New to forum, please read so I don’t feel alone lol

[EIEIO]

Hey guys! I’ve been reading through this forum and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who suffers with HA. It is SO debilitating. I’ve been struggling with it since I was a kid. In my head I’ve had some of everything. Funny thing is, I’m a nurse so I should know better.

But I have a dermatology appointment for multiple subcutaneous nodules on my armpits/upper extremities. I’ve had them for about 4ish years. They really don’t cause any trouble and I’ve had them checked out multiple times by a PCP who didn’t seemed too concerned just suggested I see dermatology. I finally made the appointment. I also have other HA for other things going on.

In total I’ve had 2 neck ultrasounds, CT scan of neck, blood tests, blood smear, and breast ultrasound in the span of 3 years. All came back normal.

It’s so hard coping with HA. Therapy is out of budget as I moved to a new state. And I’m trying to provide myself reassurance. How do you all cope? What illnesses did you guys think you’ve had?

 

[tangowiththetrafficpolice]

Hey guys! I’ve been reading through this forum and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who suffers with HA. It is SO debilitating. I’ve been struggling with it since I was a kid. In my head I’ve had some of everything. Funny thing is, I’m a nurse so I should know better.

But I have a dermatology appointment for multiple subcutaneous nodules on my armpits/upper extremities. I’ve had them for about 4ish years. They really don’t cause any trouble and I’ve had them checked out multiple times by a PCP who didn’t seemed too concerned just suggested I see dermatology. I finally made the appointment. I also have other HA for other things going on.

In total I’ve had a neck 2 neck ultrasounds, CT scan of neck, blood tests, blood smear, and breast ultrasound in the span of 3 years. All came back normal.

It’s so hard coping with HA. Therapy is out of budget as I moved to a new state. And I’m trying to provide myself reassurance. How do you all cope? What illnesses did you guys think you’ve had?

 

[bigjetplane6]

Hey guys! I’ve been reading through this forum and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who suffers with HA. It is SO debilitating. I’ve been struggling with it since I was a kid. In my head I’ve had some of everything. Funny thing is, I’m a nurse so I should know better.

But I have a dermatology appointment for multiple subcutaneous nodules on my armpits/upper extremities. I’ve had them for about 4ish years. They really don’t cause any trouble and I’ve had them checked out multiple times by a PCP who didn’t seemed too concerned just suggested I see dermatology. I finally made the appointment. I also have other HA for other things going on.

In total I’ve had a neck 2 neck ultrasounds, CT scan of neck, blood tests, blood smear, and breast ultrasound in the span of 3 years. All came back normal.

It’s so hard coping with HA. Therapy is out of budget as I moved to a new state. And I’m trying to provide myself reassurance. How do you all cope? What illnesses did you guys think you’ve had?

Hello! What was the reason for the neck CT scans? And the breast ultrasound?

 

[tangowiththetrafficpolice]

You are definitely not alone. I usually have 3 things (at least) going on every day and then it there is another & another and you are right, it is debilitating. I used to worry only about female complaints; now it is anything and everything from a spot to a red blemish, a sore gum, a pain, odd sensations, a glint of light, a bruise. I take my temperature several times in 10 minutes when I have a state of heightened anxiety. I used to go to GP with complaints. Now I don't trust any health care professional ( and my sister is a nurse).
It's great you have had so many checks carried out recently; not so great that you cannot be reassured. Are you seeking any help with this?

 

[EIEIO]

Hello! What was the reason for the neck CT scans? And the breast ultrasound?

The neck CT was for some lymph nodes and I SWEAR there was a hard lump I felt but the CT showed everything was normal. They did it with and without contrast. I even put a marker on where I felt the lump. (Afterwards I was worried about the unnecessary radiation)

the breast ultrasound was for a lump I guess you could say. It was pretty big. The PA felt it and ordered an ultrasound and that showed nothing as well. They said it all looked normal. Even afterwards I went to my annual well woman exam and the NP said everything felt fine. I still feel the lump but maybe I have fibrous breast tissue??

You are definitely not alone. I usually have 3 things (at least) going on every day and then it there is another & another and you are right, it is debilitating. I used to worry only about female complaints; now it is anything and everything from a spot to a red blemish, a sore gum, a pain, odd sensations, a glint of light, a bruise. I take my temperature several times in 10 minutes when I have a state of heightened anxiety. I used to go to GP with complaints. Now I don't trust any health care professional ( and my sister is a nurse).
It's great you have had so many checks carried out recently; not so great that you cannot be reassured. Are you seeking any help with this?

Hey! It’s crazy the lengths we go through and the irrational thoughts we have! I explained to my husband “yes I know the inside of my nose is just red and it’s probably just irritated, and yes I know thinking the worse is irrational but I can’t help it.” That’s the biggest thing. I know it’s irrational but I can’t shake the feeling. And I haven’t seeked help yet for the health anxiety. But I am going to a dermatologist for my physical symptoms.

How long have you been struggling with HA?

 

[tangowiththetrafficpolice]

The neck CT was for some lymph nodes and I SWEAR there was a hard lump I felt but the CT showed everything was normal. They did it with and without contrast. I even put a marker on where I felt the lump. (Afterwards I was worried about the unnecessary radiation)

the breast ultrasound was for a lump I guess you could say. It was pretty big. The PA felt it and ordered an ultrasound and that showed nothing as well. They said it all looked normal. Even afterwards I went to my annual well woman exam and the NP said everything felt fine. I still feel the lump but maybe I have fibrous breast tissue??

Hey! It’s crazy the lengths we go through and the irrational thoughts we have! I explained to my husband “yes I know the inside of my nose is just red and it’s probably just irritated, and yes I know thinking the worse is irrational but I can’t help it.” That’s the biggest thing. I know it’s irrational but I can’t shake the feeling. And I haven’t seeked help yet for the health anxiety. But I am going to a dermatologist for my physical symptoms.

How long have you been struggling with HA?

Also since I was a kid. Unfortunately it is a progressive condition. I thought it would go away and it did when my kids were little-I exchanged all my fears for my health for fears about theirs! Now it is back and worse! Get help now before it consumes you.

Also since I was a kid. Unfortunately it is a progressive condition. I thought it would go away and it did when my kids were little-I exchanged all my fears for my health for fears about theirs! Now it is back and worse! Get help now before it consumes you.

 

[Fraser]

Hey guys! I’ve been reading through this forum and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who suffers with HA. It is SO debilitating. I’ve been struggling with it since I was a kid. In my head I’ve had some of everything. Funny thing is, I’m a nurse so I should know better.

But I have a dermatology appointment for multiple subcutaneous nodules on my armpits/upper extremities. I’ve had them for about 4ish years. They really don’t cause any trouble and I’ve had them checked out multiple times by a PCP who didn’t seemed too concerned just suggested I see dermatology. I finally made the appointment. I also have other HA for other things going on.

In total I’ve had 2 neck ultrasounds, CT scan of neck, blood tests, blood smear, and breast ultrasound in the span of 3 years. All came back normal.

It’s so hard coping with HA. Therapy is out of budget as I moved to a new state. And I’m trying to provide myself reassurance. How do you all cope? What illnesses did you guys think you’ve had?

Studies are increasingly showing that people that do CBT therapies on their own often do as well as people that actually see a therapist. If you're interested, I'd be happy to share some resources that have helped me that are affordable.

 

[bigjetplane6]

Hey guys! I’ve been reading through this forum and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who suffers with HA. It is SO debilitating. I’ve been struggling with it since I was a kid. In my head I’ve had some of everything. Funny thing is, I’m a nurse so I should know better.

But I have a dermatology appointment for multiple subcutaneous nodules on my armpits/upper extremities. I’ve had them for about 4ish years. They really don’t cause any trouble and I’ve had them checked out multiple times by a PCP who didn’t seemed too concerned just suggested I see dermatology. I finally made the appointment. I also have other HA for other things going on.

In total I’ve had 2 neck ultrasounds, CT scan of neck, blood tests, blood smear, and breast ultrasound in the span of 3 years. All came back normal.

It’s so hard coping with HA. Therapy is out of budget as I moved to a new state. And I’m trying to provide myself reassurance. How do you all cope? What illnesses did you guys think you’ve had?

What diseases and illness have you thought you had in the past and the reasons?
HA has seriously ruined my life.

 

[EIEIO]

Also since I was a kid. Unfortunately it is a progressive condition. I thought it would go away and it did when my kids were little-I exchanged all my fears for my health for fears about theirs! Now it is back and worse! Get help now before it consumes you.

I’m afraid it’s already consumed me. Almost called a crisis line today. I’m hoping the dermatologist appt goes ok and afterwards I have some relief!

What diseases and illness have you thought you had in the past and the reasons?
HA has seriously ruined my life.

The big C (multiple types), it’s been worse since my grandmother recently passed from lung C, I’ve thought I had herpes and aids (even though at the time I wasn’t active, In fact I was a virgin lol). When I was in 6th grade I even thought I was pregnant and I was a virgin. I think that’s the earliest I can recall me having it (although pregnancy isn’t an illness) and just a bunch of other things throughout time.

what about you?

Studies are increasingly showing that people that do CBT therapies on their own often do as well as people that actually see a therapist. If you're interested, I'd be happy to share some resources that have helped me that are affordable.

I would love to! Thank you so much

 

[tangowiththetrafficpolice]

I’m afraid it’s already consumed me. Almost called a crisis line today. I’m hoping the dermatologist appt goes ok and afterwards I have some relief!

The big C (multiple types), it’s been worse since my grandmother recently passed from lung C, I’ve thought I had herpes and aids (even though at the time I wasn’t active, In fact I was a virgin lol). When I was in 6th grade I even thought I was pregnant and I was a virgin. I think that’s the earliest I can recall me having it (although pregnancy isn’t an illness) and just a bunch of other things throughout time.

what about you?

I would love to! Thank you so much

My love, it hasn't consumed you completely yet because you are going to see the a consultant soon. Once you feel that relief STRIKE! Go for the CBT link that Fraser has kindly offered to share: then you will feel emotionally stronger and able to seek further help should you need it. Don't let it suck the joy out of your life for decades. Pre covid I was scared of travel in case immigration did temperature testing-that is how out-of -hand it can become- AND all my fears are of course, that unmentionable! Covid has now made temperature testing an inevitable part of travel so there's no point in renewing my passport !

What diseases and illness have you thought you had in the past and the reasons?
HA has seriously ruined my life.

What stage are you at? Obviously constant checking and making yourself ill with worry! Do you seek help for the REAL (AND THEY ARE REAL) symptoms? Have you attempted to find support for the anxiety?

 

[EIEIO]

Update: Just came back from dermatology. Basically they don’t know what it is but they aren’t concerned. Ultrasound ordered. Still anxious. But not nervously shaking as I was before so I guess that’s a plus.

 

[bigjetplane6]

Update: Just came back from dermatology. Basically they don’t know what it is but they aren’t concerned. Ultrasound ordered. Still anxious. But not nervously shaking as I was before so I guess that’s a plus.

It’s good that they aren’t concerned!

 

[tangowiththetrafficpolice]

That's great news. Anxiety doesn't just disappear, it can take some time to come down from a heightened state. Look forward now. Do something that you had "put on hold until after the consultation".

 

[bigjetplane6]

The neck CT was for some lymph nodes and I SWEAR there was a hard lump I felt but the CT showed everything was normal. They did it with and without contrast. I even put a marker on where I felt the lump. (Afterwards I was worried about the unnecessary radiation)

the breast ultrasound was for a lump I guess you could say. It was pretty big. The PA felt it and ordered an ultrasound and that showed nothing as well. They said it all looked normal. Even afterwards I went to my annual well woman exam and the NP said everything felt fine. I still feel the lump but maybe I have fibrous breast tissue??

Hey! It’s crazy the lengths we go through and the irrational thoughts we have! I explained to my husband “yes I know the inside of my nose is just red and it’s probably just irritated, and yes I know thinking the worse is irrational but I can’t help it.” That’s the biggest thing. I know it’s irrational but I can’t shake the feeling. And I haven’t seeked help yet for the health anxiety. But I am going to a dermatologist for my physical symptoms.

How long have you been struggling with HA?

Did you ever have discharge with the breast lump?

 

[EIEIO]

Did you ever have discharge with the breast lump?

Yes I did when I squeezed. But they weren’t concerned

 

[bigjetplane6]

Yes I did when I squeezed. But they weren’t concerned

What color was the discharge? What did they tell you the lump was? Did you have discharge from both breasts, or just the one that had the lump?
Sorry for asking all this, I’m just going through the same thing right now.

 

[EIEIO]

What color was the discharge? What did they tell you the lump was? Did you have discharge from both breasts, or just the one that had the lump?
Sorry for asking all this, I’m just going through the same thing right now.

You’re fine! It was a whiteish color. Very minimal amount that only came out of my left nipple only when expressed. The ultrasound doctor said that I had normal breast tissue which was weird because you could literally feel the lump. I recently had my well woman’s exam and my pcp didn’t mention any abnormalities.

 

[bigjetplane6]

You’re fine! It was a whiteish color. Very minimal amount that only came out of my left nipple only when expressed. The ultrasound doctor said that I had normal breast tissue which was weird because you could literally feel the lump. I recently had my well woman’s exam and my pcp didn’t mention any abnormalities.

So you didn’t have any lumps?
Did they every say why you had discharge?

 

[bigjetplane6]

You’re fine! It was a whiteish color. Very minimal amount that only came out of my left nipple only when expressed. The ultrasound doctor said that I had normal breast tissue which was weird because you could literally feel the lump. I recently had my well woman’s exam and my pcp didn’t mention any abnormalities.

Still there??