Is it likely for someone with hypochondria to actually have an illness ?
Posted , 6 users are following.
I'm looking for some reassurance, as I am a 17-year-old girl, who has a history of health anxiety. Over the past two years, I have been worried I have schizophrenia, a brain tumor, and the fear that has really stuck with me over this time and the one I can't seem to shake is the fear that I have multiple sclerosis.
I have not had any testing done for MS, so no MRI's lumbar puncture etc so, therefore, have never really been completely assured I do not have it. I have been to the doctors a couple of times and have been given a basic neurological test but have not been referred to a neurologist. I have, however, been referred to a psychologist which I have not been too as I do not believe my symptoms are psychosomatic in nature.
Some of the symptoms that have been more or less constant for the past month are:
- Tingling in the left side of my left foot which is there from morning till night and worsens with heat
- Constant tingling in left side of left hand much like my left foot
- Small 'buzzing' patch under my left knee
- Have experienced moments where the room looks 'smokey' in the presence of NO smoke, wondering whether this is optic neuritis
- Cannot sit in any position for a prolonged period without limbs going numb
- Did experience numb left big toe for 1-2 weeks
- Legs feel 'numb' and rubbery when running
- And in the past few days, my legs have felt extremely weak
I am worried because having sensory symptoms in multiple locations, or the reoccurrence of similar symptoms in different locations is a hallmark symptom of MS. However I am reluctant to visit the doctor again as I have a past history of health anxiety...
So was just wondering how uncommon, if at all, would it be possible for someone with health anxiety to actually have the illness they are worried about? Thanks
0 likes, 4 replies
Aspinan millie98372
Posted
Hi Millie, I've yet to come across anyone with health anxiety actually having a condition they were anxious about. Being only 17 your highly unlikely you have MS, all your symptoms are symptomatic of your anxiety, I often get numbness in parts of my body esoecially my hands.
Im guessing also your a googler of symptoms which isn't a good idea it just looks for keywords like "numb" and throws up worse case scenarios, best to avoid it.
You should take up the offer of seeing a phychologist as it will help you overcome your health anxiety which is the real problem here.
Neil
rose15149 millie98372
Posted
Hello! I have OCD and also a history of health anxiety. In fact, my left feet has been numb for a few days now and i'm worried just like you. Something that i heard from someone on the internet once, was that ocd usually makes you worry about stuff that isn't happening, not real problems. You could use this for your hypochondria. Try to keep that in mind to calm down. I wish you all the best!
borderriever millie98372
Posted
You need to consider what activities you are undertaking when you get these sensations.
I have a condition that mimics MS and many of the tests are involved including a Lumbar Puncture can be very painful and unpleasant.
For example when running legs when tired rubbery can be caused by tiredness. To feel pins and needles in your lims can be caused by the way you are sitting or lying in bed. Especially if the seats and bed mattresses are old and need new mattresses or cushions. The same can be caused by your posture and the way you sit.
When it come to your eyes, some people produce an oily tear, that seems denser, sometimes we may suffer dryness in the eye, drops can be purchased at the chemist, my wife suffers same and purchases drops as getting then on script proves more costly. However if you are worried regards your eyes get an appointment to have them checked. We are all supposed to have check ups every two years.
Always look toward the mundane before jumping toward something that is a chronic condition and is a progressive health problem.
It was unfortunate you did not attend your Specialist Appointment, you need some support and understand of ways to control your concerns. I would advise you talk to your GP again make a double appointment and write out a list of your concerns regarding your fears, concerns and Anxiety. You need to make small steps to make one big leap for your health and any concerns you may have. To do that is the way of accepting problems you seem to be worrying about. Remember your GP is in partnership with you as far as your health is concerned.
It is up to you to facilitate actions that will help you feel more accepting of your bodies normal reactions
See your GP
BOB
brown45840 millie98372
Posted
All what you describe are symptoms for anxiety and depression. Stop trying to diagnose yourself. My advice for you is to exercise daily, eat healthy, stop eating process sugar, drink plenty of water, think positive, do some type meditation or mindfulness and see your doctor for symptoms you might have.
Best wishes to you Millie!