Can anyone help me? Last time I asked a question I had no replies which stopped me asking again, so fingers crossed.

I have very severe health anxiety and am terrified of death. I know that arm aches and stomach pain can be a symptom of heart attacks so when I get these I am sure I am having a heart attack. I also get chest pains. Unfortunately after years of going to GPs about my symptoms I was diagnosed with two cardiac issues. Obviously my health anxiety increased dramatically.

I also worry if a get a leg pain that it is a DVT and of course headaches are always a brain tumour, stroke, bleed etc. My life is being ruled and ruined by these problems. I have tried every type of counselling and therapy but nothing has helped. Does anyone feel the same?Than

[Helpmebirmingham]

Hello.

I don't have your health anxiety, I have GAD. I get some very weird pains and aches. Some of what you have described. I know they are related to the anxiety. Obviously it is mind over matter. But as the saying goes 'Easier Said Then Done' you need to deflect from them and train the logical thinking to overriding it. You are feeding the issues and that is why they are thriving.

Call the Samaritans. NHS Direct when you are at the height of your thoughts, It will help x

[Bramwell]

Oh yes I do!

I've had health anxiety for over 20 years now and know exactly what you mean.

Every minor thing which others would ignore is a major indicator of a serious illness for me. A tiny strain becomes a major issue while a headache or tummy bug sends me off the scale.

I don't have an answer but at least you know you're not alone.

[mimii]

Hi cathia !!

Im not on here much dont seem to have the time recently, cant say I have same anxiety but I am terrified I might have lung cancer as Im a smoker and have a permanent cough, too scared to go to docs in case it is lol always worried Im about to have a stroke too still cant give up though sorry this isnt any help I tend to ignore things and hope it will go away !!!

Mimii

[Hidden in reply to mimii]

Hi Mimi I am a smoker too and I remember going to my doctors because I was worried about lung cancer too. The doctor told me that heart problems are much more likely in smokers than cancer! All my doctors do is shrug their shoulders and say - give up smoking. Do go and tell me what yours say

There are other signs of lung cancer though. Among others these are constant chest infections, losing weight without good reason and coughing up blood. Which doesn't mean you have lung cancer but it would need checking out if you have any of these symptons.

Bev x

[Hidden]

I am sorry no one answered your question cathia. Sometimes its because the ones who experience your problems aren't around for a while. Its not personal. Having said that I can't help but just didn't want you to feel ignored! Don't let it put you off.

Bev xx

[mimii]

Hi hypercat,

No Im not going to docs lol!!

How do you tell difference between chest infection and smokers cough ? You know the adverts that s as y go to docs if youve had cough for over 3 weeks well Ive had one at least 3 years and still alive and kicking lol guess I shouldnt say that and tempt fate lol plus unfortunately not lost any weight !!!

Mimii

[knowles8586]

I worry about dying all the time and my mum hasnt been well over the last couple of yrs, she had a brain tumor removed and now is slow in mind and movement

[harrassedmom]

Anxiety and or depression can cause physical pain so you don't necessarily imagine it. I have suffered with this a lot for 5 years after the birth of my last child and am convinced I will die early and that every pain is something serious, but don't go to the doctors. Wake up at 3 am worrying about dying in a panic. Feeling nauseas for 2 weeks now and realised today it's the anxiety back not a bug! Hence coming on the forums, so you are not alone.

[devon]

Hello i to suffer with awful health anxiety after being free for 10 months it has come back and it seems so much worse this time with added symptoms. Today bad day weak feelings down left side arm,leg and side of face panicking which made the symptoms worse, we were out in the car after just been to a garden centre so i don't know if being there triggered it. My legs feel so jelly like and weak just feel very anxious. I have seen a neurologist last August and also had a ct scan of the brain the results came back normal but i cant seem to be reassured by that. I have just started this week i cbt counselling course i am hoping it will be of some help to me in the next few weeks. I find coming on to the forum helps as finding that other people suffer as well you are not alone.

[Bramwell in reply to devon]

I had health anxiety originally in 1993/5 and it finally went away but each time it's come back since it seems to be, like you, worse or stronger than previously.

[jack_s]

Hi Cathia, Have you tried looking at someone called Carl Sheppard. You can find him on Google under Carl Sheppard, anxiety rebalance. I think his information may be able to help you. he suffered with health anxiety for many years and reading his details he may be able to provide something that will help you. I am enjoying reading his site and I've picked up alot from it.

I hope it helps and i hope you are feeling better. Try not to worry.

I am an ex smoker (i loved smoking so much!) and I know its VERY hard to give up. I gave up by taking a pill from the Dr called Champix. its the only thing that worked for me. Everything else made me want to smoke still. I have been free from smoking for about 3 years. It may help. Take Care.xxxx