How likely is it for someone with hypochondria to actually have an illness?

[Louisamith]

I'm looking for some reassurance, as I am a 17-year-old girl, who has a history of health anxiety. Over the past two years, I have been worried I have schizophrenia, a brain tumor, and the fear that has really stuck with me over this time and the one I can't seem to shake is the fear that I have multiple sclerosis.

I have not had any testing done for MS, so no MRI's lumbar puncture etc so, therefore, have never really been completely assured I do not have it. I have been to the doctors a couple of times and have been given a basic neurological test but have not been referred to a neurologist. I have, however, been referred to a psychologist which I have not been too as I do not believe my symptoms are psychosomatic in nature.

Some of the symptoms that have been more or less constant for the past month are:

- Tingling in the left side of my left foot which is there from morning till night and worsens with heat

- Constant tingling in left side of left hand much like my left foot

- Small 'buzzing' patch under my left knee

- Have experienced moments where the room looks 'smokey' in the presence of NO smoke, wondering whether this is optic neuritis

- Cannot sit in any position for a prolonged period without limbs going numb

- Did experience numb left big toe for 1-2 weeks

- Legs feel 'numb' and rubbery when running

- And in the past few days, my legs have felt extremely weak

I am worried because having sensory symptoms in multiple locations, or the reoccurrence of similar symptoms in different locations is a hallmark symptom of MS. However I am reluctant to visit the doctor again as I have a past history of health anxiety...

So was just wondering how uncommon, if at all, would it be possible for someone with health anxiety to actually have the illness they are worried about? Thanks sorry if this is the wrong place to post this

[Qt314grl]

Health anxiety is tough. I think your symptoms warrant a dr visit to discuss no matter what. If nothing else, they can run some tests to help alleviate any anxiety you may have about them. I also think you should go to the psychologist. There are meds and cognitive therapy that can help with your health anxiety. Take care of yourself!

[Morllyn]

Louisamith , just because you have health anxiety it doesn’t mean you can not have a physical condition also, that being said, a psychological assessment is in line. We all need help, at times, bringing our fears in line with reality. MS sufferers, as well as any other chronic condition, quite often need help handling the stress such conditions can cause. A psychological examination was the first thing that the Social Security Administration asked me to have before determining my eligibility for disability.

Psychological issues are no different than physical ones, in that they can both cause us pain and disrupt our lives.

[SueAB]

sarah4856 , I am big on chiropractic adjustments and have found if my back is out of line, I get many of those tingling sensations you just described. Remember, DEGU - ":Don't Ever Give Up"!

[Kenu]

A neurologist might be a good place to start also. Might be able to confirm or denie symptoms you are experiencing 🤷🏼‍♂️ You should follow up to help with anxiety. 🙏🙏🙏are with you!! This is a great place to ask any questions so don’t feel bad 🤗

[Raingrrl]

Hi Louisamith ...you do understand that we can't really give you medical advice especially when it comes to a variable illness such as MS. If you don't feel you are getting good medical assistance from your primary care doctor, who should know you best and knows your history, maybe you should find a new doctor. It sounds like based on your health anxiety history and whatever your exam revealed or didn't, your doctor feels that the first course of action is to talk to a psychologist. Doctors can be wrong...I'm living proof of that but sometimes you have to rule out things before finding the proper answer.

No worthwhile doctor is going to run invasive tests on you, such as a lumbar puncture, unless they are convinced it is worth doing. Your insurance company is not likely to approve it nor MRI's unless they are convinced they are necessary. Primary care doctors are also reluctant to refer a patient to a specialist unless they are convinced that is warranted. The PCP's don't want to abuse those professional relationships. That's just the way it is. Even those of us with a diagnosis sometimes have our insurance companies deny us tests ordered by our doctors.

Good luck to you!

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Thank you to the above comments, I would echo their comments. If you have access to a psychological examination, I would do that, then research and request an appoint with an MS neurologist. They are trained and most up to date on MS and other neurological problems. MSAA website also has some wonderful information to read up on. You are young and I am praying that whatever it is will be discovered and treated. Sending you Blessings and Prayers that you find you answers. Please keep in touch with us. Lynn