Question:
"The heeby jeebies" was my diagnosis for years (early 70s). Sometimes called "spells" too. Valium was the first drug that worked. In fact I was amazed with the first dose.
I still call mine "the blue meanies." Wendee If reality wants to get in touch with me, it knows where I am…
Response:
I am a hypochondriac and personally, I would have to disagree with what you said. Whenever I take a new medication and have a weird feeling I can blame it on the drug and not some dreaded disease. So for instance if I was to get a headache, instead of saying "uh oh, brain tumor" I would say "ah ha, side effect" 
Allegra
Response:
<sniped For me the symptoms of horrid diseases have been prominent and on my mind since I was a small child. So far I have lasted 51 years with actually very little catastrophic illness, but this makes my devious little mind say…oh well it is something big this time…why can’t they find it…I’ve had it since I was 7 years old and they just haven’t found it yet…but when they do the autopsy they’ll find it and know that I was right.<snipped
Hi Jody, Yep, that’s me too. I’ve made it 37 years, but……you just never know. Been through all the medical tests…they reassure me for awhile, then…"Well, maybe something has changed…." thinking goes into effect. And, mine started at about the same age. Interesting, yes? Best Wishes, Jen
Response:
This hypochondriac is also afraid to take the medication prescribed by the doctor. <sigh 
— Stay Strong, Kelly Faith is daring the soul to go beyond where the eye can see…and I now have the faith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ——- Something that I have noticed in the group, and I have lurked and posted infrequently (while at another university) for 3 years now, is relatively little conversation about the tendency for hypochondriacal thoughts and somatic symptoms. Although somatic symptoms have been mentioned, rarely have I read and I have convinced myself that I have it. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. I am curious as to others’ experiences with these thoughts and feelings. Also, I have never taken meds for my PD and I was wondering if you, or others, found that meds reduces these experiences of hypochondriacal thoughts. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist. Paula Hi Paula, I’m new to this newsgroup and from the UK. I know exactly what you mean, I have been having Panic Attacks and anxiety for years now. I don’t think there’s one disease I have’nt talked myself into. If there is a news story on meningitis then I’ve got it. Watch any medical programme and I’ve got that too. My doctor usually asks me what’s wrong and what is my diagnosis before he even examines me !!! He’s great really and has sent me for endless tests to try to put my mind at rest but every time a test comes back clear, I think of another illness that needs totally new tests. I have had blood tests (endless), MRI scan, CAT scan, Ovary scans, Barium enema (wouldn’t recommend that one). I have seen neurologists, ENT specialists, Psychologists, Psychatrists, Acupuncturers, Chirpractors, Hypnotists (luckily most of these are free here in the UK or I’d be skint !) The only way to overcome all this is to throw away all medical books and don’t watch medical programmes. Don’t read medical news stories … In fact just stay in bed all day. Seriously it’s just a part of our make-up and we can’t change so we must just learn to accept it. It won’t go away though. Anne
Response:
Couldn’t resist: "The heeby jeebies" was my diagnosis for years (early 70s). Sometimes called "spells" too. Valium was the first drug that worked. In fact I was amazed with the first dose. .. ..
| |
| <snip I have 2 friends with MS and know everything about it. One night | I kept getting numb fingers and weird vision so I was sure I had it. | | Been there, done that….the NET can be "dangerous" for us | hypochondriacs….easy way to research the disease of the month!<G | |No kidding! I HAVE to stay away from medical websites…gives me the |*heeby jeebies* and you know THEY anything from acne to brain tumors…is a |fact! hehe | | |– |Gwen | |….. finding the stuffing in the dogs dish makes | her wonder WHAT she put in the turkey….
Response:
< snip Happily now, I have a really understanding doctor in whom I am willing to confide all. I confessed my PD to him and will probably confide anything else that should happen to come along. The hiding it should stop with this good relationship.
Hello Tasha, I think a doctor one can confide in is very important. A few years ago I was put through a large battery of tests while being diagnosed, and of course all the tests were done to rule out some other condition much more horrible than panic disorder (I was relieved when the diagnosis was eventually made). The worst part was waiting for the results. Do I or don’t I? After this horrible experience with tests, I was reluctant to mention anything to the doctor, less we go off looking for even more terrifying diseases for me to have. Of course I was finely tuned to any and every signal my body would give me. Just what was that twinge in the bowels? Chili. Or maybe something more sinister. And why so many headaches this month. So for awhile I was caught in the worst of both worlds, worrying about imagined illnesses and too frightened to go the doctor to see if they were imagined or not. If I had a doctor I could confide in, perhaps this wouldn’t have been such a problem. This preoccupation with my health went away after a few years, why I have no idea. earlier Tasha writes of her mum: She seems to have done her compensating by keeping her life in a flat line
This caught my attention Tasha, and I’d like to comment that I, and I suppose many others have adopted coping mechanisms to handle this condition over the years. I tried very hard to smooth out peaks and valleys. I tried very hard to "relaxation exercise" my way out of stressful situations. They worked well for me, perhaps too well. As a result of something else going on in my life right now, I have scrapped clipping the peaks and propping up the valleys, and life is much more, well like life now. Just a thought. John Daly
Response:
Hookay! Here’s Tasha’s twist! Mum apparently has a very mild form of PD … IBS, worry, worry, worry … several attacks especially at night etc. She seems to have done her compensating by keeping her life in a flat line and for eight years I was her only child. She wrapped me in mounds of clothing to keep me from getting a cold, if I sneezed, she kept me home from school for a week etc! Hence, I am pretty far from being a hypocondriac. In fact, I am apt to go with symptoms of something for a long time before acknowledging them. Then, I figure, well, I’m not dead yet, so mention them to the doctor. I think this also feeds into the fact that I never told anyone about my PAz. Mum, however, keeps getting cancers (imaginary ones). Every time she even "burps" strangely, she gets into that thinking, "Oh, I must have stomach cancer!" Every time she has excess trouble with her IBS, it’s off to the doctors to make sure she doesn’t have an intestinal cancer. I guess that pretty much explains how I am, an AHK (anxious hypochondriac’s kid). I also read a lot about all kinds of diseases and ailments, but it is to acquire the knowledge. I find it interesting. Happily now, I have a really understanding doctor in whom I am willing to confide all. I confessed my PD to him and will probably confide anything else that should happen to come along. The hiding it should stop with this good relationship. … Tasha … ~8)
Response:
<snip I have 2 friends with MS and know everything about it. One night I kept getting numb fingers and weird vision so I was sure I had it. Been there, done that….the NET can be "dangerous" for us hypochondriacs….easy way to research the disease of the month!<G
No kidding! I HAVE to stay away from medical websites…gives me the *heeby jeebies* and you know THEY anything from acne to brain tumors…is a fact! hehe — Gwen ….. finding the stuffing in the dogs dish makes her wonder WHAT she put in the turkey….
Response:
It is very difficult for people to understand that in panic disorder you not only worry excessively about physical illness, but are also experiencing a greater number of somatic symptoms — most of the so called somatication of panic disorder is due to GERD which may manifest in many ways: heartburn, asthma, sinus infection, headache and others. So doctors diagnose the somatic aspect of panic disorder poorly and the patient becomes anxious about these physically based but difficult to diagnose conditions. This comes on top of a tendency to worry about physical illness excessively anyway. Does this make sense? Dr.S. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(Gary Cooper) writes: The following was sent to me by Paula, who isn’t able to post directly and who would appreciate the group’s input – please respond in public (ie don’t e-mail me <grin)… Can anyone help? Gary Cooper ——- Something that I have noticed in the group, and I have lurked and posted infrequently (while at another university) for 3 years now, is relatively little conversation about the tendency for hypochondriacal thoughts and somatic symptoms. Although somatic symptoms have been mentioned, rarely have I read and I have convinced myself that I have it. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. I am curious as to others’ experiences with these thoughts and feelings. Also, I have never taken meds for my PD and I was wondering if you, or others, found that meds reduces these experiences of hypochondriacal thoughts. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist. Paula
Response:
(Jody319) writes: Hope this helps to know that you are alone in your obssessive thoughts on your
health. Oh my gosh…I am so sorry…it should read "you are NOT alone"…oh feeling bad here…. You are definately NOT alone… Jody (who really needs to reread her posts before pushing the send button, but of course won’t)
Response:
Does anyone with PD have other diagnosed illnesses? It seems possible that PD could be implicated in immune system dysfunctions and stress related but non somatic illnesses. Then too is it possible that undiagnosed physical illnesses/conditions cause PD? People with diagnosed chronic medical conditions i.e. heart conditions, ms, diabetes often educate themselves and become more knowledgeable than their physicians. They would not seem to fit into the category of hypochondria. Human nature would seem to dictate that we seek reasons for illnesses. Again isn’t PD itself, aside from the multiple physical symptoms, a recognized physical condition? Maybe those of you who have noticed that you adopt every new illness to your own plight, may be reacting to the medical profession’s quick dismissal of your physical symptoms. Some posters have indicated they have undergone multiple [uneeded] tests. But posters who confirm that a symptom of PD is hypochrondria may be relegating others who have PD to a physician shit-list. The link to PD symptoms and heart palpitations, which can be treated medically, is a fairly new link. There may be other presently unknown connections between physical causes and PD. I think anyone with the insurance coverage to afford it, should be encouraged to ask their physician to order tests which would rule out physical causes of recurrent, consistent and distressing physical symptoms. I don’t think any symptoms should quickly be written off as just PD and therefore not life threatening. This comes on top of a tendency to worry about physical illness excessively anyway. Does this make sense? Dr.S.
Is there documented evidence that persons with PD have a "tendency to worry about physical Illness excessively anyway?" Could be that their multiple complaints and obvious anxiety tend to hasten the docs conclusion that it is excessive. Oh and, could you define "Somatic" please? Surely this thread would seem to verify that people with PD are generally hypochondrics. Does anyone else have input?
Response:
Seriously though, it *did* make sense re: the PD because pregnancy was one of my worst fears at the time. Didn’t want to throw a baby into the mix. I, of course, at the time exoected ALL my worst fears to be realised.
Julieeeeeeeeeeeee…. Oh God……(sorry about the religious mention)…..but OH GOD……just thinking about getting pregnant sets my guts rolling and I feel BIG a new puppy…….a whole baby??? YEOW! ooooo, ow, ow, ow…….need nap now…….somebody gimme a pill. agh. oof. ::::::whine:::::::: baby, baby,baby……brlbrlbrlbrlbrlbrlbrlbrlbrl (fingers flipping lips). KC curled in a fetal position under the kneehole of my desk trying to reach the send key. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
In my 20+ years of dealing with panic disorder, hypochondria has gone hand-in-glove with the panic/anxiety. One exacerbates the other — panic symptoms lead to concern about physiological problems, leading to more anxiety, more panic… I took Tofranil for a couple of years which controlled the anxiety, but the side effects were disturbing, so I switched to Prozac about 2 years ago. The change was dramatic — no panic, no side effects, greatly reduced hypochondriacal thoughts. Carol – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The following was sent to me by Paula, who isn’t able to post directly and who would appreciate the group’s input – please respond in public (ie don’t e-mail me <grin)… Can anyone help? Gary Cooper ——- Something that I have noticed in the group, and I have lurked and posted infrequently (while at another university) for 3 years now, is relatively little conversation about the tendency for hypochondriacal thoughts and somatic symptoms. Although somatic symptoms have been mentioned, rarely have I read I have convinced myself that I have it. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. I am curious as to others’ experiences with these thoughts and feelings. Also, I have never taken meds for my PD and I was wondering if you, or others, found that meds reduces these experiences of hypochondriacal thoughts. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist. Paula
Response:
Paula, I think all of us with PD focus on our bodily symtoms. I never remember being fixated on my body until I started having attacks. I too react to any info on diseases and think I am having the disease of the day. I have sort of learned to realize this has become an almost involuntary respnse and try to have positive thoughts when I react that way. Hope this helps. Good luck, Anya
Whoa Anya! Yup, same thing happened to me. I hardly even knew I HAD a body unless I got very ill. Now, this slightest change and the ol’ brain just zeroes in it to scrutinize if this is a lead in for anxiety. Really gets quite annoying. I know I used to get sweaty palms before doing something like meeting a future in law or something, that made sense. Now it can be 90 degrees outside and I wonde why I am sweating! Is it panic? I, too, have been trying to play it down when it happens…just kinda acknowledge the symptom is there, say that is interesting and find something else to do. Works more times than not, distraction is a very powerful tool when it works – takes me away from being so inwardly focused. Gwen
Response:
Oh yeah, and then there was the time I was convinced I was pregnant although I was on the pill, hadn’t had sex, and recently had my period. Go figure!
The Immaculate thing? That had to be some heavy duty convincing, Julie! But I do know what you and Rosita are talking about. I have 2 friends with MS and know everything about it. One night I kept getting numb fingers and weird vision so I was sure I had it. THEN was watching an ER the same night and there was a diagnosis of it and that cinched it. Spent 2 hours on the net reading all I could find til my husband came and pulled the plug. (bless his little soul) But at the time, I was convinced…yes, indeedy! Gwen
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ——- Something that I have noticed in the group, and I have lurked and posted infrequently (while at another university) for 3 years now, is relatively little conversation about the tendency for hypochondriacal thoughts and somatic symptoms. Although somatic symptoms have been mentioned, rarely have I read and I have convinced myself that I have it. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. I am curious as to others’ experiences with these thoughts and feelings. Also, I have never taken meds for my PD and I was wondering if you, or others, found that meds reduces these experiences of hypochondriacal thoughts. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist. Paula
Hi Paula, I’m new to this newsgroup and from the UK. I know exactly what you mean, I have been having Panic Attacks and anxiety for years now. I don’t think there’s one disease I have’nt talked myself into. If there is a news story on meningitis then I’ve got it. Watch any medical programme and I’ve got that too. My doctor usually asks me what’s wrong and what is my diagnosis before he even examines me !!! He’s great really and has sent me for endless tests to try to put my mind at rest but every time a test comes back clear, I think of another illness that needs totally new tests. I have had blood tests (endless), MRI scan, CAT scan, Ovary scans, Barium enema (wouldn’t recommend that one). I have seen neurologists, ENT specialists, Psychologists, Psychatrists, Acupuncturers, Chirpractors, Hypnotists (luckily most of these are free here in the UK or I’d be skint !) The only way to overcome all this is to throw away all medical books and don’t watch medical programmes. Don’t read medical news stories … In fact just stay in bed all day. Seriously it’s just a part of our make-up and we can’t change so we must just learn to accept it. It won’t go away though. Anne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
Paula, I think all of us with PD focus on our bodily symtoms. I never remember being fixated on my body until I started having attacks. I too react to any info on diseases and think I am having the disease of the day. I have sort of learned to realize this has become an almost involuntary respnse and try to have positive thoughts when I react that way. Hope this helps. Good luck, Anya – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The following was sent to me by Paula, who isn’t able to post directly and who would appreciate the group’s input – please respond in public (ie don’t e-mail me <grin)… Can anyone help? Gary Cooper ——- Something that I have noticed in the group, and I have lurked and posted infrequently (while at another university) for 3 years now, is relatively little conversation about the tendency for hypochondriacal thoughts and somatic symptoms. Although somatic symptoms have been mentioned, rarely have I read and I have convinced myself that I have it. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. I am curious as to others’ experiences with these thoughts and feelings. Also, I have never taken meds for my PD and I was wondering if you, or others, found that meds reduces these experiences of hypochondriacal thoughts. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist. Paula
Response:
<snip I have 2 friends with MS and know everything about it. One night I kept getting numb fingers and weird vision so I was sure I had it. THEN was watching an ER the same night and there was a diagnosis of it and that cinched it. Spent 2 hours on the net reading all I could find til my husband came and pulled the plug. (bless his little soul) But at the time, I was convinced…yes, indeedy! Gwen
Been there, done that….the NET can be "dangerous" for us hypochondriacs….easy way to research the disease of the month!<G Best Wishes, Jen
Response:
any glitches. My guess is we are scanning to see if we can find any hint of an impending panic attack, and anything out of the ordinary might signal that one is looming in the near future. I don’t think anything is wrong with being wary of healthconcerns when a panic attack is at stake! Fear is fear. But usually, even though we think we are having a brain anyuerism, it eventually goes away, or we race to the doctor for tests and they almost always come back negative. Fortunately. For me, I am scared outta my mind I’m going to have another severe IBS attack and get stuck back in the hospital for another week of IV’s and hospital food. It’s just one of the many miserable symptoms of panic disorder you’ll have to learn to cope with, or work on overcoming. Hope this helps KC Cindy
Response:
Well that’s why I wrote a post about the "Reader’s Digest’ Disease. Because I get each and everyone the recent issue is talking about.
Oh sure, I can’t read about the latest medical-problem-of-the-moment without doing an immediate mental body scan to see if I have any of the symptoms. I once was convinced myself (during a 25 minute car ride mind you) that I had cancer and was going to die, and would never realsie my dreams or have children or get married or…or…or…Of course by the time I got to my destination I promptly fogot about it. Oh yeah, and then there was the time I was convinced I was pregnant although I was on the pill, hadn’t had sex, and recently had my period. Go figure! Julie
Response:
. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist.
Hi Paula. Well that’s why I wrote a post about the "Reader’s Digest’ Disease. Because I get each and everyone the recent issue is talking about. I guess ‘impotence’ is the only one that scaped my hipochondriatic thoughts But seriously, I not only get every disease I read about, but if someone is talking about having a BIG headache…I get one, I mean..I get a brain tumor, and If someone says they have a tummy ache, I get a preforated bleeding ulcer, . When my son get’s asthma…I get shortness of breath…and so on and so on. But that doesn’t stop in health issues. If I read about a woman being kidnaped….I hear and see the kidnaper walking in my door. If someone is being stalkied, I close all my blinds and lock the door with double bolt. So…you are not alone.
Response:
Paula: I totally relate to your experiences. I over worry everything, from did I leave the stove on to am I going to die..i think obsessivly about it. my thoughts are always on the worst case senerio… Laura Southard
Response:
Hi Paula, My depression leads me into obsessive worrying about my health. I think I want to have a disease with a name so I can point to it and say ‘See that’s what I have, I really am sick’. That’s also why I wish I had enough money to have a series of PET scans so I could see the parts of my brain that don’t function as well as they should. The thing that I’ve learned from my metaphysical studies is that our minds are very powerful. One analogy is to a high-powered car. If the driver is in control it’s wonderful. If the car is out of control it can wreak total havoc. We can be very suggestible and unconsciously pick up on symptoms we read or hear about and then our out of control mind can manifest the symptoms in our bodies. Meds are about getting control of our minds. They can really help prevent these problems. Mary Live each day with courage hope and love as if it were the first. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Something that I have noticed in the group, and I have lurked and posted infrequently (while at another university) for 3 years now, is relatively little conversation about the tendency for hypochondriacal thoughts and somatic symptoms. Although somatic symptoms have been mentioned, rarely have I read I have convinced myself that I have it. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. I am curious as to others’ experiences with these thoughts and feelings. Also, I have never taken meds for my PD and I was wondering if you, or others, found that meds reduces these experiences of hypochondriacal thoughts. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist. Paula
Response:
Well, first off, I still can’t shake the feeling that all of my problems are caused by a brain tumor. I guess that’s pretty common for anxiety sufferers. Secondly, I’m terribly afraid that the dramatic increase in blood pressure during an attack will cause serious problems, including stroke. Now, this isn’t an entirely unjustified fear — but the thought of it, of course, makes it much worse and my blood pressure shoots up that much higher. It’s funny, because I had _low_ blood pressure before this thing caught up with me. Actually, my first major panic attack started because of an overreaction to moderate indigestion. Of course, I thought I was having a heart attack. Naturally, not long after, I really did have a heart attack. Don’t want to do that again. Over-analysis of physical changes is probably my most hated part of this thing. If I could shake that, then it would be a stepping stone for me to beat off my other problems. — Gnu Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Response:
The following was sent to me by Paula, who isn’t able to post directly and who would appreciate the group’s input – please respond in public (ie don’t e-mail me <grin)… Can anyone help? Gary Cooper ——- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Something that I have noticed in the group, and I have lurked and posted infrequently (while at another university) for 3 years now, is relatively little conversation about the tendency for hypochondriacal thoughts and somatic symptoms. Although somatic symptoms have been mentioned, rarely have I read I have convinced myself that I have it. Seeing a story on the news about it heightens my fears and anxiety, predisposing me to an anxiety attack. I am curious as to others’ experiences with these thoughts and feelings. Also, I have never taken meds for my PD and I was wondering if you, or others, found that meds reduces these experiences of hypochondriacal thoughts. Through CBT, I have been able to reduce the PAs as a result of these hypochondriacal thoughts, however, THE THOUGHTS STILL exist. Paula
Response:
Categories: asthma and anxiety attacks | 
No Comments »
Kevin.. It’s very strange. I have been dealing with this disorder for 4 years. I decided to wean off of Lexapro and I have had no anxiety whatsoever. I am takiing .5 mg. of Klonopin, usually at night. My doctor had told me this was something I would have all of my life (the anxiety). My only problem now is feeling a bit down now and then. I’m working on dealing with it, keeping myself busy with my new business and upcoming job. I should be feeling wonderful right now but the down in the dumps feeling usually hits me in the mid afternoons. I hate it but I think I can get through it. Just venting guys. Thanks for listening. Vicki 