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'm new here but I'm really trying to seek some help. I'm 30, dad of 2 and for the last 7-8 years I've had a lot of worry about my Health. Lost my dad when I was 18 to diabetes and heart failure (he was a big guy). Since then, I have had anxiety/panic issues. The first time landed me know the emergency room thinking I was having a heart attack. After blood work, x-rays, ECG, etc turned out to be fine. Saw a cardiologist, wore a halter all fine. Up until a couple of months ago, I was terrified of dropping dead from some unkown heart condition. Would sometimes get pains in my left arm, couldn't breathe. I constsantly Google symptoms ( I know this is a NO NO!) And of course, they fit me to a T. I went and did a treadmill test which cams back just fine. I have been off and on anxiety meds for a few years. I was on Xanax before which sort of helped but made me very zombie like and tired. They also tried celexa which didn't really help. Buspar which didn't really help, this last time around doc tried zoloft which didn't do much, tore my stomach to pieces and kept me from sleeping. This past month, after getting an all clear on my heart, ive been terrified of Cancer! I googled stomach cancer symptoms and of course they fit! My stomach has been queasy, feel nauseated almost all the time. Feels like I have concrete in the, I Google symptoms to hopefully find an answer and of course all I see is stomach cancer, ulcers, colon cancer etc so I'm terrified of having one of them. I fixate constantly on something being wrong and what if I die. I have 2 little ones that I'm terrified if leaving behind, not to mention my wife. I jsut want my life back and hope this group will help.
I can relate to your story. In January, I had a gallbladder attack that landed me in the ER..I was scared as I always assumed I was in excellent health. After the attack, I was scared to eat and had a lot of anxiety. I was Googling my symptoms everyday and driving myself mad..A dear friend asked me to stay with her because she saw how anxious I was. It helped..Anyway, I went for surgery to remove the gallbladder. I can't believe I did it as I was scared. Three weeks post gallbladder surgery and I am obsessing about my health. I am convinced I have another health problem. The other day I landed in the ER thinking I was dying. It was panic attack that I let spiral out of control.. I really want to stop focusing on my health and enjoy life again..