Extreme Mole Anxiety

[pumpkinbagel]

My health anxiety has been focusing on moles for the last few months. I am 34 years old and fair-skinned. I have around 10-12 moles on my body, most of them on my torso. I keep going from mole to mole, feeling sick and panicky about one and then jumping to another one and freaking out about that one. I Google information about melanomas and I swear every single one of my moles fits at LEAST one of the criteria.. whether it's a bit asymmetrical, more than one color, fuzzy borders, etc.

Now I can't shut my brain off to the fact that I have an invasive skin cancer. I feel sick every single day over this and I cannot function. Sometimes a mole will get a random itch, which I know can be another symptoms of melanoma, and it'll send me spiraling even if I had been having an "okay" day before that.

I'm the type of hypochondriac that avoids the doctor because I feel panicky about the wait for the appointment, hearing the inevitable bad news, and then waiting for any additional tests and results to come back. I'm absolutely paralyzed with fear right now, you guys, and I do not know what to do.

For some other information, I've finally started seeing a therapist (3 months ago) and she suggested I visit a psychiatrist for the medicine component. I have a prescription for 0.5mg Xanax pills to use to squelch an actual panic attack, and she's also given me 10mg of Prozac daily, that I have filled and have been too afraid to take (I'm scared of the weight gain side effect - I also suffer from a mild eating disorder)

Not sure what to do from here, this anxiety is absolutely ruining my life.

[b1b1b1]

I understand about not liking to go to the doctor, wait for tests and then wait for results. It is very difficult. In the state you are in, however, I think you should see a dermatologist. While it will increase your anxiety in the short term, it will relieve it in the longer term.

[jkl5500]

I have a LOT more than 10-12 moles on my body. Most are above my navel - my doctor says that this the case usually. I make sure that I get them examined at least once a year. Please, please see a dermatologist (or at least your GP) and get them looked at! Statistically, the chances of any mole being "dangerous" are low. Most likely, you are destroying your peace of mind over nothing.

As for the meds, I'm not a doctor, so let the MD's handle what and how much to take.

Hang in there!

[DeeM3]

As for the weight gain.... I was worried too but took the plunge. I personally believe it is due to finally being able to eat after having so much anxiety that I couldn’t eat. Now I enjoy eating again so yes, that could cause a gain. I’m just careful about what I eat. I was obsessive about my heart before starting Lexapro. I was terrified to try anything but it was the best decision for me. Ever. I feel so normal again. As for the moles....get yourself regulated on your meds then see a dermatologist. I was so terrified to go to the doc I almost didn’t get the Lexapro. Now I fear hardly anything.