Fearing a brain tumor now ...thought I was over this!

[Kimberly N]

I haven't posted on here in a while. I was doing really well actually! I have had horrible hypochondria for as long as I could remember. I hear about a disease, and I think that I have it. If I get one symptom, I convince myself that I have the disease. The last time this occurred was about 1.5 years ago. So fast forward, I have started my career at the age of 24. I was in the middle of a fair at work and I got really dizzy. I started to over think, but did not get too into it. I have been getting headaches lately too, or at least noticing them more now that the thought of a brain tumor is on my mind. I don't know what to do, as I had the weekend off and spent the whole week googling symptoms in my bed while literally having anxiety attacks about it. I was seeing a therapist, and taking Lexapro but my new job (I work 9-5 in NYC and do not get home until about 7) prohibits me from making doctor appointments. I was speaking with my therapist on the phone, but she went on maternity leave. Now, I feel really stuck. I have been anxious all weekend, feeling out of it and convincing myself I now have all of these other symptoms (walking crookedly, feeling out of it, vision problems). I have also been forgetting minor little details over the last couple of months (I did notice these things before I began worrying about this) but just shook it off as taking in new information at a new job. Important things I have not forgotten or anything that would have given me cause to concern, which is why I shrugged it off. I don't know what to do at this point. I have myself totally convinced that I have a brain tumor, that everyone else thinks it is silly but to me it's real. This is how I always feel though, until I'm proven not to have the illness. I love this website because I don't feel so alone. Thanks for reading!

 

[Giarose25]

I’m learning anxiety definitely can do these things! Especially as you’re reading about the symptoms! Literally a week ago I was sick to my stomach convinced I had MS and after crying and reading about symptoms I cried to my boyfriend almost throwing myself in the floor because it felt like my legs were weak and my arms were tingly and not working right! It is scary and it puts you in a panic only increasing the feelings more! I have been taking on the advice from people here and my neurologist about completely staying off of the web and honestly it helps so much!

 

[Kimberly N]

I’m learning anxiety definitely can do these things! Especially as you’re reading about the symptoms! Literally a week ago I was sick to my stomach convinced I had MS and after crying and reading about symptoms I cried to my boyfriend almost throwing myself in the floor because it felt like my legs were weak and my arms were tingly and not working right! It is scary and it puts you in a panic only increasing the feelings more! I have been taking on the advice from people here and my neurologist about completely staying off of the web and honestly it helps so much!

Thank you for your advice! It's SO true. Anxiety literally gives me the symptoms, it's crazy the tricks out minds can play on us! I'm glad you have been doing better

 

[ladybj]

I’m learning anxiety definitely can do these things! Especially as you’re reading about the symptoms! Literally a week ago I was sick to my stomach convinced I had MS and after crying and reading about symptoms I cried to my boyfriend almost throwing myself in the floor because it felt like my legs were weak and my arms were tingly and not working right! It is scary and it puts you in a panic only increasing the feelings more! I have been taking on the advice from people here and my neurologist about completely staying off of the web and honestly it helps so much!

I hope I settle your mind a bit but I was diagnosed with MS about 10 years ago..which I know I don't have. Its a very long story long story..but long story short I know I don't have it. I refuse to accept it and I am fine. I am not on any type of MS meds and refuse to get on them. They always speak of remission, etc.. I could not tell you what remission is. I walk good with no problems, my mental status is great and I do not suffer from fatigue. Doctors need to be more educated about Post menopause... that's my take on it. Relax, you don't have MS. Anxiety is a beast but you have to be a BIGGER BEAST and not allow Anxiety to control your life. Our thoughts are what controls our joy, happiness, fears. It can have a great impact on our health and well being.

 

[Giarose25]

Oh my! That sounds insane! I definitely agree with you on education because even people who were brushing me off and telling me of you have panic disorder or you’re a hypochondriac didn’t know what they were talking about! I was recently diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder which causes me to literally obsess over the good and bad which make it hard to get past anything! I actually have been seeing a neurologist and she’s been awesome and reassured me as I was panicking when she told me I had the tiniest spot on my brain that I do not have MS it’s due to migraines, stress etc. As I trusted her my symptoms are settling, I’m still anxious and worry about every little thing I feel but I’m doing better! I’m 25 so I was very worried about the tingling and stuff i get that goosebump like feeling for any little thing and sometimes nothing at all! I’m happy that you know your body well enough to not have fallen apart! I feel so weak mentally!

Thank you for your advice! It's SO true. Anxiety literally gives me the symptoms, it's crazy the tricks out minds can play on us! I'm glad you have been doing better

No problem at all do not be hesitant to talk about what you’re feeling, I know what it’s like to have these thoughts constantly float around in your head! It’s scary and causes us to panic alone!