Hello, everybody. I'm new here and I need help. I've been dealing with widespread body pain and fatigue for several months, ever since I stopped birth control pills in October and seem to be going into menopause. I thought I might have fibromyalgia so went to my doctor in January. She did blood tests and they showed I have low iron, a low white cell count and slightly high calcium levels (but a significant spike since my yearly physical in April -- my levels had been rock steady for many years, so this is definitely something noticeable). We ruled out the usual cause of high calcium, hyperparathyroidism, with a followup blood test. Other numbers, including thyroid and Vitamin D, were fine.
I Googled and discovered the other major cause of high blood calcium is cancer. My doctor doesn't seem particularly worried, but I'm convinced I have bone cancer, probably multiple myeloma. My anxiety has been through the roof since then. I've lost about five pounds in a few weeks, which could be another symptom. I know my stomach has been in such knots, I haven't been eating as much, but you also lose weight with cancer. I've been having new excruciating pains in my shin, like somebody is stabbing a knife into the bone over and over. I've never felt anything like it and it's awful and scary. I haven't injured it. I've forced myself to stop Googling. I was looking up all the cancer signs and how to deal with a terminal illness, which of course spiraled my anxiety even more.
My doctor referred me to an endocrinologist about the calcium level, but I couldn't get an appointment with anybody until APRIL 15!! I might die of anxiety before then! I do have a followup appointment with my regular doctor in two weeks, and I'm sure she'll retest my calcium, so I may know more then. She said she didn't think my result was a huge danger sign, but I'm worried she's missing the signs or not giving them enough attention, and by the time I see the endocrinologist, it will be even more advanced.
I've had health anxiety for years, but it's been pretty well controlled for quite awhile with Celexa. I know my hormones are probably contributing because of being all over the place with starting menopause, but that calcium level is scaring the heck out of me. It's really hard to function or concentrate on anything. Between the menopausal hot flashes and anxiety, I haven't slept through the night without waking up once or twice a night in weeks.
It's actually my birthday today, but all I can think about is how I have cancer and will probably die soon.
I Googled and discovered the other major cause of high blood calcium is cancer. My doctor doesn't seem particularly worried, but I'm convinced I have bone cancer, probably multiple myeloma. My anxiety has been through the roof since then. I've lost about five pounds in a few weeks, which could be another symptom. I know my stomach has been in such knots, I haven't been eating as much, but you also lose weight with cancer. I've been having new excruciating pains in my shin, like somebody is stabbing a knife into the bone over and over. I've never felt anything like it and it's awful and scary. I haven't injured it. I've forced myself to stop Googling. I was looking up all the cancer signs and how to deal with a terminal illness, which of course spiraled my anxiety even more.
My doctor referred me to an endocrinologist about the calcium level, but I couldn't get an appointment with anybody until APRIL 15!! I might die of anxiety before then! I do have a followup appointment with my regular doctor in two weeks, and I'm sure she'll retest my calcium, so I may know more then. She said she didn't think my result was a huge danger sign, but I'm worried she's missing the signs or not giving them enough attention, and by the time I see the endocrinologist, it will be even more advanced.
I've had health anxiety for years, but it's been pretty well controlled for quite awhile with Celexa. I know my hormones are probably contributing because of being all over the place with starting menopause, but that calcium level is scaring the heck out of me. It's really hard to function or concentrate on anything. Between the menopausal hot flashes and anxiety, I haven't slept through the night without waking up once or twice a night in weeks.
It's actually my birthday today, but all I can think about is how I have cancer and will probably die soon.
