Does anyone suffer with medical anxiety?

[Peanutbutterplease]

I suffer awful with this and I actually will not step foot in a doctors ever if I am ever ill I will research and research in what I can buy over the counter or what I can do at home to help myself . I am absolutely crippled with this due to anything medical and it drives me crazy. Even if I was seriously ill or thought it was something really bad I wouldn't go I hope it just goes or shorts it's self out. I do have some logic and think that if I do feel a bit ill or have this or that wrong with me the stress of stressing myself out thinking it's worst case scenario makes symptoms phantom or in face not as bad as I think they are .Does anyone else suffer with this ? When I am fine life is great one thing (medical literally tips me over the edge .

[b1b1b1]

Many people have health anxiety, although yours seems pretty extreme. You might consider seeing a psychiatrist or therapist for this. You can also ask for tranquilizers and take one before you visit a doctor.

[SayNOtoPanic]

you’re definitely not alone Peanutbutterplease. I agree with b1b1b1 comment though. Definitely look into therapy, especially to learn tools to empower yourself in relation to the health anxiety. It tends to get worse, especially the more you avoid the medical stuff. Check out the late Dr Weekes book hope and help for your nerves. Not specific to health anxiety, but really good in regards to how the body responds to anxiety and how it can be so challenging. It really spoke to me and I listen to it on audible a lot. Hang in there.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I always have had health anxiety from a child now in my 60's

I was always afraid to go to the Doctors and still am the reason for me was I did not want them to tell me anything was wrong and was so afraid they would but shaking and full of fear I would go if I needed to because I was to afraid not gto but would quickly say what was wrong and get out as quick as I could

Trying to diagnose myself that would fill me full of fear what if I got it wrong or took something to make me worse no matter how bad the fear of Doctors it is still better to let them see you if you feel you need to

Then in my 50's I had 3 heart attacks as well as a triple Bypass I left it 9 hours before I went to seek help after my first heart attack which could have been so dangerous

After all that am I still full of fear of the Doctors yes I am but I now tell myself if I feel something is wrong face the fear and do it anyway let the Doctors know how you feel if you get a good one they will support you

But how you feel just wanted to let you know you are not the only one but do not let the anxiety win if you ever feel ill and do not diagnose yourself the more you face the fear it may never go away but it will get easier x

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to BeKind28-]

Very sound advice from someone who sees the potential harm in self diagnosis, knows seeing the doctor is the sensible thing to do and has learned to face the fear of doing so.I was afraid of the doctor when I was young. I'm no longer afraid but I still hate going and wait as long as possible before I ring the surgery - I don't know why.

Over the last few months I've had some serious health issues and have spent a lot of time at the GP surgery and hospital, and the doctors and consultants have been fantastic. But I still hesitate to ring up.

[BeKind28- in reply to Ilovedogs12]

Hello

Yes I understand it is still one of the most anxious times seeing a Doctor especially now I do have health issues but something that we have to face even if we are shaking do not sleep or whatever way it really affects us it needs to be done

I am sorry you are having some issues with your health but glad you are facing your fears and getting some good support from the Consultants you have been seeing as that helps us such a lot x

[Jafib]

You are definitely not alone. Even though I know it isn’t logical the fear is there and my heart goes out of rhythm and blood pressure skyrockets. My doctor now knows to take my bp on the way out the door if they want to get a reading that more accurately reflects my norm. I’ve been doing some research on coping mechanisms like deep breathing techniques that seem to help a little. Hope you find peace and calm that runs deep.

[munrapz]

You are not alone, you are describing what I go through everytime I get any symptom or discomfort. I always promise myself not to check google and better go to the doctor and I always end up consulting google first rather than my doctor.

Once I started treatment with my psychiatrist everything started to be way better.

Again, you are not alone and you will get through this.

[Jafib in reply to munrapz]

I hope you don’t mind me asking - what type of treatments have helped you?

[mozziesmom]

You are not alone at all, I have this as well. It's not fun is it? I am so sorry that you are dealing with this as well, have you tried therapy and please don't Google, Google is the place you go to and type in hangnail and it will come up with worst case scenarios

[Jameshuh]

Yes. More doctors need to be aware of this and offer options like tranquilisers, some actually do.