I have really bad anxiety and I've had it for a long time now, it's gotten to the point where I can't remember a SINGLE DAY where I hadn't felt anxious. More or less I feel as though there's something constantly in head saying 'hey why are you not anxious', it's become a part of my life and I can't get rid of it. Right now I'm having a panic attack and it's because I'm convinced I'm gonna die from a heart attack ONE DAY or maybe TODAY this SECOND. I can't deal, every time my left arm hurts or I get pains anywhere I think that's it that's me gone, the worlds gonna freeze on me any moment now. It's so hard and frustrating. I have an ongoing cardiologist investigation which makes my anxiety worse and I also have gas problems. Can anyone help me? Any help would do I just don't wanna feel like this
Health anxiety driving me insane - Anxiety Support
Health anxiety driving me insane
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I know how frustrating that must be. I know very few people that have not experienced symptoms similar to that of heart problems with anxiety. Anxiety causes so many symptoms and in all cruelness the symptoms often mimic severe medical problems. Try to relax. Any way you can. I worked in cardiac ICU for years. If something was serious they would contact you immediately. In this case no news is good news. EKG’s, stress tests, lab work, echos etc can be seen immediately. They would know! They save give it a few days etc because they are busy. They have lots of patients. They can see an EKG, echo, stress test as it’s happening. Blood work comes back within minutes. As do chest x-rays. Get your results and then accept what it is and treat the problem you have. One day at a time. You need to focus on getting through one day at a time. Get lost in a good book or go for a walk. Stay active and keep your mind occupied as much as possible. Idle minds breed negativity. Sending good vibes for perfect test results.
Thank you so much for you reply- I'm having those few days where I'm anxious for no reason and my pains are very frustrating and scary. I guess I'm just going to have to try and move forward rather than being afraid to do so
Yes. Try to keep moving. Sometimes it’s one step forward and two steps back. With anxiety and fear it’s good to rely on your proofs. For example I had this pain once before and I was fine so I’m sure it’s fine now. Or I have to give a speech and I’m scared but that one time I had to speak in front of people I was nervous but nothing bad happened. Think of things in your past that you overcame that are similar. I do that with doctors, procedures, social situation. I also do it with snakes. I’m deathly afraid of snakes but I live in the country and also love canoeing and fishing etc. I’ve seen many snakes. It really hit me when I saw a snake and as soon as it noticed me it took off. I have proof that I can live through it. Obviously I’m cautious because some can be more aggressive than others but it was like freedom in a way. It’s called a proof journal. A licensed life coach and friend created the book. So every time I have to do something scary I write it and the outcome and can then use that as a resource when faced with new challenges. I don’t like large places packed with people. It makes me nervous. I went to Walmart and got so anxious. Then I started panicking. I pushed and got my stuff and left. So now I know I can do it. I hope I explained that right. It’s trust in your history. Even experiences we consider to be bad you can say but I’m okay. I made it out. I’m anxious today sorry I rambled. Hope it helped.
You said exactly what I'm struggling to believe, I try so hard to tell myself I've been in a situation before and that I can over come it. But something just keeps telling me no this time it's really bad something terrible is going to happen. I understand what you're saying, gonna try my best to tell myself it's okay to not be okay and the feeling and pain will pass.
You also have to be safe. Every pain isn’t always anxiety. I’ve had a lot of serious health problems. I have also taken a nerve or anxiety pill and see if I feel better. If something persists it’s better to be safe than sorry. I personally hate going to doctors. My anxiety can’t handle it. So I try to rule out everything I can before I go but safely. Don’t just ignore something because it could be anxiety. Use precautions. Symptoms of anxiety often mimic those serious illnesses and change all the time. I have a lot of experience working in the medical field and dealing with my own body and anxiety. We can never take the place of your doctor with limited information.
I also suffer from this. I did the blood test and the doctor told me it’s so perfect from everything, But since I suffer from a lot acid due hiatal hernia in osephegaus and it escapes to chest and makes chest pain it makes me anxious thinking Im going to have a heart attack. And because of that it starts radiating with alot of symptoms because adrenaline surge. I cant accept that.
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I understand and feel everything you're saying, when the adrenaline kicks in it's actually the worse feeling ever because I feel like I'm back to square 1 it's so hard and mentally and physically draining. I feel convinced there's something wrong with me. I too might have had problems because I always seem to get painful and strange pain in my chest which doctors cannot explain
You can also make healthy lifestyle choices (not that I’m saying you don’t) and find reassurance in that as well. Diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol drugs and smoking etc. You could research heart healthy living. There are many vitamins, an aspirin a day and other things that can help as well. With your doctors approval. Fish oil, aspirin etc
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Usually when a patient appears with chest pain an antacid is given as part of the protocol. So they know if it helps you may just be experiencing acid. Of course the EKG and cardiac bloodwork is done as well. I always take an antacid when my chest hurts. There are things you can rule out at home. Anxiety pill has helped me as needed as well. It’s also good if your doctor allows it to take an aspirin. I still say better to be safe than sorry. You do not have to accept anything. I think if you are truly concerned it is certainly acceptable to get a second opinion and cardiac workup if you feel it’s necessary. Patients also need to advocate for themselves. I think that’s very important. Doctors aren’t perfect either. Never settle when it comes to your health. I’ve had to change doctors as well as advocate for myself and had new doctors find very important serious problems that another doctor has missed. ❤️
Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it !! You are 100% right about it.
I really struggle with this too. I constantly FOR YEARS have felt that I'll have a heart attack at any moment. Why? I don't know. I don't really have chest pain, just more of an uneasy feeling in my chest. I have gotten to the point where it's there but I don't let it stop me too much. I might given in to it for a couple of hours but generally I have to work and take care of my kid. The more I concentrate on other things the milder it gets. But it's really in the back of my mind all the time. Sometimes, when I'm at physical therapy, I think I'm going to push myself really hard, because if it happens there, people will be there to help me. It's crazy.
Oh and I forgot to say, I've had tachycardia since I was in my 20's. So my heart rate is always higher. I am on medication for it but I worry all the time.
It must be difficult for you because of your child, you can't stay focused on yourself all the time. I just don't wanna live with anxiety forever but at this rate I think I am going to as it's getting progressively worse- I have days where I'm fine but the next day I'll feel like absolute shit and feel like I'm dying 😭 chest pain is the worse anxiety symptom ever
I have this badly too mines through the roof at the minute
Nat
Hi Tttt66, I'm currently struggling with health anxiety, as well. In fact, I was in the emergency room (again) just last week for chest pains, higher-than-normal tachycardia (I have sinus tachycardia, so my heart rate is typically on the high end), and, unusual fluctuations in my diastolic blood pressure. They kept me overnight for observation, but -- of course -- all tests were normal. If you don't mind me asking, what tests have you had? And when do you see your cardiologist again? Are you having pain now? One of the reasons I like this forum is that when I feel anxious, it helps, I think, to know someone else is there and listening. For me, just typing a post like this can alleviate some anxiety because it focuses my attention elsewhere. Anyway, I know what it's like to be up at four or five in the morning with this feeling -- most likely, I'll be in your position in just a few hours -- so, if you need someone to talk to, feel free to message me. Take care.
I feel as though we both experience the same thing !! And I'm going to the cardiologist again in may so they can review my scans and see if I need further help/medication. And I agree with you so much this forum helps me so much in finding people who are in the same situation as me and reassuring me that I'm going to be okay. Also good luck with getting your cyst removed and try not to worry!!
Hi Tttt66
I am so so sorry I didn't reply last night I actually did get some sleep last night for the first time in so long im not as anxious this morning but I have the "dread in the pit of my tummy "feeling as you guys are probably familiar with.. mrmonk ya know what it didn't matter how many times you go to hospital if you feel you need to go you go!!!! I often ask myself is this real pain or ìs it me but I'd rather get it checked than leave it because when you have health anxiety like we do we have so many physical pain and symptoms it's best we get them checked out in my opinion..my health anxiety is through the roof at the minute because of a stupid Dr u saw last Thursday basically im having a cyst removed from my ovary the size of a cricket ball on Wednesday so I've had bloods taken and my white blood cells and platelets are raised no one actually tells you though that it's more likely you have a infection so me like you with health anxiety absolutely got scared out my wits so I went to the Dr a local gp at my surgery he said "well because the law has changed I have to send you to hospital for a x-ray because raised platelets are a sign of lung cancer well I felt my stomach hit the floor and I've been in such a mess ever since im absolutely petrified thinking now that's what I have!!!!! I can't eat or hardly sleep im constantly shaking and thinking im gonna die of whatever he has told me...and then to top it off he said if you hear from us in 7 days you know it's more than likely cancer well I've been dreading my phone ringing if it rings I start crying cuz I'm worried it's bad news the Drs are bang out of order they shouldn't tell you that till its been 100% diagnosed to anyone let alone someone with health anxiety..so I'm now waiting for the results but don't want tho hear from them before Thursday that's 7 days it's something I don't need so at the minute im just thinking positive and trying not to over think but that's impossible haha hope your all ok please if you need to talk im here
Love Nat xx
Oh dear that sounds horrible, your doctor should have had that conversation with you in a more reassuring way rather than being so blunt and direct, especially because of your anxiety. Don't focus on it although if I was in your position I would not be able to do anything. Hopefully it's nothing scary, good luck and feel free to message me too xx
Hi Tttt66 got my results it's all clear and normal so biggest relief as u can imagine thanks a lot
Nat