Hi all :)
First off I need to admit that I am a complete worrier when it comes to my health and I am on the waiting list to receive CBT to help to manage it.
I visited my GP around a month ago because I was feeling really rundown and just anxious about anything and everything - what triggered my complete meltdown was that I noticed a very faint line on my left-hand thumbnail. Of course, I did the worst thing possible and went to Dr Google which only heightened my fears!
My GP examined my nail because she knew immediately what I was worried it was - she told me it was not subungual melanoma because it doesn't go all the way down into the nail bed (I think this is what is called the Hutchinson's sign?) and suspected the line was caused by my iron deficiency (after a blood test we discovered the reason I was feeling so run down was my iron levels and B12 levels were extremely low). She was unconcerned and said nothing about following it up.
I was feeling calm about it after my visit to the GP and honestly didn't think about it at all but for some reason my worries have reared its ugly head again. I don't learn because I went back to Dr Google! I think what's causing me worry is that I can't find anything online that says an iron deficency can cause a line like this (though admittedly it does seem a bit too much of a coincidence its appeared when I have these two deficiencies!)
The line is very faint and you hardly see it - when shining a light on it it appears a dark yellowish sort of colour rather than brown or black. It's not changed at all since I noticed it a month ago.
I'm not sure if anyone can offer any reassuring words or if I should go back to my GP for a second examination? (Admittedly, I'm also scared of going back to my GP in case they decide to refer me for further tests - argh! I can't win!)