Health Anxiety - has anyone overcome this?

[Dahliasanddaisies]

Since developing thyroid issues my health anxiety has really ramped up. I think it probably started when I was trying to get pregnant/pregnant (an awful, very stressful time) but it's now morphed into a monster really.

The constant checking of bodily symptoms, over reaction to some symptoms is leaving me even more exhausted. It gets better and worse at certain times due to triggers but since having my life turned upside down by hypothyroidism, I can't shake it. At times I'm convinced I'm going to die, that the doctors have missed something (NHS trauma!), that I'll never get better etc etc.

I've tried (and still do) meditation, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and had counselling.

Really I'm wondering if medication is my only option left and if anyone has any experiences of this, I'd be grateful to hear. I don't particularly want to take an anti depressant but I can't go on like this.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Anxiety can be hypo symptom

Your results

August 2024 (100 levo for 8 weeks)

TSH 1.81 (0.27-4.2)

Free T4 (fT4) 17.7 pmol/L (12 - 22) 57.0%

Free T3 (fT3) 4.9 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) 48.6%

These suggest you have room to increase a bit further

Have you retested since

How much do you weigh in kilo

suggest you retest and look at increasing to 112.5mcg daily

Which brand of levothyroxine are you taking

[Dahliasanddaisies in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks slow dragon, yes I've increased to 112.5mcg, waiting to test now but I've been ill with a virus. I do hope the anxiety will settle eventually

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dahliasanddaisies]

Virus probably not helped

Many of us find anxiety worse when dose is going up.

Try to distract yourself while it settles

Some gentle yoga and breathing exercises perhaps

Or an Autumn walk in the park/woods

[Jefner]

yes, mine has worsened dramatically this past 12 months

[Dahliasanddaisies in reply to Jefner]

Sorry to hear that, its so debilitating x

[arTistapple]

I envy anyone who has never suffered from anxiety. We hypos are doubly ‘fortunate’ to suffer anxiety as well as just about any other symptom possible. However in many ways anxiety is the most debilitating.

The only way I deal with it that I say it’s the condition itself causing it and whilst I have to experience it, it’s not actually me creating it.

Optimal thyroid treatment roll on.

[Dahliasanddaisies in reply to arTistapple]

Thanks arTistapple you're right, I really envy people who have never had anxiety!! I used to wonder what all the fuss was about anxiety until I had it

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

yup, I’m now in the ‘worried well’ category, and quite a bore to be around for family and darling husband. But we are all still adjusting to this new normal.

I have a kitbag of strategies to make day to day easier. Yoga, walks, CBT taught me to be grateful for what I do have. Blood testing to confirm/deny suspicions. Allevia antihistamines and Betaine with Pepsin for gastro.

I then occasionally drum up the enthusiasm to pester the GP surgery, one symptom at a time and tick them off. This week was dodgy looking new/changed moles (all normal).

🙏 one of the wonderful things about this forum is the ability to post a ‘just wondering/worrying’ question and get a load of replies across the spectrum of experiences from kind and supportive folks. 🌱

[Dahliasanddaisies in reply to Regenallotment]

Haha you're so right! Every new thing I'm worried about and fixate on for a while! Last month I was convinced a had a DVT in my leg (spoiler I didnt) I actually packed a bag to go to A&E, then I realised I was spiralling and I was 'just' anxiety.

I think it's because (for me anyway) I always took my health for granted and until I got pregnant, I'd never been in hospital, never needed GP etc. Since being diagnosed with 2 autoimmune conditions, it's just felt like my body is packing up on me