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.
Hi, I am new to this support group, I just had a discussion with my husband about wanting to drink really bad. I am a recovering alcoholic, sober for 26 years. And my hypochondria is really making me angry right now.
I go through bouts now and then, and right now I am in the midst of a health anxiety attack..I started out having a feeling of a lump in my throat 2 weeks ago. started with head cold, ear ache for a day and runny nose---then out of the blue I start noticing this lump when i swallowed. not all the time, it would come and go. Then a few days later i had alot of heartburn. I was diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia 3 years ago during an endoscopy. no symptoms so I thought maybe that was just acting up and went to see my gastro dr. He scared the hell out of me because he said its probably a spasm--no big deal---BUT then he said i should have endoscope done to rule out cancer---so i panicked. He also said it could be lung cancer. I am 51 years old, and i smoke. But I didnt have any other symptoms.
I went to get a barrium swallow since i dont have insurance right now--and an endoscopy would cost more---but the barrium xray was normal--so i started to relax..still had the lump but was feeling kind of better--the barrium was causing a little constipation and my throat felt dry and still heartburn--then this morning when i coughed I saw a little bit of blood--i think--it was bright red but just a little bit..none since--my first thought was i am going to die of lung cancer---worse yet I am going to suffer a long painful death--I couldnt stop worrying about it.My daughter was mad at me for worrying..Its saturday so unless I go to ER I cant really see a dr. I keep telling myself it was only a little bit and it may not have even been blood. I am a nervous wreck..I was coughing on and off for 2 weeks..nothing major..still kindof have a stuffy nose. My dr put me on antibiotic..ends in a few days..
Where do you feel this "lump"? I currently have the same feeling way down by my trachea. It has been there for a week. I have also had trouble getting good breaths and a secret fear of lung cancer that I am trying not to burden my wife with. I have also had a blood-like taste in my mouth. The closest doctors appt I could get is in a month, so I am impatiently waiting.
I am guessing mine is just my Upper Esophageal Sphincter contracting. I don't have trouble swallowing, but I can't seem to belch (which caused a lot of vomiting the first day I felt it). I read a post from a doctor that gives patients a Valium to relax the muscle and patients realize that it is only the UES muscle tightening.
I also read a great post on the nomorepanic site that mentions lump in throat as being very common amongst anxiety sufferers.
My guess is that you are fine. Why else would you be on a hypochondria website? I have had fears a brain tumor, ALS, MS, and stomach cancer just to name a few. Currently I am sacred of lung cancer and lymphoma. I read some great stuff on nomorepanic that has allowed me to accept health anxiety and put my trust in doctors. I still think I may have a terminal illness right now, but I am able to live like I don't until I hear something from a doctor.
Don't let your fear allow you to think drinking is ok! And do whatever you can to quit smoking. I cannot tell you how great it feels to be tobacco free. I don't even think about cigarettes anymore! That is one of my proudest accomplishments.
Please keep us up to date and let us know how future visits work out.
My daughter wanted me to go to the mall with her, I just wanted to lay in bed and worry. lol..But I went and walked around the store so depressed like I was dying.
I hope their is more support on here..I need you guys!!