new to the program - a cancer phobic person

[netsycat]

I just started the program and I think it is great. Believe it or not I'm already on the right track with exercise and nutrition as this was my business but I'm a big hypochondriac. I have major cancer phobia. I am a three year bladder cancer survivor and doing well but I'm one of those people who takes one simple symptom and turns it into a huge problem. I've spiraled so out of control this time that I sent away for this program and started going to a therapist. I know the relaxation meditation is critical because I did that when I was diagnosed with my cancer three years ago. A spiritual, religious connection is also helpful.

I realize that although I have a wonderful family and life my mind can play some nasty games with me. I hope this program helps me to overcome this obstacle. I don't have panic attacks. I'm more of the type of person who doesn't sleep, loses weight, can't focus and starts to get depressed when this happens.

I pray for all of us out there because mental health is so important to our well being. I wish you all the luck in the world and if anyone is a cancer phob or hypochondriac I'd love to hear from you.

Be well all

[twinny]

I just started using the peer support group today...you have now idea what a hypocondriac I am....Its awful to always think something is wrong with you...I just posted does anxciety raise your Blood pressure...read that ...youll see how i cant even put down my blood pressure cuff because im so afraid my bp is highl...yet i wont go on medicine because its not always high...i just worry its gonna be and i go into a panic until it spikes up....how do I over come that?...You are a survivor...remember that...my mother is an 8 year survivor....she is doing well...you will too....maybe we can help each other get over the hypocondriac syndrome.....scared in ny ...tammy

[Arobbins]

Hi,
I am too scared of Cancer amongst EVERY other illness out there. I was recently diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and that was like taking the huge dip over the edge of the roller coaster! I had extensive testing and the doctors said my organs and blood are good, so why can't I kick this feeling of "I'm having a heart attack, my liver is failing, my kidneys are shutting down, I have cancer" This is making my anxiety through the roof and then it now has made me depressed. UGH!!!

[tallberry]

Hi,

I also have what I guess they now call Health Anxiety. I think every ache or pain is something serious, I am especially scared of cancer. It doesn't help that every time you turn on the tv, there is something else that causes it. I only started with this issue a couple years ago when my dad was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer and my mom died shortly after that from congestive heart failure. I became hyper focused on my own mortality and I am only 46! Does anyone have any tips or things that have helped with this?

[Naomi10]

Hi,
I have been very physically healthy all my life, but I had precancer diagnosis in 1999 where I had a mastectomy as prevention. Ever since then I have episodes at least every 6 months where I go to doctor thinking I am sick but am ruled as healthy. Sometimes I go to the emergency room and I always test out fine. My doctor and I know I can imagine things but she humours me with tests, maybe because of my actual high blood pressure.

Since I have been working at Session 2 about panic attacks, I am recognising that my brain is looking for symptoms to magnify! And it's really a sort of panicky thing to be creating illness where none exists! Hopefully this program will cure me of my hypochondriac tendencies.

All the best to everyone working courageously and steadily on this program. I am determined to keep with it.
Regards, Naomi

[afickes]

I am a hypocondriac as well. I am always thinking about how I feel all the time. Every ache and pain I look more into then what it is. I am constantly concerned about throwing up as I am terrified of doing. I think what if I have a heart attack because I get the tight chest. Everytime I go to the doctor my doctor assures me my heart sounds wonderful but because it runs in my family that does not make me feel any better. I am also obsessed with cancer. I for some reason think sometimes, what if I have breast cancer or other cancers but I am too scared to go get it checked out because of the fear of someone saying yes you have it. I feel like a mess. I have notice my daughter now has tendencies of being a hypocondriac. Something is always wrong with her. I feel so terrible because I know I have caused this. Living a life always being in fear is torture. I have been like this since I was a child. I was on session 4 but anxiety kicked in so now I went back to lesson 2. Asking someone who has went through this and has conquered it please do tell me how because I just feel like this is my life.