I don't know what to do :(

Avatar for cassia7
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2003
I don't know what to do :(
3
Thu, 12-01-2005 - 10:33am

As some of you may know, I have been going through a tought time with regards to worrying about my health. It's become like an obsession for me, eventhough the ENT specialist I went to did a CT Scan, blood work, etc and said it's only a swollen lymph node, I still worry that it's cancer.

I have a doctor's appointment next week with my PCP for my yearly exam, and I am debating on whether to ask him to put me on some sort of med. I do take Lorazapam each night before I go to bed, but I am on nothing else. I just want to stop this worrying/anxiety and if I have to go on med's to make it stop, than I will, though I really don't want to. I used to be on 100 mg of Zoloft when I first got diagnosed with panic attacks and I just didn't like some of the side effects, and I DO NOT want to gain any weight.

I'm just confused....can any of you offer any advise to me???

Thank you, Cassia

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Thu, 12-01-2005 - 11:03am

Cassia,

You can thank God it is only a swollen lymph node. Dealing with actual cancer is a battle. YOu are lucky you only have a swollen lymph node. Think of it that way.
I understand what it is like dealing with anxiety and worry. Don't let it take over you. I struggle with it too, but I have to remind myself and dwell on what I do have in reality. Usually it helps to talk about our fears and anxiety out loud to people. When I look back at some of the worries I had, it seems absurd, but the actual anxiety I feel in the moment is very real and powerful.
If you want to mention it to your doctor in order to get another opinion, then at least they will have it documented and he can look into it further. Usually a Complete Blood Count would show cancer in the system. Ask for one of those, so you can see on paper that you are healthy!

samslove

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 12-01-2005 - 11:57am

(((Cassia))) It's taking along time to get over your bout with the anxiety bug. That's a shame): You do not have cancer. Reassuring yourself doesn't seem to be working. I have had some unpleasant but liveable side effects from AD's. There's many more available out there than just zoloft. I would ask the dr. what he thinks. IMHO, you may need to try something to get some peace of mind back. Focus on getting & staying well. Many ppl don't have any side effects. I gain & lose weight all the time. It's a struggle. Usually eating better & kicking up the exercise works. I had good luck with effexor, luvox & anafranil.


Have you considered therapy? A support group? Alternatives, such as yoga, mediation, tai chi? You can get back to your old self. It will take some work. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 2:10pm
Hi, Cassia! I haven't seen you posting for awhile. In fact, I always depended on you to add your 2 cents to the Friday 5, but not lately): Please give us an update if you can. We care about you. (((hugs))) jan