Severe health anxiety I’m at breaking point

[he123x]

Hello, I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant and suffering from the worst health anxiety of my life - I really am at rock bottom.

I’ve been in hospital yesterday as I thought I was having contractions - I was having tightening but they stopped after 4 hours. I had numerous bloods, urine tests etc all clear but they’ve sent my urine off and given me some antibs as a precaution as I am prone to UTIs. I’ve not slept in over 24 hours and am exhausted.

I woke up from a short nap this morning feeling warm and achey - because of my anxiety I’ve been taking my temp literally all day. It ranges between 36-37.4. Orally it is higher. I’m panicking I’m going to die and I don’t know what to do - my partner has well and truly had enough and I don’t blame him. Is this temp knot all and I it probably just because of my exhaustion?

Do you usually suffer from anxiety? Or recently? Is this your first child? What bought it all up? You should speak to your midwife or doctor...maybe they can prescribe you something short time to help with your symptoms.

Yes I do - awful health anxiety. I’ve spoken with them and they’ve mentioned talking therapy and I’m currently on the waiting list. I’m just panicking as I feel warm and orally my temp is 37.5 I don’t know if that’s normal it keeps changing

Normal.
38 + is a fever.
A fever is not necessarily a bad thing...its just our bodies natural defences. Not all fevers require meds/intervention.
Bear in mind your temp will naturally fluctuate throughout the day and night and even throughout your menstrual cycle.
I think you should try an app like headspace or calm to learn techniques and tools to manage your anxiety

Normal temperature is anything from 36 to 37.9. It veries from person to person and throughout the day.
Throw the thermometer in the bin. You would know if you had a fever bad enough to worry.

As someone who suffered with health anxiety for years, I can completely relate. You are not alone and the thoughts will pass. I had horrendous anxiety post-birth but I practiced CBT and got myself through it. I strongly recommend researching it.
Your temperature can increase when anxious because it’s a defence mechanism, team that with carrying a baby in your tummy and I’m sure the two explain why you’re slightly warmer. Even a water infection wouldn’t help.
I’m sure your Doctor or Midwife would have referred you to the hospital if it were anything serious.
20 people can say you’re fine but if you’re in your own head, I know it’s not easy to just believe them.
I read up on HA and the symptoms of that. Funnily enough, they’ll be the symptoms you’re feeling!!!!
Good luck with the birth. You’ll do amazingly!
You will get through this, I promise.

Thank you so much, that’s really kind of you. I need to desperately start CBT however I have 3 other children so I need to manage making some time for it. I need to get myself out of this slump. Thank you again c

No problem. The main idea is that instead of thinking of your thoughts and obsessions, make sure you pay exact attention to every little task and feeling. For example, if you pick up a glass of water, how does the glass feel? Cold? How does the water taste? Is that cold on your tongue? And basically try to do that with everything. It really worked for me.
I reckon you could really apply it with your other kids!
Also, podcasts with headphones on. They were another great help!!!
You just need to train your brain in the same way you train at the gym. You only get better with practice!
Good luck!

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I don't have much to say other than I went through this as well. My health anxiety was so severe I didn't leave the house for five months. Any Dr's appointments would have me shaking and having panic attacks. I was prescribed diazapam just to be able to go to the gp. I went to A&E because my symptoms felt so severe like I was dying but there really was nothing wrong with me (other than the anxiety). I had therapy for about 4 months and genuinely it changed my life. And it was just talking therapy. But I can't express how much this isn't forever. I promise you must feel so so hopeless right now, but it isn't forever. It will get better. You can persevere. It'll be okay. You won't always feel like this. I learnt so much about my anxiety from the talking therapy. I do still have health anxiety, but it isn't all consuming anymore. I don't know if this helps. But I just want you to know it's not forever. I'm so so sorry you're going through it. I wouldn't wish health anxiety on my worst enemy.