Hypochondriacs please stand up

rapidrabbit11 · Post by **rapidrabbit11** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:34 am

Hello,
I am new to this forum. My name is Kenzie and I am a hypochondriac. I have suffered with this since I was in elementary school. My third grade teacher's mother-in-law passed away of a heart attack and I just knew I was going to die of a heart attack. Somewhat of an irrational thought for a third grader. I am now 28 years old. I had a traumatic miscarriage on Jan. 28th of this year and my father passed away of cancer two years ago. I begin suffering from severe panic attacks shortly there after and have gone from one physical symptom to the next. First it was heart palpitations, then stroke symptoms (visual disturbances), blood pressure fluctuations, minor back discomfort, lightheadedness (in a fog), the inability to breath correctly or get enough breath, racing heart rate, etc, etc, etc. After two ER visits, one brain MRI, two EKGs, gobs of blood work, one chest X-ray, one brain C-T scan, and a heart holter monitor is was determined that I am as healthy as a horse. So, Why? Why have I become this walking phantom health crisis? Is there anyone else out there with something that comes even close to this?

luvpiggy · Post by **luvpiggy** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 7:22 am

I am definately a long time hypochondriac, since childhood as well, so you're not alone. I've done the program but am still struggling to overcome this obsession. I haven't had the number of serious tests as you have but I'm going to the neurologist on Monday, so who knows, I may surpass you yet.

I didn't have the triggers you experienced (death of friends mother, fathers death, my condolences by the way), just a traumatic childhood and genetic predisposition I suppose. I'd love to say there is an easy solution but there hasn't been one for me. I'm hoping this visit to the neurologist can help put some nagging obsessions to rest and clarify some things for me. I know that hypochondria at it's root is a distraction we use to avoid other hurtful subjects. It always seems odd to me that I choose such an unpleasant distraction though. Ultimately I believe the path to well being lies somewhere with this program or other cognitive therapy, communication (this website), and medications if necessary. Hang in there.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 7:48 am

Well welcome rapidrabbit!!

Every single test you have stated I have had done too.......and the result is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...another fancy word for anxiety/panic. Not to mention still paying for all the medical testing...lol..lol. I am beginning session 6 of this program and I do hope that it continues to be a strong tool in my life as prayer and xanax are. When I' around strong and healthy people I don't seem to have any symptons or fears but when I'm around someone with a stomach virus or a cold my gosh how I freak out completely....So your not alone out there. You will meet a ton of people on this site just like us........

Blessings Always

rosie4 · Post by **rosie4** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:15 am

Welcome, and I am sorry for your loss of your Dad. I am 32, lost my Mom when I was 27 to cancer, and have been convinced ever since that every twinge I get is cancer. I have had so many ER and doc visists, tests, etc, it is ridiculous, but it does not make me feel better. I'd love to hear more about how you cope...

Hugs, Tara

Angel of Hope · Post by **Angel of Hope** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:28 am

I'm a textbook case. When I was in the 3rd grade I accidentally stuck my pencil in my mouth and for the rest of the day I was convinced I was dying from lead poisoning. What 3rd grader has even heard of lead poisoning? I've "had" almost every disease in the book. I finally programmed my remote to skip the Discovery Health channel. No one else in my family is like me. Go figure.

It is bad when people come to you to ask you about medical issues and you aren't in the profession.

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:01 pm

Welcome Rabbit!

You have come to a good place to start. I have a couple of questions for you to ask yourself...

1) Are you ready for your life to be different?
2) Are you ready to change how you identify yourself (someone OTHER than a person with ______ )?
3) What do you have to let go of to leave the past and move forward?
4) Are you willing to take control of your mind and not let it run wild???

I take it you are just starting this program. This program can work wonders if you are willing to work. Have you made a promise to youself to complete the entire program? Have you told a support person you are committed to this so you have someone to be accountable to?

The answers to these questions will help you move along. I have completed this program and can clearly state as someone who is a 2nd generation hypo, that YOU can create HEALTH or DIS-EASE in your body by the predominate thoughts you hold. It really is that simple and THAT is good news!!!

Good luck and God's peace!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:40 pm

Had all the tests years ago, was told after all was said and done....I had anxiety. I am amazed about how many symptoms anxiety has!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 01, 2008 8:41 am

Hey Rapid Rabbit-

Are we twins? LOL!!!

I think I've had that and more done. I even had a bone biopsy. I used to be at the ER and doctor's office weekly. I too had a miscarriage last year in which I had to have sugery for. It's just so hard to believe that anxiety can have so many symptoms. I'm still trying to believe it.