switching phobias

dlderleth · Post by **dlderleth** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 7:05 pm

I have had anxiety for 3 years now it stemmed from my uncle dieing of a sudden heart attack at 38. Since then I've been paranoid of my heart, I'm a paramedic so all the knowledge doesn't help. I was doing pretty well got off meds about a month ago but the past few days I've had a panic attack each day. But now I have switched to thinking I'm going to have an allergic reaction to foods I've eatin my whole life. Has anyone ever had this? Then today my left arm felt weird to I automatically assume it's my brain. Has anyone ever had this switching of negative thoughts? Thanks

FreeToBeGG · Post by **FreeToBeGG** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:25 am

Hi!

I think it's normal that our obsessions take on different thoughts at different times. This happens to me a lot! I have found that there are certain themes that my obsessions inhabit, and they take turns! How thoughtful of them.

Heart disease runs in my family. My dad had two heart attacks when I was 18 (I'm now 31) and ultimately had open heart surgery. So, I am especially sensitive to feelings in my chest. I know the symptoms of heart attack like the back of my hand, and I'm constantly on the look out for them. It certainly doesn't help when I hear of women who have had heart attacks in their 30s. With hard work and the program, I am confident that we can overcome this!

Genie

rocky5078 · Post by **rocky5078** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:13 am

i'm going through this right now I think I have ulcers ,bleeding ulcers,colon cancer,I probally dont but because of pains and the symptoms I get worried about that not to mention that today I have no anxiety at all actually feel pretty good but I still have pain in my chest area and am very tired. its kinda funny that were not happy if were healthy and were not happy if were sick. when the hell will we ever be happy ?????????

starr · Post by **starr** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:26 am

I've had similar experiences to you. My initial number one concern (scary thought) is always about having to go to the bathroom or getting stomach aches and whatnot. But when I'm at work, my fear switches to messing up and getting fired, or having to go to a client meeting and freaking out and then, yes, getting fired. Then if I'm out and doing Ok, my fear turns to eating food. If I eat at a restaurant or out at lunch w/ people i'm paranoid that what I eat will make me sick even though I've eaten the same thing hundreds of times. I'm a vegetarian so not only am I limited in my food choices, my diet is mainly fruits, veggies and whole wheats (I know these foods won't make me sick, but I still have that nagging scary thought)

I've actually noticed that mine has a common thread, even though the fear or scary thought switches its always the fear of the same thing: embarrassing myself in front of others. (either getting sick in public or getting fired for messing up with clients)

Your fears may switch, but they might have a common thread.... and finding that may help you manage them.

daniellefaith · Post by **daniellefaith** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:30 am

Hi there, I also go through switching phobias. Usually i'm dying of lung cancer or heart disease

but if a different part of my body hurts then I suddenly have a new disease. Sometime my phobias switch after I go to the doctor. I was having bad headaches and was dizzy so I had an MRI done. That came back clean so I no longer fear a brain tumor. I can't seem to shake the chest pain or racing heart though. I certainly know what you are going through!

Boon · Post by **Boon** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:30 am

It's estimated that each of us has at least 12 phobias. Your mind will jump from one phobia to another very quickly - not because you are avoiding anything but because you are resisting the feelings that go along with your fears. You must stop fighting the feelings and start to welcome them in. Use your breath work. Get your attention on other things. Practice allowing. Let it be OK that you have these phobias. You don't have to give in to them. You don't have to suffer like this.

When you stop fighting you will see more calm in your life.

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:05 am

Boy great topic. I was just talking about this to someone. I switch my phobias all the time. First its ulcers than breast cancer than a brain tumor than i cant breath or swallow AHHHHH i wish my mind would stop doing that. Just as I get over one, a new one comes along and than a week later or something that old one will sneak up on me again )-: why??!! I get this all the time now

John61 · Post by **John61** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:34 am

I think it's because you're searching for answers. Sometimes we'll try on different phobias to see if they fit, it's all really anxiety in one form or another. For me I would love to just call it something other then anxiety. I think we should come up with a more serious sounding word.

My sister has suffered with anxiety for 30 years and she just recovered from cancer. She had Kemo and Radiation and lost all of her hair. She said the Cancer was easier for her then the anxiety because people are more supportive and excepting of the Cancer.

Scarycmom · Post by **Scarycmom** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:54 am

I too switched phobias. First I had the off-beat heart. Went to doctor - he said anxiety.
Then I had blood work that showed pancreatitis - suddenly developed a pain where my pancreas is even though my blood work went back to normal. Etc, etc. I Have now told my doctor that I am never coming back to see him unless I am in so much pain I am rolling on the floor and have to be brought back in by ambulance! He laughed and the funny thing is that alot of my symptoms have gone away since I made this decision! Think about it!

dlderleth · Post by **dlderleth** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:22 am

Thank you all for the replies. I just started this and it feels good to know you are not alone. To rocky's reply I feel the same way I'll often notice though the day I feel good my anxiety is gone. Guess what now that I've thought about it it's right back again.