how to stop the thoughts

guitardave · Post by **guitardave** » Thu May 29, 2008 3:49 am

Hello, out there;
Hopefully, someone can come up with some ideas for my problem.
Have had anxiety attacks for about 2 months now, everyday. Some manageable, some intense.
Also have been sick for about a month, burning in my stomach, sometimes hard to get a breath.
Also, weight loss ( 10 lbs in one week).
With my anxiety, first thing I thought of was stomach/lung cancer. ( I'm was a smoker, but have been clean for a week, and have no intentions of going back).
Went to the doctor last week, and he thought acid reflux, though he was concerned about the weight loss. He said he would check for cancer, just to ease his and my thoughts.
Did the blood work, and other "samples", and I have to see him for the results tomorrow (fri)
The thing is, he wants me to have a CT scan, which I have no problem with.
However, it will be between 2-3 months away.
I have asked if we could bump it up a bit, as I am quite scared, and he said he would try, but still be awhile away in the future.
I don't know if I can keep it together for that long, mentally. As I have said, I'm pretty damn scared. Trying to keep positive thoughts, but negative ones keep flying in.
I'm on lesson 3 , and have been, for about 3 weeks.
Any ideas on how to keep from cracking up over my worries, for the next couple of months?
Thanks
Dave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 29, 2008 4:27 am

wow I know exactly how you feel. I have had anxiety for about 4 years now, and I did all those tests too. I was sure I had cancer or some kind of awful disease. It was pure hell going through all of the tests and having to wait.
I know that it must be awful. The stomach pain and waitloss could very well be caused by your anxiety. I always thought that it had to be something else besides anxiety

What helps me get through the tough times is to tell myself. I am healthy, I am strong, I deserve good things, its just anxiety. I know it seems kind of stupid but it does work, and maybe if you relax some of those symptoms will subside.
hope this helps
anna

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:53 am

Dave,

I've been there too, with pure anxiety and fast, unintentional weight loss. On top of the anxiety that caused the weight loss, I worried so much about the weight loss itself!!! I also had to wait for biopsy results last year (everything turned out fine) so I completely understand how the "waiting" is so hard. You have to keep telling yourself that no matter what, you are going to be fine. But you have to picture it too-see yourself fine, enjoying life no matter what. That is what got me thru. One minute I saw myself healthy, the next I imagined having cancer, but I told myself I would survive and be fine anyhow. You are going to be fine really. Good Luck and try to relax.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 29, 2008 8:06 am

I have acid reflux and I too lost about 20lbs from it. So it very well could be the reflux. Just remind yourself that you are OK, stay away from researching things and do things you love to keep your mind off of it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 29, 2008 10:56 am

Thank-you to all that replied, very much appreciated!!!
And yes Nole, I am the WORST for researching things.If I have a headache; lets see, I research and.......BRAIN TUMOR!!!!
Very hard to shut down these stupid ( and they ARE stupid) thoughts, but I keep trying.
As you all have said, live in the moment.
Dave

CarolynEd.Dir. · Post by **CarolynEd.Dir.** » Thu May 29, 2008 11:10 am

Anxiety made me lose 10 pounds on 3 days. i still havn't gained all my weight back either. maybe you have irritable bowel syndrome too? anxiety causes so many physical symptoms it makes you think you have cancer. I honestly think you are fine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 29, 2008 11:20 am

Hey Dave- we have a prayer group, we will lift you up in prayer next week.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 29, 2008 11:25 am

Hey Dave,
I do understand each and every word that you say, I spent almost 6 months before I knew that what I was going through was basically psichologycal, I spent so much money going through one doctor after another, after 2 years I found this program, and it´s been a blessing since it has been the only place where I found a description that matched my symptoms. I guess that you´ve been lucky to find this course early, I also lost weight, and was worried all the time about passing out, having a tumor, I just couldn´t understand how on earth the doctors could tell me that I was ok, while I was feeling dizzy and fatigued all the time, with stomach ache and head aches among others, but trust me, most of it all comes from our thoughts, remind yourself...it´s only anxiety,

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 29, 2008 12:27 pm

Dave its so hard to stop those scary thoughts.

I am the exact same way and the best way to stop my obsessing is to get the proof I need to convince me Im not having the issues I worry about.

Why the wait so long for the CT scan is there a medical reason why they are making you wait?
And on the flip side if it were serious the doctors just wouldnt let you wait that long so thats good news. I would ask why you must wait. Explain that you cant possibly live with all this weighing so heavy on your mind for 2 months.

There might be something can be done sooner. I know that as soon as you get that all clear on your tests youll feel so much better.

work with the doctors to get your care done in a timely manner that works for you too.
ASSERTIVENESS....review your lesson on that.....its healthy to speak up if its in your best interest.
Dodger

RamonaIA · Post by **RamonaIA** » Thu May 29, 2008 12:40 pm

It sounds like this caught you off guard. its ok because it happened to me. Fear is the driving force that keeps the negative thoughts going. "Dont fear, fear!!" God is in control of your life. Why would all of a sudden He leave you now. Start using your inner man to gain peace of mind. You can come out on top, but you have to believe it. Dont look at the symptoms or time you have been dealing with it. This will cause you to faint in your mind. Minimize everyting about this. If you need meds, try Amoryn.com (herbal)or see your doctor for advice. Stay around very, very positive people. Pray and believe in God's ability to deliver you. He will

Be encouraged and look for God to do what He does best!!!! and thats take good care of you!!