Terrified of bad test results

[Mcarva]

I've had HA since I was 12 years old (I'm now 62). I know the all too familiar terror when symptoms come and I self-diagnose (always with the worst outcome imaginable).

I'm wondering if anyone also has extreme anxiety over regular screening tests (when no symptoms are present)?

I am having my yearly screening mammogram on Saturday and I am so obsessed with a bad outcome, I am having difficulty getting through the day. I probably look like I buried someone. In my mind, I have cancer (which of course has spread throughout the body), will have to have a double mastectomy, may not wake up from the anesthesia, will probably catch COVID while I'm in the hospital, and because of COVID, my husband won't be able to be with me.

I know it is normal to worry a bit over tests, but for some reason, this year, I am obsessing way beyond what I would consider "normal."

I've had cognitive behavioral therapy in the past and I'm trying to apply some of the principles, but these thoughts are so strong and I am so convinced, I can't think of anything else.

I'm so afraid I'll be saying "I told you so" when I get the results (meaning my fears have come true).

This is no way to live.

 

[Izthewiz]

Since the time you were 12 nothing to bad has happened take that as a good thing.
Death is nothing to fear or even cancer.
4 years ago our friend was battling stage 4 cancer and was on his last course of chemo and was killed on his way home by a drunk driver, when they did the autopsy they found it has spread further then they had thought and the chemo wasn't working.

Over the years I've had 3 ct scans as I suffer from Pelvic floor Dysfunction and I'm a male.
If my doctor told me I was dying I am still blessed and no one can stop me from living the best life possible.

I'm 38 and use to have health Anxiety
I beat it by accepting that death is nothing to fear and if I die I'll be home with the Lord and also see all my loved ones who died my mom,aunt and grandma who I loved and miss everyday.
Accept the fact that one day you will die but just not now or today.

 

[Fraser]

I've had HA since I was 12 years old (I'm now 62). I know the all too familiar terror when symptoms come and I self-diagnose (always with the worst outcome imaginable).

I'm wondering if anyone also has extreme anxiety over regular screening tests (when no symptoms are present)?

I am having my yearly screening mammogram on Saturday and I am so obsessed with a bad outcome, I am having difficulty getting through the day. I probably look like I buried someone. In my mind, I have cancer (which of course has spread throughout the body), will have to have a double mastectomy, may not wake up from the anesthesia, will probably catch COVID while I'm in the hospital, and because of COVID, my husband won't be able to be with me.

I know it is normal to worry a bit over tests, but for some reason, this year, I am obsessing way beyond what I would consider "normal."

I've had cognitive behavioral therapy in the past and I'm trying to apply some of the principles, but these thoughts are so strong and I am so convinced, I can't think of anything else.

I'm so afraid I'll be saying "I told you so" when I get the results (meaning my fears have come true).

This is no way to live.

Cracking open the CBT workbooks and putting in the time can seem daunting when it feels like you're back at square 1, but that's what it takes. You have to take the leap (or "swallow the frog" if you prefer and start doing that work again. This book is helpful for me.

Overcoming Health Anxiety: Letting Go of Your Fear of Illness | Indigo

Buy the book Overcoming Health Anxiety: Letting Go of Your Fear of Illness by katherine owens,martin m. antony at Indigo

www.chapters.indigo.ca

Another thing to consider along with CBT is mindfulness meditation specifically aimed at anxiety. These two approaches, coupled with one another, have been shown to be very effective with dealing with healthy anxiety,

 

[Mcarva]

Cracking open the CBT workbooks and putting in the time can seem daunting when it feels like you're back at square 1, but that's what it takes. You have to take the leap (or "swallow the frog" if you prefer and start doing that work again. This book is helpful for me.

Overcoming Health Anxiety: Letting Go of Your Fear of Illness | Indigo

Buy the book Overcoming Health Anxiety: Letting Go of Your Fear of Illness by katherine owens,martin m. antony at Indigo

www.chapters.indigo.ca

Another thing to consider along with CBT is mindfulness meditation specifically aimed at anxiety. These two approaches, coupled with one another, have been shown to be very effective with dealing with healthy anxiety,

Thank you. I am ordering the book.

 

[Ms.Honey]

I have that book, it was very helpful for me!