I'm new to this forum and have had CBT which helped only marginally. It is common to be concerned I have cancer at every physical symptom?

[crofter]

[Bramwell]

Absolutely!

I've had Health Anxiety for 20 years and I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've scared myself silly thinking I had some dreadful illness.

Every pain, twitch and weird symptom is analysed to the extreme (and Googled - absolutely fatal) with frightening results.

[crofter]

Im very glad it's not just me and I also do the google thing with every new symptom!

[Hidden in reply to crofter]

And, if I may say so, there are two things not to do with health anxiety. Keep off the Google medics and keep off the scales! Best wishes. jonathan.

[TeamDB]

Totally normal! I wake most mornings with symptoms of anxiety, which most days I can pass on through. However the mornings where I feel giddy or dizzy (like today) despite of course being able to stand straight and still proving that the sensation isn't quiet a reality (I.e. not vertigo) I start to panic that I have CJD. This is simply because I have a vivid memory of seeing a TV show where the sufferers first frightening symptom was potrayed as dizziness and that has stuck with me ever since. A few years ago I had an MRI scan and it showed a healthy little brain in my brain box, you'd think that would help, but thanks to the old health anxiety I still live with this particularly annoying symptom almost daily.

You are not alone

[ellabella]

Normal YES! I remember being at school and fainting from a very high ( or so it seemed lol ) science bench after testing my own blood! Being hauled down the corridor and told I had a very vivid imagination!!! Turns out that Teacher had it spot on!!! Much love xxxxxxxxx

[Melgil58]

Hiya as a health anxiety sufferer it is common to assume the worse with every symptom I think iv had every ailment going yet I'm probably the healthiest member of my family in truth it's just getting myself to believe it I hope you have some breaks from constantly thinking the worst enjoy them and all the best Mel

[Hidden]

Hi. crofter. Where did you do your medical degree? I am NOT being unkind but you really must leave the diagnosis to the medics. They know! Please go and get a check up to ease your mind. This is essential!!! There is no other way as self diagnosis in nervous illness can be a real disaster area. The more you worry about the symptoms the more fearful you will get and the more you will worry. The old vicious circle. Health anxiety can be a real swine, as you already know but, once given a clean bill then you can tackle the cancer phobia. because that is what it is. An irrational fear of cancer. Very, very treatable! If you haven't been then make an appointment and tell your GP how you feel. I am sure you will get reassurance but please believe what they say. mistakes are very rare, contrary to what we hear. Good luck to you and PLEASE come back and tell us how you get on. Beast wishes. jonathan.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sorry, a Freudian slip. Should be Best wishes not 'Beast!!. J.