Hypochondria Support Group
Hypochondria refers to excessive worry about having a serious illness. Hypochondria is often characterized by fears that minor bodily symptoms may indicate a serious illness, constant self-examination and self-diagnosis, and a preoccupation with one's body. Many individuals with hypochondriasis express doubt and disbelief in the doctors' diagnosis.
As mentioned in my first post... I have suffered from severe health anxiety since I was a little girl. It comes and goes over the years, and the "thing" that I have always changes....
Most recently it has been esophageal/stomach cancer. I have had chronic stomach issues recently, and the Nexium which was prescribed by my doctor has not done much of anything. In fact, the symptoms have become more numerous since taking it. Originally it was just some throat/chest burning around when I ate/drank something that irriated it. But now it has turned into a buffet of varying upper GI symptoms. Like you, I have spend hours researching symptoms, despite knowing it does nothing for me, except to bring me to a level of hysteria which I cannot be consoled from. Eating has become miserable for me, as I pay attention to every little thing I feel (or think I feel) as I am eating/swollowing. Everytime I feel food go down my throat I'm convinced that it feels like I am having trouble swallowing, or that it is getting stuck (one of the most common symptoms of both cancers). Most of the time, I can convince myself that I am not really having toruble, and that it is just my mind playing tricks on me... but other times, I'm not so sure. :( . This is so exhausting. I've love my apetite, weight, and quality of life.
I have another doctors appointment on Thursday (a physical), but I am going to bring up all of my new symptoms, and let him know that the meds aren't working. Probably ask for a GI referral.
That. Is.
Your mind can absolutely play tricks on you. Very real ones actually. I have had off-balanced dizziness before that affected me so much, even doctors were concerned-- turned out to be my mind playing tricks on me.
The trouble swallowing thing... Yeah, that. I had that. Let me tell you, it is very likely only your oesophagus contracting because your mind subconsciously told it to.
The "one problem then immediately another" thing is very typical among hypochondriacs. Don't trust your mind too much, as it is not well. Your mind is suffering from a mental disease, which doesn't make it very reliable. Good luck to your appointment, you will be fine. We will be here to hear about your good news and your journey to fight against this monstrosity-- not cancer, not tumor -- hypochondria.
Thank you so much for your reply, and your empathy. I cannot say I am happy to hear that you and so many others understand what I am going through- as I wouldn't wish this living hell on my worst enemy. But to say that it is a relief... at the very least, would be an utmost truth.
Feel free to reach out at any time, should you yourself need some support.
I'm going to try and see a gastro doctor next week. Please let me know what doctors are telling you...
I went to my physical on Thursday and my labs were "perfect" according to my doctor. I told him how anxious i have been about my health, and to ease my worry and rule out my fears, referred me to a GI. Unfortunately, that particular GI doesn't take my insurance so I had to make another appointment elsewhere. I have a general GI consulting appointment on January15th. Im equally terrified and relieved. But its the not knowing that is the worst, and I still have a little sane voice left deep inside me, that is telling me ill be fine. I hope that little voice is still alive in you somewhere. Because you will... you will be fine.