Health Anxiety due to not being able to see GP, anyone else?

Last year I was diagnosed with many Actinic Keratosis These were successfully treated with Eufidix and since then I have been  very careful to use a factor 50 sun cream wear a hat and keep away from the strong midday sun. I also see my dermatologist for yearly checks. My major problem is Health Anxiety which started when I realised that getting an appointment with my GP was nigh impossible and then became worse once the AC was diagnosed. Every time I find a blemish or a mark on my skin I imagine the worse and I want to run straight away to my dermatologist as it's still almost impossible to see my GP . Does anyone else suffer with this problem and if you do how do you deal with it as I feel such a failure and it is also a costly process as I am a private patient with my dermatologist. I also feel guilty that I am posting on here when so many of you lovely members are dealing with much worse diagnosis. Thank you if you have taken the time to read this x

  • Hi AnxiousBetty, 

    I came across your post randomly, I'm not diagnosed either currently waiting for a 2ww appointment but I felt compelled to reply. 
    Book an appointment with your GP and explain exactly what you've said in the post. Tell them you have health anxiety and why you'd like to see them. It is a valid reason to see a GP. They may be able to guide you into other services that may help, or book regular appointments with themselves to help reassure you. 
    I know not all GPs are created equal, they are busy, but most of them also want to help you. If you don't get what you're looking for from a particular one, try another! 
     

    Holly

  • Hi 

    I suffer from extreme health anxiety, its debilitating. 

    I'm currently having counselling for it, and medication. 

    I know exactly how you feel. 

    Your not on your own with having this struggle x

  • Thank you for taking the time to read and reply I have made an appointment to see a private GP tomorrow as I just cannot get a face to face with my NHS GP .  I get a 30 mins consultation in a private surgery I have made a list of all the things I need to talk to him about including the anxiety. I have paid and seen him before and he is very caring so I am hoping not only will he be able to reassure me concerning the blemish but will be able to guide me towards some help with the anxiety.
     

    Is your diagnosis for skin problems or the anxiety whichever I wish you well 

  • You are so right it is very debilitating and I really need to find some help TBH it is only the skin issues that cause the anxiety but I need to get it under control Once I have seen a GP or my dermatologist and they reassure me I have nothing to worry about I am fine . I was out with my dogs the other day and bumped in to someone I hadn't seen for a good few years She had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphona I came straight home and googled it then spent days worrying that I might get it How absolutely mad is that 

  • Hi 

    it's NOT mad at all.. I am exactly the same, I Google alot.. I try so very hard not to. 

    I am being monitored.. And have a 6 month mrcp due in 2 months, I'm beside myself with worry.

    Waiting on results for something else right now too.

    And I'm worrying.

    I'm like you very much, I need reassurance 

  • I am having investigations for an ulcer that won't heal in my mouth - hopefully it's just that, an ulcer, but we will see. 
     

    I do have anxiety though, just in general, I have CBT therapy to help me. 
     

    I hope you can get some help tomorrow! 

     

  • TBH I am a pensioner and lived most of my life without bloody Google . Before Google I never worried about my health but then before Covid never had any problem seeing my GP . I would  disable Google Images if I could My GP told me to stay away from Google because whatever medical symptoms you enter it always ends up saying cancer but it is so hard not to reach for it . Sorry what is a mcrp and why does it worry you so much .X

  • I have been looking at CBT and will discuss it with GP tomorrow Guessing it will be a long wait on the NHS so might look at private if it is too long a wait. Fingers crossed all goes well with your tests x

  • I self referred through the NHS IAPT service after being told about it by my GP and had an assessment call the following week with commencement two weeks after. 
    fingers crossed it is quick for you! 

  • Hi 

    Cbt didn't work for me at all. 

    I'm currently having face to face counselling via video. 

    X