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.
On the 22nd, I am scheduled to have my knee replaced. On Friday this week is my pre-op physical. We did a trial run last month. Everything was fine, but because of my anxiety, pain and auto-immune disease, my white blood count runs a bit high. I'm on a course of antibiotic for sinuses, but I'm terrified if I tell the doctor, she'll make me come back next week and test me again, because antibiotics lower your white blood cell count. I hate this! I hate that my ability to walk is hanging on a few numbers. My husband and daughter are out of town all week and I'm having panic attacks everyday. After my surgery, my husband will be home for the first 5 days, then gone for a week. I know I'll need help showering and getting dressed. The kids can't help. I'm not sure what to do. Can't he explain that I just had surgery and I need his help? He never uses his vacation time up. I think this would be a good time to use it. Then 6 weeks later, I have to do it all again. I hate anxiety!
Your ability to walk is not hanging by a few numbers. You said that they weren't alarmed by the CBC, because they are aware of your issues. If you do have an infection, the antibiotics will kill the infection, bringing your white cell count down to where it runs normally. As far as needing help, after a surgery of that caliber, and if your husband is not going to be around, you can look into visiting nurses. It is always more comforting to have a loved one help us, but if you talk with him, and he truly cannot stay with you, look into having a visiting nurse. I am sorry for you anxiety. And I am sorry for the fear of being alone. I do not know your circumstances, but, I wanted to ask if you take anything for your anxiety? And who do you talk to about it? I understand HA especially when you already have problems. It is horrible. I will continue to have you in my prayers.