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Health Anxiety

Amyface90
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So my story is a little complicated... so my apologies for the length...

End of last year my Nan was diagnosed with breast cancer and my partner fell ill with pancreatitis, i was changing job and became incredibly stressed. I had some skin cysts under my armpits but during the 6 weeks it took to get a Dr's appointment i developed all kinds of physical symptoms (headaches, fatigue, lack of appetite, aches). 

Googling my symptoms became so obsessive I'd convinced myself I had cancer and fell in to a huge bout of depression. 

After seeing a wonderful GP I was referred to the breast clinic after finding an enlarged lymph node.

The biopsy came back clear of cancer but they wanted a follow up ultrasound. I think the lymph node has gone down but now the ultrasound is next week my health anxiety is creeping back in! Already convincing myself I have other ailments so I'm doinf my best to stay off Google! I haven't told my partner how I'm feeling - he had to do so much for me when I fell in to depression last time so I'm trying to stay in control.

Can anyone else relate?!

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    Hi Amy 

    I can totally relate to your post. Ive suffered with health anxiety for some years now and its truly awful and affects your whole life. 

    I'm on this forum as i found a breast lump, gp reassured me thinking its likely to be a cyst but has referred me on a 2 week rule to breast clinic. Its now been almost 3 weeks and my appointment is tomorrow so my anxiety is through the roof and obviously I am thinking the worse despite the reassurances! 

    Back to anxiety! I found a few adverts on facebook for free guides on anxiety and they have really helped. The nurses on here also posted some links which I have lookedat and have found useful.

    I'm not going to say don't worry as I know you probably will, but please do look for some support to help you now and in the future. 

  • Offline in reply to HA1

    Hi HA1! 

     

    How did your appointment go? I hope you don't have to wait too long for your results!

     

    I'm very lucky that after my follow up, my lymph nodes look like they have returned to normal so I can safely assume I don't have breast cancer but with health anxiety I'm sure it won't be long until I find something else to focus on.

     

    I've had plenty of years experience with depression and anxiety, and I'm usually in control of it but with health anxiety I feel out of control. Too many 'what ifs' and the obsessive body checking and researching takes over! 

  • Offline in reply to Amyface90

    Hi

    Thank you for your message. I went ti the clinic and they confirmed a cyst. Im so relieved. 

    Glad to hear you are feeling better and your lymph nodes have gone down. 

    Completely understand your anxieties, I'm so fed up of stressing ive been researching health anxiety  on line and am hoping that understanding it will help. Ive also started colouring and reading books to relax and keep me off doctor google! 

     

    Best of luck with everything xx

  • Offline in reply to HA1

    I'm so pleased to hear that you've had good news! That's great!

     

    I've been doing the same thing - i'm avoiding triggers and applying some 'mindfulness' techniques. 

     

    I also find the forums on here so helpful - I can relate so much to other people and how they feel. Also, it helps you to remember that you're not alone in the world.

     

    Wishing you lots of luck with everything xx

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