Worried about Cancer - Health Anxiety

Hi Everyone 

I know this is probably a drop in the ocean compared to what some people are going through but I just needed to get advice because my Health Anxiety is at an all time high. 
About 8 weeks ago I started with itching (like an allergic reaction) and diarrhoea - I thought I just had IBS and went to the doctor who ordered blood tests. That night, I was asked to A&E as my Eosinophils (a WBC which is usually raised in allergies and parasites) were massively raised. The A&E doctor told me this 'could be blood cancer' but to follow up with my GP. Since then, I've been obsessed that I'm going to be diagnosed with some sort of cancer. 
Doctors have been concerned and I've had stool samples (clear), colonoscopy (all clear), chest X-ray (clear), ultrasound of abdo and pelvis which showed ascites but all organs normal and tonight had a CT scan. Here is the strange part - over this past week or so, my diarrhoea has subsided, the pain in my abdomen is almost non existent, the fatigue is minimal and the ascites has disappeared... on it's own, no medication or treatment of 'underlying cause'. I had the CT scan because they were concerned about the ascites and my Doctor told me they needed to check for 'rare tumours' which just set my mind into overdrive. 
Anyway I've recently convinced myself that I've got every cancer imaginable and read countless patient stories and searched the internet for hours. The radiographer doing the CT scan said that I should get the results in 2-3 weeks and although everyone (GP included) keeps telling me I wouldn't be getting better without medication if it was anything sinister, since the C word has been mentioned so much to me I've lost all trust in those trying to help and I'm absolutely adamant there's something seriously wrong. 

I'm basically here to ask how people have coped with the health anxiety associated with the 'waiting game'? I am only 30 and have a five month old and I think this is what is making me 1000 times worse - I'm on multiple medications and see a private psycotherapist but it's just not cutting it. I've been told that they 'may never be able to provide answers' to why I was so poorly, which is making it even harder. 
 

Thank you for any advice 

 

  • Hi. Sorry to hear you've been poorly. Great news that you're starting to feel better though! I have terrible health anxiety and am also experiencing some problems which make me worried I have cancer. I am struggling with the waiting game too. I have young children and they are a blessing and a curse!

    I take antidepressants for my anxiety which do help, but when it gets too much I have an 'old style antihistamine' which has a sedative effect. It helps me sleep and keeps me calm if I have half a tablet. I try and keep my day really structured and limit the amount of Googling I do. I go for a nice long walk and play board games with my kids. 
     

    I think it's really important to have other things to think about. I like reading so I always have a good book on the go. 
     

    best of luck xx