Hi everyone, 

I'm new to this group, but I'm hoping talking here can help me through it. I have yet to see a doctor about it (I will at my next appointment in 3 weeks), but I have accepted the fact that I am infact a hypochondriac. I am an 18 (will be 19 on Feb. 12th) year old femlale who has been extremely healthy all her life. However, last August (2016), I woke up with an extreme panic attack that lasted a few days believe it or not. I started worrying and I had shortness of breath with an extremely elevated heart rate. About a week later I saw a doctor and they stated they weren't sure what was wrong. My parents are the type that believe in "toughing it out" and I was too until this day. Since then, it's been about 6-7 months and I've visited the ER three times in which they just gave mu fluids and have had countless Doctors visits and tests done to essentially find out what's wrong with me. Everything that has been done has come back extremely normal (except for a pinched nerve). Because of this, many friends and family members keep telling me that nothing is wrong and even though they are probably right, each day I am always uncomfortable and feel as if there's something different acting up each day. Of course, as someone who has been totally healthy these last 6-7 months have been the toughest of my life. I am grateful enough to have such support from my parents, boyfriend and my boyfriends parents, but I need reassurance and advice. 

I was wondering how everyone in this forum copes with this? Do you have hobbies, medication, routines ect. to deal with it? I have never talked to or met anyone who has experienced this same thing. What I find the hardest is being alone because it's all I focus on. 

Anyways, sorry for the rambling! I'm very excited to be apart fo this forum and I hope we can help each other through this. I look forward to hearing back from you guys and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask! I'm an open book. 

Thank you so much, 

Kaleigh