Health Anxiety, can't convince myself that I don't have cancer
Posted , 4 users are following.
for the past few years I've been convinced I had various types of cancer, the main one being ovarian cancer. I have indigestion quite regularly so that doesn't really help. I try to rationally convince myself I don't have cancer but it doesn't work. I have been able to convince myself I dont have some things in the past, eg appendicitis, but I just can't get ovarian cancer out of my head. I convince myself that I can feel a tumour around that area. I am 18 years old
Unlike most cases I've read about health anxiety, I avoid the doctor at all cost. I start panicking if I think about going to the doctor. I avoid looking up the symptoms of ovarian cancer, as they further convince me I have it and often trigger a panic attack. I am also afraid someone will reply to this post telling me I should definitely go and see a doctor.
My worst fear is that a doctor will confirm I have some sort of cancer, especially terminal cancer.
I have seen a phsychologist who has been able to help me get over other anxiety conditions such as fear of flying on planes, but my health anxiety and fear of visiting the doctor hasn't gone away in the slightest.
Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Can someone convince me I'm not terminally ill? How can I stop having panic attacks everytime I read/hear something about cancer or terminal illness?
The smallest thing that might mean I don't have cancer will help.
1 like, 6 replies
tess33005 alice18961
Posted
Hi Alice!
I can convince you that you haven't got ovarian cancer.
An enlarged ovary is impossible to feel via the abdomen. None of your internal sex organs can be felt abdominally, except when you're pregnant, obviously, because then the uterus can be felt from the twelth week.
Go and ask your doctor or practice nurse to do a vaginal exam. They will be able to feel an enlarged ovary if there is one, and would then refer you for an ultrasound scan to see what is wrong. The vast majority of enlarged ovaries turn out to be cysts, not cancer.
Main symptoms are great pain in right shoulder and abdomen becoming enlarged.
It's so easy to rule out that you ought to see a health practitioner for a vaginal exam. Done. love Tess xx
alice18961 tess33005
Posted
hanna_08404 alice18961
Posted
I used to always get a panic attack when I thought about cancer or heart disease. I still something get a panic attack when I think I am dying. I hope that you will get well
alice18961 hanna_08404
Posted
thanks so much, its great to hear that I'm not alone.
Have a look at the comment from tess33005, it was really useful for me
helen53017 alice18961
Posted
alice18961 helen53017
Posted