Health anxiety-always worrying!
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Health anxiety-always worrying!
| Tue, 09-19-2006 - 10:02pm |
I am always worrying about my health-I always think the worst case scenario even though I have good health and I usually just look it up on the internet alot and worry all day. I have good days where I do not worry at all but in the back of my head I am waiting for the good to end. Anyways, if I have an upset stomach I think it is an ulcer. I worry about breast cancer if I have a sore arm...that kind of uneccesary worrying. Today I was opening a blow pop for my daughter with my teeth and a piece of the wrapper went in the wrong tube and I felt it immediately and freaked and then coughed and it never came out but I felt better and drank a lot of water and I am fine I think but now I am so worried tht it is in my lungs and I do not know it? I am sure it just went down my stomach after coughing but in my head it is in my lungs and I am going to develop an infection in a few weeks and have to have surgery. Is this crazy to think this way? Would I know if it is in my lung and be choking still after this happened? My husband just laughs at me..like I am the boy who cried wolf since every other day I have a new health worry-so now nobody takes me seriously. I know you are all not Dr.s but I have been posting a lot and have found great comfort here.

I am sorry to hear about the health worries. This is a difficult part of anxiety for so many of us.
The technical term for breathing a foreign body into your lungs is aspiration. In my days of working in the operating room, kids & occasionally adults would aspirate something. Food, small toys, you name it! Peas, hot dogs & balloons come to mind. The reaction would be immediate difficulty breathing. Alot of wheezing & strange noises would come from the chest, as the body tries to get rid of the object. Depending upon the size, the patients would be blue to purplish in color. Loss of consciousness is possible. If you're having these symptoms, then go to the hospital ASAP. The fact that you're able to type out a post makes me confident that you did swallow the paper.
Focus on positive things. Keep your mind busy so you will be distracted from the health issues. I know how hard that is, but it takes practice. Soon it will be easy to dismiss these fears. Make sure you're getting enough sleep & exercise to reduce stress & anxiety. You will be fine. Good luck. I am so glad you feel comfortable here. (((hugs))) jan
That is very much a symptom of anxiety disorder! You are so not alone! I tell myself to remember to be realistic. This kind of worry and anxiety is not realistic. I have to remind myself that I worry way way way too much and to let it go. If it is still bothering me in a day or two, then I can worry and go to the doctor. 9 times out of 10 my problem is gone quickly. And remember, worrying about the what ifs does no good so tell yourself that! Believe me, I've had to learn to do that! It takes time and at first it may not seem to work but keep it up. Just talk to yourself and remember it is part of the whole AP thing and try to relax and let it go. Sorry you are feeling this way! It is no fun I know! Hang in there!
Hugs,
Laura
I am the same way. Every little ache I am researching and convincing myself I have that illness I read about. I have especially become obsessed with me having breast cancer because of pain under the arm even after a normal mammogram. I spoke with my grandmother who has an anxiety disorder and she said she is the same way with her health. I really, really hate worrying about my health all the time but am coming to see that this is normal.
Tina
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I'm sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with the fear of medical issues affecting you.
Sheri Ann