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Scared stiff since the end of December

Posted , 5 users are following.

nattalie36373
nattalie36373

Hi, around the 28 of December last year I started experiencing what I'm sure you're already familiar with. ALL the major symptoms of Anxiety disorder. The chest pains, left arm going numb, pins&needles, jolting awake in a panic, throat closing up etc. Checked myself into the ER and was told my muscles are strained.

I wasn't satisfied so I went to another doctor and demanded an EKG. He confirmed my heart is fine but I have Anxiety disorder. Since then I've been researching the illness.

Fast forward to now, since then I've developed really bad health anxiety! I am now experiencing tons of other weird symtoms. I feel pain in a different area everyday, I'm constantly worried I have at least half a dozen different types of cancer. I'm terrified and I haven't gone for all the tests I wanna have done.

I'm gonna be in the states for another 4 months or so. I'm not American so I don't have Insurance. I understand going to doctors here will cost a load of money that I don't have.

Lemme add that I'm 28, I've always been healthy and active. Grew up on a farm in Jamaica where I ate only natural foods. First time I had pizza, burgers or any junk food I was 16. I usually run 5ks and I love sports.

But now I just sit around and fret 24/7 that I'm dying and I can't afford healthcare. (I'm not working currently and that makes me feel worthless becuz I'm used to working)

I've been depressed since I was like 13, I'm kind of a pessimist. I'm gay and closeted, in Jamaica coming out means I could get harmed....physically. now that I'm in the states I wanna come out but I'm scared because I'm totally dependent on a few people. I don't want them to shun me at a time when I need them. ( For example: It's cold and I can't afford to be kicked out)

All my relationships have been shortlived (7 months was the longest) and I'm worried my current gf who's an RN will take off too. We met 2 months ago, I spent 2.8 weeks with her and I'm worried my hypochondria has freaked her out.

All these head, arm, joint&back pains all started after my Anxiety diagnosis on December 29th.

Can Anxiety really cause me to feel physical pain in a different area everyday? I don't feel pain in the same place for more than 2days. Surely I don't have cancer in every single body part. I'm scared and I wanna go back to being the vibrant 28th old who kicked a soccer ball,worked out and ran at least 4th mes per week! Help!

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • michaelall35712
    michaelall35712 nattalie36373

    Posted

    Anxiety can cause all kinds of physical ailments. The body and mind are connected. Have you talked to your doctor about your anxiety? Have you ruled out any physiological possibilities? Had blood work, to rule out thyroid problems, or possible others?  The question is what are you doing to deal with your anxiety? Are you seeking counseling?
  • gill16647
    gill16647 nattalie36373

    Posted

    In short.Yes anxiety can do all of that. It's hard to accept when you first get it and very scary but yes it definitely sounds like anxiety to me It will ease off and tell yourself that's what it is not the other evils you are scared it is
    • nattalie36373
      nattalie36373 gill16647

      Posted

      Thank you, it feels so good to talk to someone else about this. All these aches and pains only started a month ago after the doctor told me I had Anxiety disorder.

      I feel I'm going crazy from constant worrying! Now I came down with a cold last night which means a bit more achiness.

      Oh I sometimes get real fatigued after doing some forms of exercise....like crunches and sit-ups. Stretches don't affect me though.

      I just wanna go bad to normal, I hate feeling like I'm going crazysad

    • gill16647
      gill16647 nattalie36373

      Posted

      I know exactly what you mean. Your not thou ! I guarantee that it's not connected. Anxiety is totally different.If you going crazy you don't think you are ! The desire on itself to be normal is feeding it !It's an uncerteinty ! But your pushing the anxiety. You are still you it will go gradually.Xx
    • nattalie36373
      nattalie36373 gill16647

      Posted

      I keep getting pains in different places almost everyday even though some days I feel 'normal.' Not enough to take painkillers mind you, it's just enough for me to feel. I also think I'm overly in tuned to my bodily sensations, unfortunately I've become a hypochondriac. I keep imagining the worst and thinking I'm dying.

      Does this happen to anyone else and does it go away on its own? I actually had a few days where I was normal but it didn't last. I'm also trying hard not to keep talking to my gf about it because I don't wanna scare her off (we just started dating two months ago.) Every article I've read warned against Googling stuff...still trying to stop.

    • michaelall35712
      michaelall35712 nattalie36373

      Posted

      Gill it is your anxiety/hypochondria with you.  Have you been diagnosed officially having an anxiety disorder by a qualified mental health specialist? I personally know personally about "tuning in to my bodily sensations" "body scans" for signs of ailment.  That is classic anxiety.  I recommend seeing your doctor to rule out any physiological ailments, possibly get thryroid tested, etc.  If you haven't seen a mental health specialist, do so.  Also learn ways how do deal with the anxiety, get more confirmation it is anxiety.  Talk about whether you need just therapy or possible therapy/counseling.  The combination is great at helping recovery from anxiety.  Wish you peace of mind!
    • tina09089
      tina09089 nattalie36373

      Posted

      Finally someone who story is 100% me I am going thru the exact same thing I have terrible health anxiety everyday I get a new ache somewhere that goes away after a couple days and there's days where I feel normal and back to my old self all my blood work always comes back clear but it's so hard to believe this is all link to stress and anxiety and just like you the pain isn't never bad but just for you to notice
    • gill16647
      gill16647 michaelall35712

      Posted

      Yeah I have been told I have had. Generalised. I tried everything.Counselling pills and now just muddle through on my own. I have learnt toil be with it and although I have some horrid days I know it will life and I will have better days. I have a job I love and good people around me.Two teenagers don't help and I worry they have suffered as a result although I have come a master of dysguise.I hate the effect I have on my partner. I blame him at times as he can do things that set me off but he is an amazing bloke and I hate myself for being mad at him so I feel guilt with having had as I no I effect others
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