Anxiety between CT scans

[Beadygrl]

I posted already in my lung issues group about my anxiety but I also think it's important to reach out here. Every time I see a doctor whether or not I have an issue, I have panic and cry when I speak to health professionals. It some times gets better as I get to know them, but a lot of the time, I let anxiety get the better of me. I journal and try to meditate, but I feel like I really continue to struggle day to day with getting overwhelmed. Any advice out there? Thank you in advance.

[Xene]

Hi Beadygrl and welcome to the forum. What you are describing, back in the day was known as “White coat syndrome” Anxiety or fear of dr’s hospitals etc. I’m not going to tell you not to worry as we all do it regardless. What I tend to do now is think of the best possible outcome, the worst and anything in between that way in my mind I’ve got all bases covered and then I let it go well try to. The waiting is the worst especially for results but is something we all have to do unfortunately.

[Beadygrl in reply to Xene]

You are right in that there is no way to not worry but to work with it and not let it "drive the bus". I'm just going to try my best to give myself a break and have moments of upset and worry in between living normally. Thank you for your words.

[designguy]

Hello and welcome, I have some degree of "white coat syndrome" and my dad also had it so it's possible it may be genetic. What has helped me is learning that your thoughts are generally negative in order to supposedly protect us but we don't have to believe the anxious thoughts or expect the worst outcome. Reframing the anxious thoughts into more helpful ones can also help.

Also, try to be compassionate with yourself and maybe think of yourself as a knowledgeable parent and how you would treat and comfort your scared child. A lot of us were never taught how to be compassionate with ourselves and calm and soothe ourselves so we have to learn to do it for ourselves.

[Beadygrl in reply to designguy]

You're absolutely right about not being taught hope to cope and to be compassionate with ourselves. I grew up with a very sick sibling who required open heart surgery as a newborn. My parents for sure were overwhelmed and couldn't be there for myself or my sister (we're older). Often my health issues were ignored or catastrophized by my mom. I really hoped by now that I would be able to cope better, but it seems like the opposite. I'm challenging myself to try and wait until I know there is something to be concerned about for this particular situation. Thank you so much for your words!

[designguy in reply to Beadygrl]

You're welcome, glad I could help. It may be that you are suffering from some c-ptsd trauma from your childhood and the health issues and may be experiencing some form of flash backs when seeing a doctor. If you think it fits you, you might find a therapist that treats trauma/c-ptsd and work with them. Mine used emdr as part of the therapy which was very helpful for processing my traumatic emotions and memories so that I no longer was so triggered by them. You can find info on youtube about trauma, c-ptsd and emdr. A lot of us don't realize that what we actually experienced was some form of trauma and/or complex trauma (c-ptsd).

[designguy in reply to Beadygrl]

One other thought after reading your post on the lung issues group that they found some nodules is that you are totally justified to have some fear and trepidation about it. Sometimes our anxiety can be from not allowing our natural emotions or getting angry at ourself for having them.

[Beadygrl]

I got my results back at the doctor's office. I managed to hold myself together until I got into the exam room. My pulmonologist knowing how anxious I was gave me my results right away. Thankfully my lung nodule has remained unchanged so my next scan will be in a year! I feel relieved for sure and I wish that I hadn't spent so much time worrying. My goal was to have moments of anxiety and not remain in it. I definitely have a few tools now going forward. Thank you all!

[Gordo6500]

Hi Beadygrl , that's good news about the nodule. I had a very knowledgeable older Dr. who told me you need to heal your brain as your anxiety is mostly physical ,not mental. I started exercising and taking these supplements. Multi-vitamin , 50mgs of gaba combined with 50mgs of L theanine at bed time and 3000 mgs of combined DHA/EPA from a high quality fish oil. This combination stopped the recurring thoughts that drove my anxiety. You might want to give it a try, i hope this helps feel free to dm me no problem .