Im happy to be here, sharing my feelings with this virtual group that knows exactly how I feel. My hypochondria started when I was around 5 years old. If some strands of my hair fell out, I obsessed over the thought of having cancer. I'm 43 now, and the problem is just as bad, if not worse. I've gone through periods of my life where I have been better, but the last couple of years have been hell, worrying about getting some chronic/terminal disease, etc. I know I drink too much alcohol as this helps to ease my anxiety, so of course I worry that my liver is probably failing- but I seem to not be able to stop. I am finally having a cosmetic procedure done in August that I have wanted my whole life, and am excited, yet freaking out because I need to get blood work done. This is the scariest for me. I am always convinced they will find something terrible. I feel like I've read so many stories of people feeling completely fine, only to find out they have some terminal disease at their routie Dr visit. I spend many nights watching youtube videos of people diagnosed with horrible diseases. Its like an addiction to hear their stories. It feeds my paranoia. I know its completely insane that I do this. I wonder if anyone else does this too? Really could use some support getting though the waiting period following my blood test which is July 10