Health Related Anxiety?
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Anyone have any experience with health related anxiety? I recently started having some problems with my hands and wrist, which my orthopedic surgeon suggested to be Carpal Tunnel. (I've also seen a neurosurgeon to schedule an MRI - working from home has not been the most ergonomic set up until recently) He gave me a steroid injection & I moved on. My left arm is now experiencing all kinds of pain -and of course, if you google this.... google will convince you it's a heart attack. I went to the ER Sunday night, my EKG was fine, blood work fine, my heart rate had skyrocketed to 150 and they really thought it was anxiety and major panic.
I followed up with my PCP today who also ran her own EKG, also with normal results, but of course, I've come home and still haven't learned my lesson, google anytime anything else might feel off and convince myself it's again, something super serious.
My heart rate skyrockets every night because I have such panic over this. I finally made an appointment with a cardiologist next week just for my own peace of mind because I think at this point I genuinely need it, but I've genuinely never had anxiety before and now it's like I just can't calm down regularly.
Anyone else experience anything like this? Any... tips on how to control this and calm myself down?
0 likes, 2 replies
jan34534 ameliab1983
Posted
the first big tip is to stop googling! When you read that stuff that really does not pertain to you, you are telling your brain that something is wrong. The brain sends out adrenaline to give you a bunch of sensations that scare you. Believe the ECG results because that is based on fact. What your mind creates is not based on fact or reality. It’s only based on fear.
You are fine! people with anxiety tend to look for health problems that don’t exist. That creates a miserable life.
your heart is skyrocketing because you are panicking and adrenaline is released. All the sensations caused by anxiety are not going to hurt you. I know how scary they are but that’s all they can do.
millions of people experience the exact thing you are experiencing. The key to the whole thing is learning how to manage the anxiety that actually causes the symptoms. Relax your mind and remind yourself that your testing was normal. That’s all you really need to know. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. Move on and enjoy your life!if you have a hard time with health anxiety, talk to a professional counselor who can help you manage this. Take care
valerie24561 ameliab1983
Posted
I've suffered from health anxiety 4 + years. unfortunately I'm well versed with Dr Google and it's only been right once. Your elevated heart rate could be so many things anxiety or stress related. Definitely see cardiologist to rule anything serious out. I wish I knew how to fix anxiety myself but I have learned physical symptoms are just replaced by different ones after the 1st physical symptoms are resolved. try listening to meditation and breathing exercises try the 4-8 breath inhale 4 seconds in / exhale 8 seconds out.