What health issues do you worry about most?

I figured this would be a good place to start since we're all about to read the same book.

Hmm,
Everything, I get scared if I have a headache, or pains in my legs, I automatically think I have a blood clot! I have chest pains because of my anxiety, but whenever I have them I think it's a heart attack! All just stinkin' thinkin'!

My fear of having a heart attack is my "main" obsession. However, I, too, will worry that I have cancer, am going blind, am going deaf, etc. Honestly, it seems I can focus on almost anything! I am very suggestible and try to avoid watching medically oriented shows or reading those types of articles. I really want to learn how to let go of all of this and enjoy the present moment!
Julie

for me, i constantly worry about my blood pressure, which is relatively normal. But, I constantly take it at home, & my heart rate is sky high. Then, on top of the blood pressure, i worry about my heart rate being too high.

OMG I have worried about SOOOOO many diseases since I'm 15. First I thought I have cervical cancer... I had all the symptoms and I readd all mencial books to confirmed that I was dying of cancer. Went to the doc and I just had a hormonal problem... I couldn't believe it.. I suffered so much for nothing. T

hen I thought I have vaginal cancer, and colon cancer. For the colon cancer, my doc told me it was IBS and didn't believe it. Went to an speciallist who run all kinds of test, incuding, colonoscy, breath test, lacto intolerance, stool test, and blood work and everything came out negative. To this days I still questions wheter is IBS or some undiscovered ugly disease...

Later in my 20's I developed a phobia to HIV. I would go to bars and think somebody would jab me with a needle and infect me. I didn't enjoy when I went out because I thought that would happened. When I fisrt had a boyfriend, I thought he gave me HIV. I was miserable for 2 years. Bad depression and anxiety and I had "all the symptoms". My boygfriend got tested and he was negative. What a relive. My second boyfriend got tested TWICE and my actual finace got tested al so because I asked all of then to do so. I wouldn't sleep with them if they didn't get tested!

Even thoug they are all negative, and I CAN'T CONTROL THIS FEAR. I always tell myself, what if the test was a false negative, what if this, and that? I'm suffering a lot with this, but deep down, I know I'm healthy... buy my mind keeps lying and playing games with me.

I also go to the doctors a lot, and go doctor shopping. I visit them for the most insignificant symptoms.... I know I have a big problem. That's why I'm here with you guys

Anyway, I want to move on with this and enjoy my life fully. I'm getting married in 5 months and I should be having fun preparing the wedding but Instead I worry about my health.

I have noticed already after 4 weeks in the program that there is a difference. I'm more calm, and I can actually laugh at my self when I have scary thoughts. I say STOP IT!!!! GO AWAY!!!!! THIS IS NOT TRUE!!!!!

It feels weird telling myself this stuff like that out loud but it works

I hope we can all support in help each other so we can beat health anxiety

Thanks for reading

Gab

Gab,
I know what you mean, i'm always wondering "What if the test was wrong" But it does help to tell myself "STOP" I'm trying to wean off of Atenenol because the cardiologist said that I didn't need to be on it. Well of course i'm wondering if she was wrong, what if she missed something. But i've had a chest x-ray, cat scan, and 2 EKG's, but whenever I get chest pains I still question it! I just thank God for this program, and all of you here, because it really helps talking to someone who understands.

Hi All,

Last year (before I knew I had anxiety problems)I was feeling so bad (most digestive disorders) that I finally went to the Dr. I figured I had acid reflux disease. The Dr. told me my blood pressure was high and left to get equipment to take an EKG, I nearly had a panic attack in the office! The Dr. said I needed medication so I wouldn't have a stroke...and my anxiety soared after hearing that. A year later at least the blood pressure medication I am on now is controlling the problem (I think the program has also helped to control the pressure also). Even now, when I get a headache my mind automatically thinks 'what if I'm having a stroke'. I still feel like I might have some disease that is causing some of my problems.
How do you ever know if it is just anxiety or if it is a disease or condition that needs treatment? I read all the time in magazines the warning signs of stroke of heart disease and any of those symptoms can also be anxiety.
Tomorrow I'm going to have my first mammogram. Since I'm 41 it is time for a baseline one anyway, but I have a pea-sized bump that isn't going away under my left arm. I'm trying to use my skills....I'm taking care of my health and if anything is wrong, I go through treatments to fix it, right? I'm still nervous, but better than I would have been last year.
I also have a really hard time whenever my kids get sick (they are almost 5 and 2). They aren't sick often (I have kept them kind of isolated due to my anxiety) but when they just catch a cold, my anxiety soars. Part of me feels like I should automatically know exactly how to take care of them and fix the illness and the rest of me just panics because I'm afraid I won't treat the illness correctly.
The program skolls I have learned are so great and I am hoping the book will have some additional help to offer.


Curly

Hi All..

I worry about everything..every little body symptom I think is something worse than it actually is...I have been to doctors after doctors in the hospital all the time..and even after they tell me NOTHING is wrong I think they are hiding something that they don't want to tell me. I am 33 years old and the mother of two boys ages 4 and 7. They are wonderful...I also am very anxious when they get stomach bugs..something about vomiting sends me in a panic..only when it is someone else..when I am sick with a legitimate illness..I am calm..weird I know..I call it my pukaphobia..meaning I am afraid of throw up!! the noises and just the whole thing..it is really gross!!
I have medical bill up the cazoo and that is anxiety producing...
Lets hope and pray we can help eachother!!

TVGirl,
Thanks for starting this!!! I am so sorry I have been MIA lately.....but this is a good thread.
I smile when I read the other posts because it's like looking into a mirror and it's so comforting to see that other people do the same thing.
I have learned through the program to answer my other negative thoughts but my health "what if's" are still my enemy. I AM working on it though. Thanks to all of you for being willing to reveal your fears....much appreciated.
Today I thought I had the beginnings of a urinary tract infection and I freaked out. It seems so comical as I write this but it is AMAZING where my thoughts run whenever I have a physical symptom.
So I tried REALLY HARD to answer my scary thoughts. I told myself that I would be fine and that even if it was a bladder infection, I could get help and medicine if I need it. I took some aconite, cantharis and apis (all homeopathic rememdies) and drank some water. I also took some cranberry capsules. I then sat down and did my relaxation tape.
I have been burning my candle at both ends and I think that has a LOT to do with my limited ability to handle "symptoms" at times.
I am also like Kacey and feel better when I have a legitimate ailment! How strange!!! I guess it's because we are telling ourselves that it is THIS and that it will get better, instead of "what iffing" about what it COULD mean.
hugs to all,
Psalm91
Tricia