Anxiety illness

Really anxious at the moment awaiting melanoma test results. Keep telling myself its absolutly nothing...of course its going to be nothing. But the other half of me has been a wreck with thinking about the potential severity of the situation and i guess worse case scenario. But im not sure if iv now made myself ill worrying more then i realise i am. Iv had an unsettled tummy the last 4 days almost to the point of incontinence and felt nausaus amongst a few other symptoms, its been affecting what i eat and if i eat. I basically feel how i did when i had noro-virus once, i feel drained. And  im not sure if its a bug or anxiety causing me to make myself ill. And i know people will insist i do, but i havnt told anyone about my potential melanoma, not a single person, its a personal choice every person and their family is different, i dont really have friends and only a small family with just 1 parent so at this stage iv chosen to keep it to myself unless it turns into something becuase the worry and stress to everyone else would just tip me over the edge with anxiety, id basically end up looking after them instead. Just reaching out to see if anyone else got similar symtoms or knows how extreme anxiety can get so i can feel reassured maybe its just a bit of worry sickness. Iv now commited the sin of google diagnosing myself and its trying to convince me i have ibs or chrons.. Night 5 with no sleep

  • Hi, just replying to empathise. I’m also waiting for potential melanoma results and am also experiencing symptoms probably caused by anxiety, although they’re different to yours. Why am I on this forum now and not sleeping?! I am often thinking it’s bound to be ok (the doctor said it was a good sign that my biopsy bled a lot though I prefer definite answers to speculation).  Then other times I think about the worst case and how I’d  tell my kids they’re going to lose both parents (their dad died from suicide). I realise even as I’m doing it that it’s daft and is obviously not helpful but It’s almost as if I need my daily fix of thinking that way. And I have constant dizziness and a lot of aches and pains (probably all anxiety) plus swollen lymph nodes (probably just due to the chunk cut out of my leg). I have a lot of anxiety for other reasons too, most notably my son’s mental health illness...so I’m cutting myself some slack and im actually congratulating myself whenever I’m not attributing symptoms to the cancer I probably don’t have. I wish I was one of those laid back types, but I’m not!!

    at least I can sleep which goes a long way. Hope you will get there too.

  • Hi Fuzzypegg,

    I am sorry you are feeling this way and I hope I can put your mind somewhat at ease. Anxiety, especially when caused by health concerns, can make our bodies do some crazy things!  I have no medical training, but I speak from experirence as  someone who had to see a therapist to be reassured that every gurgle, ache, pain and stomach upset didn't mean "cancer". Try some deep breathing excercises - I like to take a deep breath in, hold it for as long as I can, then fully exhale.  It helps me calm down.   Also, lemonade settles my stomach, give it a try! For sleeping, I use melatonin.  

    So good luck, don't assume the worst and let us know what you find out.

    Laura xx

  • Thanks thats appreciqted that you posted to me. Iv never even been a sufferer of anxiety in other situations likely to cause anxiety but i totally side with u on the feeling like you almost have to commit some thoughts each day to the worst case scenario. Beus those th9ughts always find a way in. Still feeling pretty rough today hoping it wont be long for results becuase this anxiety is alot of pressure. Doing my best to remain positive but generally cant help assesing daily tasks and choices at the moment in time with, if im going to become super ill or worse is this important?  I just want relief from answers really. Hopefully you too have positive results as in good not positive for melanoma. X