How to know when to see a doctor?
Find a Conversation
| Sat, 11-12-2005 - 1:24am |
Hi...I'm not exactly sure what's been going on with my moods and anxiety lately, but I wanted to ask a quick, not-completely-related question. For those of you who tend to worry about your health, how do you know whether or not a symptom is "serious enough" to require a visit to the doctor?
I tend to be a hypochondriac, and most of the things I've gone to the doctor about in the past have turned out to be "nothing" (or psychosomatic, or psychological, etc...how I hate finding that out!). So now I try to wait a week or so when I have some kind of problem before considering a doctor's appointment.
This question came up because once again, I've been having symptoms that are uncomfortable at the least, and a tiny bit worrisome to me. Waking up at night drenched in sweat (when my windows are open and it's 50 degrees outside!), feeling very hot during the day when that never used to happen, and it seems like all of a sudden, my metabolism is slowing down since I seem to gain weight though I'm exercising more (I have a collection of fat around my middle that never used to be there).
So just very vague kinds of symptoms...and I've started to wonder if it could just be the first signs that I'm not quite a kid anymore (though I just turned 25!). There is one main doctor here for all the students, so she knows everyone, and for some reason I'm worried what she'd think of me if I went in with these complaints...probably that I'm just a "psych case" looking for attention or something! Though she seems very nice and has never suggested anything like that...but I imagine that she still thinks it. Especially since I've had problems before that turned out to be nothing serious.
Thanks for letting me ramble...ugh, off to go open a window before I melt!
Rose
P.S. I do think maybe something could be up with my hormones since my periods have been irregular for maybe half a year...I guess that at least is some more objective evidence. But still, there's no way a 25-year-old could be having hot flashes...right?!

Well that isn't totally true. I started having hot flashes when I was about 24, closer to 25. It is a very odd thing to
Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,
due to hormones which can easily be checked out!
SOmetimes medications have this side effect-
I notice more sweating when anxious also!
Good luck and let us know! Judy
Rose,
I am not a medical professional and of course can't diagnose, but I would suggest that you see the Dr. Always better to be safe then sorry. Great if it's nothing but if it's something then you'd be happy that you went.
As far as the hotflashes... I get them when I am really anxious. I also get nightmares.
I can
WB, Rose. It's always good to hear from you. I haven't a clue about the night sweats or if they're hormonal or something else @ work. I know that it's hard on us to worry about these physical matters. In fact, worrying causes alot more physical problems in the long run.
Just wanted to thank you all...right now I've got a migraine (on top of all this, lol!) so I haven't been online much. I think I will make a doctor's appointment tomorrow...even though I hesitate a bit because it's been several days since my last night sweat.
But I think my biggest issue is just getting over what other people think of me...I'm mainly anxious about seeing the doctor because I think she'll see me as a whiny hypochondriac! Still, it would be good to get some peace of mind about my symptoms. Surprising how many of you have experienced similar things...guess I'm not alone!
Thanks again...it was great to read your posts. And I don't feel quite as silly about making the appointment...hmm, maybe the return of my migraines could have something to do with hormones too! (hadn't had one in months, but now 2 in a week, ugh)
:) Rose
I have been going through something for the past month. I have seen my pdoc, an emergency room doc, an ENT specialist. I have had blood work and a CT scan and all came back negative. I have a swollen lymph node that is caused by a virus. That should be good news, but I have been worrying myself sick for a month now. I cannot eat, I have lost 12 lbs. I am obsessing over it. So, I know exaclty how you feel.
I say, if it makes you feel better to go see the doctor, DO IT! Sometimes we just need to hear it from the professionals. I know last Thursday I was having a horrible day, constantly in a state of anxiety/panic over this lump. I talked to my doctor and after I got off the phone with him, I felt a lot better.
I hope this helps....
Take Care, Cassia