this time round.

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It isn't long enough or intensive enough. Considering that a lot of anxiety is trAuma based.

BlueMongoose · 22/05/2023 17:23

It would be better all round if our records were open to us, as they are in other countries. Then anything that's a problem that's written there can be sorted out. I know there are errors on mine, but getting them changed is a pain, and I only know there are errors because I asked for them when I found via another route some twat had written things down that were not true, because he a supposedly specialist nurse) simply didn't listen to the answers to his own questions and recorded the opposite of what I'd said- I then found he'd grossly misunderstood some test results as well and written down I had a heart condition which I don't have. I think it's positively dangerous we don't have automatic access to all our records.

Original poster

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:24

Outofthepark · 22/05/2023 17:13

But are you doing an hour of decent exercise per day as per the doctor's advice as well? You need that to improve as well.

In truth, I am making excuses about that one. But I actually don't know why - I really enjoy exercise (I already do a few days), and certainly outdoor exercise. I feel scared to do it, and I can't rationalise it. I will tell my husband what needs to be done and then I will have to be accountable.

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Spacestace · 22/05/2023 17:25

BlueMongoose · 22/05/2023 17:23

It would be better all round if our records were open to us, as they are in other countries. Then anything that's a problem that's written there can be sorted out. I know there are errors on mine, but getting them changed is a pain, and I only know there are errors because I asked for them when I found via another route some twat had written things down that were not true, because he a supposedly specialist nurse) simply didn't listen to the answers to his own questions and recorded the opposite of what I'd said- I then found he'd grossly misunderstood some test results as well and written down I had a heart condition which I don't have. I think it's positively dangerous we don't have automatic access to all our records.

Do you not have them on the app? I can see all of mine including from years back (although initially it was just from appointments following the introduction of the app). I'm sure you can probably request your notes anyway, maybe ask the practice manager?

Spacestace · 22/05/2023 17:25

Although the app is for GP notes, you can request hospital notes as well to be sent as hard copy to you.

TheFireflies · 22/05/2023 17:26

CharlottenBurger · 22/05/2023 15:08

They used to write 'FFF' as well, I'm told. Indicative of likely gallstones. Fat, fair, and forty.

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My doctor actually said this to me when I had gallstones. Well, he mumbled the “fat” part, which I thought odd because I clearly am.

CalatheaHoya · 22/05/2023 17:26

If you are as you say ‘a hypochondriac’ it’s probably appropriate for it to be on your notes.

GPs are extremely experienced with dealing with health anxiety and they will be able to detect red flags when you have a real serious medical issue so don’t worry! I’m a doctor and have looked after patients with health anxiety and I wouldn’t dismiss their symptoms but would treat them as any other patient with appropriate reassurance.

you’re entitled to request your notes from your GP and can ask them why it’s on there and express your concerns about future health being taken seriously, if that would help you.

CalatheaHoya · 22/05/2023 17:29

Also I’m not sure ‘hypochondriac’ is a valid term these days although that may just be what the computer system codes it as.

I feel it’s easier on both doctor and patient when the health anxiety is acknowledged as then I can give extra reassurance and there isn’t an elephant in the room while I am evaluating the symptoms etc.

MMMarmite · 22/05/2023 17:32

I agree with trying to seek out trauma therapy. Being in high alert is a logical strategy when you grow up somewhere unsafe, then later your brain starts to attach that state of high alert to other things, like health worries. Processing the trauma allows all levels of your mind to know the real cause of the fear, to take action if abusers are still in your life, and to understand that it was real but it's now in the past.

Zebracrossings · 22/05/2023 17:35

I know how it feels op. No one likes to be judged. Get a copy of your health records if you think that it is affecting your treatment. That way you will know your exact notes written by the gp.

Wallaw · 22/05/2023 17:38

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:12

Tried yoga nidra last night. My brain was jumping all over the place, so it really is going to take a lot of work for me. It was upsetting how hard I found it! But I will persevere, because I need to.

Show quote history

I'm not an expert on this, but my sister has periods of intense anxiety, and her therapist has told her that mindfulness and yoga can be very helpful for some people, but can be counterproductive for others. She says that she feels like going into her own head can actually heighten her obsessive thoughts and that it's more helpful to go for tiring rather than calming exercise.

I know you've said you're having trouble convincing yourself to get outside for exercise, but I suspect you will feel much better if you can force yourself to do that. Just being out can be a huge mood enhancer, even when it's hard to set it in motion. Definitely enlist your husband if you think it will help.

I hope things improve soon!

bryceQ · 22/05/2023 17:47

Tried yoga nidra last night. My brain was jumping all over the place, so it really is going to take a lot of work for me. It was upsetting how hard I found it! But I will persevere, because I need to.

That's one time. Honestly learning to meditate and actually relax takes a lot of work. It's like doing 5 sit ups and asking why you don't have a 6 pack yet. Brain training is exactly that. If you don't think yoga nidra will be helpful try a guided visualisation, or a sound bath (this one is the most powerful for me). It took me a year to learn how to calm my nervous system. You have to persevere to see results.

FarmGirl78 · 22/05/2023 17:49

RoseRobot · 22/05/2023 12:56

3 might refer to the level or type of health anxiety rather than how many times you have presented with it.

This. I work in healthcare and general after a condition like this etc we'd put something to indicate how bad it is. eg. Patient anxious+++
While it's difficult to feel put out about this, by your own admission it is true. Try following the advice you've been given about exercising. It really can make a difference. Hopefully your sleeping pattern can improve and if you're still struggling then you can revisit needing meds for any continuing symptoms further down the line.

TwoFluffyDogsOnMyBed · 22/05/2023 17:53

I’ve got health anxiety too and I know it’s on my notes because I mention it whenever I go to my GP (which is hardly ever). I’ve never worried about it myself although my elderly mother was very ill and once one of the GPs wrote ‘psychological problems’ in her notes, the other GPs seemed to go along with it. She nearly died from low sodium (take note any GP’s here!).

I think as long as you can self advocate then you’ll be fine….it’s when you get a vulnerable person with no one to advocate (I live 4 hours away) that it can be an issue.

The only way I can manage my health anxiety is through exercise and doing whatever I can to stay healthy. Especially now that I’m 50 and I’m becoming more anxious about my health, I’ve started doing an hour of Ashtanga most days and I’m going to start going to the gym in a few weeks when I move house (next door to a gym!).

Madeintowerhamlets · 22/05/2023 17:58

Highdaysandholidays1 · 22/05/2023 13:52

OP, can I recommend the books of Claire Weekes which I do all the time on here, especially the ones on recovering from nervous disorders. That jerking awake and twitching sound like the types of things she describes as being due to nervous exhaustion (much more scientifically than me).

I would definitely start with getting one of her books and starting to try to live by the principles, which are extreme acceptance of weird symptoms, once they have been checked by a doctor (which yours have). It's very hard to do but it absolutely works in the long run.

In the shorter term, the magnesium seems a good shout, although I found it gave me nightmares.

There is a way through this and if you treat your health anxiety/nervous disorder first then all your non-health anxiety symptoms will be more visible as well, and also because there's so much you can do for anxiety and bodily nervousness that can improve your quality of life.

If you do exercise, follow her book and take magnesium, say for a good month, and you still have the health problem, you will know that it's something that needs further GP investigation.

I second this. A family friend gave me a copy of Claire Weekes’ book ‘Self Help for your Nerves.’ Some of the language is a bit old fashioned but she was ahead of her time in terms of her advice. It’s also immensely reassuring & comforting. The book was a life saver for me when I had anxiety & depression.

Toomanybooks22 · 22/05/2023 17:59

Zebracrossings · 22/05/2023 17:35

I know how it feels op. No one likes to be judged. Get a copy of your health records if you think that it is affecting your treatment. That way you will know your exact notes written by the gp.

I agree, make a Subject Access Request for your medical notes (personal data) to be sure that's what's written.

TwoFluffyDogsOnMyBed · 22/05/2023 18:00

Bear in mind with cbt that they seem to be training people who aren’t really suitable. I say this because the cbt person I spoke to was just awful….far too young (sorry but experience of life is needed to be a therapist) and didn’t sound very bright. I assumed that she was an admin person doing an initial assessment. I told her there and then that it wasn’t going to work and I was left feeling pretty awful.