I am TERRIFIED I have stomach cancer

[Fitnessgal123]

Hi all.

I am a 27 year old female, and have been struggling with health anxiety on and off for years.

This time I genuinely feel like I’m dying and I’m so scared. I’ve barely slept or ate anything and can’t stop googling my symptoms.

I had bloods done 8-9 weeks ago for a different issue and all functions and blood results came back clear.

I have had upper abdominal pains / twinges and aches for a few weeks accompanied by some heartburn when I wake up in the morning (completely unlike me) although NOW my symptoms are pretty much every day since my anxiety is getting worse and worse.

I have a horrible taste in my mouth and a sore tongue too which is panicking me.

Everyone says I’m probably just worrying but I can’t help but think that this time I really do have something seriously wrong with me.

I can’t work, eat, sleep or do anything. I am totally and utterly exhausted and missing my routine. I can’t see a way out. I’m too scared to take citalopram as I was sick last time. But also I am petrified of going to the drs as I’m convinced I’ll have a bad diagnosis!

HELP - I’m going crazy!

[Hidden]

Okay I read desperation between the lines please try to figure out what is really going on to allay your fears.. not make yourself more worried.

You have convinced yourself something is wrong by reading Dr.Google… whilst most minor symptoms are helped ti provide a little reassurance … major life threatening symptoms usually involve loss of blood… severe nausea.. severe pain… and passing out…which often requires a visit to an A&E department because trust me.. when you are that ill .. Dr Google is the last place you should look.

The bitter risings often happen due to bile reflux… do you have a gallbladder problem?

Are you constipated?… do you have an eating disorder… these are questions a Doctor would ask to pinpoint the problem.

The problem with stomachs is they are affected by mood anxious thoughts… the stomach is basically a bag shaped muscle and in the natural ebb and flow can twist and turn and give you butterflies because it is affected by the vagus nerve.. and yes.. if you have an attack of nerves or undue stress you feel sick .. it’s the bodies way of redirecting energy to the bigger muscle when it senses fear or danger…

Please get an appointment to see your Doctor .. explain what you think and feel.. any good doctor should be able to figure out what is going on…

Let us know how things are progressing if you need others here to support you.. best wishes from UK.

[Fitnessgal123 in reply to Hidden]

You’re right! It’s absolute desperation at it’s finest!

I have no previous issues or ED’s but have totally convinced myself I’m dying.

Will be booking a dr’s appointment Monday after 2 weeks of stress! Thanks again (from the UK also) x

[Hidden in reply to Fitnessgal123]

Please realise the thought of dying can produce extreme fear.. certainly push your cortisol levels up.. and it is this hormone that brings such a topsy turvy rollercoaster of thoughts and feelings..

I know because I went through this around your age.. and like you thought my time was up…well I was wrong… I am still going strong…my problem was chest pains .. again triggered by reflux and being uptight fearing the worst.. you must learn to relax when these feelings get in the way… it is very common for people to think they are very ill when stressed… I can suggest a good book on this subject but only if you want to try this after you have seen your GP.

[Princesspeach84]

Hi I have had this and unfortunately still do it’s called GERD and stress and anxiety sets off my stomach acid and I’m full of heartburn. I eat healthy and still get acid, I’ve had all the tests…full blood count, celiac blood test, endoscopy, upper stomach ultrasound scan etc. I also get yellow stool as well when I’m definitely in a panic. I think when we are in a state of panic we tend to tense our body which makes us achy and as soon as I started to relax my body as much as I can my acid reflux cleared up. I still get flare ups, it will never completely go but the sooner I realise this is a mental issue and not a physical one the GERD clears up. Good luck 😊 anxiety is awful and you can overcome this 💪 xx

[Jeff1943]

It is good that you are taking Jomico's good advice and are seeing your doctor who can bring you reassurance and peace of mind.Claire Weekes' in her classic book 'Self help for your nerves' says that the stomach is the organ of the body most sympathetic to anxiety. How true that is. Butterflies in the stomach are a mild example of this when faced with something highly worrying.

Do let us know how you get on. We wish you well.

[Fitnessgal123]

Hello everyone!

Have been to the drs today, she reassured me that it’s very very unlikely to be SC.

She mentioned that anxiety and the digestive system can be easily disrupted, and is likely I’ve caused some irritation etc. Potentially IBS.

She has also asked me to start taking citalopram - and take gaviscon if needed.

Feeling a little better, just need to have faith and trust the Dr! Haha!

[gajh in reply to Fitnessgal123]

That is good news! Now the hard part is trusting. Keep reassuring yourself. You are ok. I am happy for you.