Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Rebelyell on July 01, 2015, 01:40:30 PM
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I went to GP this morning about pressure in bladder and loose stools [probably anxiety, and after effects of ADs which gave me diarrhea] She wants me to have a blood test to be on the safe side [she mentioned celiac disease] , and she actually mentioned ovarian cancer... My health anxiety is now off the scale and I hate myself for it. Can somebody give me some tips about how to stop bloody googling everything?? The GP felt my tummy and that was fine - I don't even have the top three symptoms of ovarian cancer for god's sake - just this bladder thing that is almost certainly stress related.
I had my first CBT appointment on the NHS last week but she has cancelled this week and next. I know I am prone to health worries [if this blood test is OK I will 'invent' something else to worry about]. I know I am anxious at the moment as tomorrow I am having first appointment for dental implant [drilling into the bone! yippee!].
So - need a kick up the pants - you lot are usually good for that!
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Thanks Freda. You're right. Trouble is I am working from home, on a laptop, writing a book! And I need to research constantly - so being internet-less is a bit of an issue.
I am listening to Radio 4 and keep checking that the radiators aren't on - it is so hot outside that warm air is blowing in!
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OOps! Tried to add something and deleted the whole post. Sorry!
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I now look like a total fruitcake - thanking you for something that isn't there! That's made me smile!
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;D
Not a lot of hope here this afternoon :P
STOP GOOGLING :-\
Ovarian cancer is rare. Your GP felt your tummy. She has arranged which blood tests exactly?
Do tell your GP that your counselling sessions have been cancelled. Ask if there is another therapist available! it is not good enough :bang: :bang: :bang:
Are you using anything for vaginal atrophy?
have a :kick: and the drilling will be fine - I've had 3 implants, still here!
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Thanks for the support CLKD. Much appreciated. Have been to yoga and calmed down a bit. Good thing is it has totally taken my worry away from my teeth and gums! I will have covered my whole body soon - that will leave a worry hole...
Blood tests are for celiac disease or wheat allergy I think, but perhaps also for ovarian cancer as there is blood test for that. Am going to do it in the morning, then have implant drill in afternoon, then rest! How were you after the drilling? I figure it is the worst part of the whole process.
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Oh I got quite blasé - for years I HATED it when the Dentist tilted the chair back = loss of control 'cos I can't get out to run away ::). The first implant involved having a tooth removed - it took 3 Surgeons and a possible Hospital appt. + the LA stopped working :o ……… the other 2 implants were put into gaps of long standing. Preparation work + titanium 'stem' implant screwed in then a wait of several months to allow the jaw to 'heal'. Then the 'tooth' was fixed to the top of the implant, job done!
I was OK actually. You will be too ;)
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I'm exactly the same! I had a X-ray on my chest due to pains I was having, Dr checked me out beforehand, twice! And said my chest and lungs both sound clear. Anyway X-ray showed what they think might be a nodule? On my 7th and 8th rib and want me to go for a CT scan! So of course I now think the worst and as a result am pooing myself! :o ::)
I do smoke quite heavily but I don't drink or go out at all and it's my only bit of pleasure :-\
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Health anxiety queen here ;D Piece of advise I was given by dr was to only google once you have a diagnosis as that is when it can be helpful informing you. He said whatever you do don't google symptoms as everysinge one of them could be caused by cancer and google will always give you worse case scenario for any symptom.
The big problem with health anxiety is we are sent for tests because we won't believe the Dr unless a test is done ::) and then said test shows up something that was not even being looked for and invariably turns out to be incidental but in the mean time you have to have more tests or monitering which increases the health anxiety. this happened to me when I had a mri brain scan when I developed pulsitile tinnitus, the scan was to rule out an about to burst blood vessel in brain causing symptom which it did but they found a small cyst on my brain stem. As this was in an unoperable place they kept an eye on it for 3 years with repeat scans and then it disappeared as cysts do.
My Gp says don't have a test unless you really expect to find something ;D ;D
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Makes complete sense but is so difficult :-\
One half of me is saying don't be stupid yet the other half of me is saying don't be so complacent ::)
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I think I am the other health anxiety queen. I used to be a nurse, oddly when I was a nurse many moons ago, I never worried I'd catch or develop anything. Now my knowledge is my enemy as mostly I dont need to google I've read or heard symptoms somewhere anyway. Or they have come off one of those nhs adverts for cancer, ot even a kind tv show where they describe how 'mr bloggs' first knew something was wrong.
they say ignorance is bliss and in this case it would be but I cant unlearn it though I wish I could because every symptom i have is 'bound' to be cancer. oddly i never worry about heart disease though.
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My late mother in law was awful. She was a nurse and ward sister by profession and every time one of the children has a rash or a cough or a tummy upset or some other normal childhood ailment she was on our case bombarding us with literature about what it 'could' be. Of course we would go to the doctor only to be labelled as overanxious fussy parents. None of our children ever got a serious illness either but I can understand her unease as her middle son was extremely unwell and nearly died when he was a child.
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Am taking a break from worry about my nether regions as have just had first dental implant treatment. Lovely dentist and has put me totally at ease. Just need mouth to start working again!
Have got a book from library on health anxiety. Hope it will help!
Am trying hard to put worries into boxes. Am convinced pressure in bladder is just anxiety so am trying to refocus on another area of the body - my mouth - and if pressure goes than I know it is nothing serious!
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Could be the start of vaginal atrophy though as it mimics bladder problems. If you tried some topical oestrogen you would know ;)
See, told you it wouldn't be all bad :medal: - next appt. is when?
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Sparkle, I think I can beat you. I used to be obsessed with teeth but now bladder/bowel issues have taken over. Details of what I google would be TMI for a Sunday morning but it really has overtaken my life. I am pretty certain that months of anxiety have resulted in psychosomatic bladder issues but becomes a circular, chicken and egg process. Am I suffering from something serious or is it in the mind. Did the anxiety come after the symptoms or did the symptoms cause the anxiety.?
Am on antibiotics for a week from dentist to avoid implant infection. But as amoxicillin gives me thrush, dentist gave me flagyl- so have had to google that to make sure my bowel symptoms are caused by that and not something serious.
In the meantime, yet more life has passed me by. I get results of blood test in about a week - would love to think that that will put my mind at rest but, like you, I am sure I will find something else to obsess over. My second NHS CBT session was cancelled and no alternative has yet been offered. Am actually thinking that a group therapy might be better for me.
Let's keep in touch Sparkle - are you trying any type of therapy? Or can't you remember with your dementia??!
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I really feel for you ladies. I have health anxiety but nowhere near your proportions and I usually manage to talk myself out of it and I have stopped googling (most of the time). If I do get any problems they are usually something I haven't thought about anyway ::)
My consultant did me a Full blood count across the board in January and every single result was bang in the middle of normal so if I am feeling low and wavering and thinking myself into something, I get the pages out and read through them all. It helps me to get a grip on my thoughts.
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I am hoping for the same Babyjane.
To be honest, I have always been a worrier and a glass half empty, and have struggled with self-esteem due to childhood issues [as Philip Larkin's poem says, 'They fuck you up, your mum and dad']. So I totally fit the category for health anxiety.
MY OH is fab, really kind and totally glass half full. We have the ability to have an absolutely FANTASTIC life, but I can't seem to accept that I can be lucky enough to deserve it.
Weirdly, I have sailed through the implant thing - no infection worries, BUT have a bit of an obsession lurking about the type of AB I have been given... Have just done housework in lounge [given a good 'bottoming' as my MIL would have called it], listened to Smooth FM, sung along, and guess what - I feel loads better and have no physical symptoms. So - I know one way to tackle this. Might stick with just the singing though, as bloody hate housework.
Sparkle - think carefully before going the AD route. I did take citalopram for four months and it had big impact on my digestion/bowels - leading to an unhealthy obsession with BMs... And I only just feel right now in terms of dreams/sleep/tiredness. My God, I am bad - if I try really hard, I can sound like an episode of Dinnerladies, or the two ladies in overalls that Les Dawson used to do... Not a good way to go! And moaning about your bowels doesn't really do anything for your love life.
Off to read the paper. If I'm lucky I could read about two new diseases I could have before lunchtime.
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ADs have never affected my bowels and I've taken them since 1988 :-\ ::)
I had ABs cover for the 1st couple of dental implants, then didn't think I required any more. Job Done! Next appt. is?
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Two weeks for check and stick removal then 3/4 months until next procedure, which is putting cap on to shape the gum. Dentist is really lovely so have no worries there. It is the stress of waiting for blood tests that gets to me. Sick of this strange bladder pressure but almost sure it is stress related.
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Waiting for anything can be stressful: either worrying or excited ::)
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When I was trying to seek help from my surgery on HRT, a couple of doctors grabbed for their screens and started searching (on the doctors' google, GP Notebook). Hm...
I've actually found research has been my best friend recently and it's certainly meant I can tell when I'm being hoodwinked or lead down blind alleys (which unfortunately does happen). Perhaps if more women googled and ended up on this forum, they'd have the answer to a number of their health issues. My GPs didn't have a clue so I'd have been completely lost if I hadn't switched the 'puter on.
I guess where it's dangerous is when the imagination runs riot....a hard thing to control at times. Fortunately though you've already mentioned you don't have a number of the key symptoms so perhaps you're already discounting the worst scenarios?
GG x
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I wish I was Geordie Girl...
Thankfully nothing new today Sparkle! Actually was really busy presenting all day at work, and after initial panic attack feelings I got so absorbed I forgot to notice my physicality. But funny feeling very low in abdomen is back, just above pubic bone. Not a pain, more a tightening or pressure.
However, I feel OK mentally so am going to enjoy my evening. Finished ABs but it is still two more days until I can have alcohol, can't wait!
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White coat syndrome Sparkle. Hopefully things we'll settle when you take it at home.
If it ain't one thing it's another.
On the plus side I find I can only worry about one thing at a time. Multi tasking doesn't go that far. So as one thing improves another takes over.
Last night I was googling umbilical hernias....I have one which has grown. By the time I had finished reading I was going to die in the night by a strangulated bowel. I know I need something doing with it but now I'm prepared to pretend it's not even there ....wish me luck with that one ::)
Honeyb
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My BP is always ok at my GP's surgery but when I go to the hospital clinic it is always high. I now go and get a reading from the GP's machine and take it wlth me to the hospital so that if it is high when I go there I can show them what it usually is at home.
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I've had it for about ten years but it's growing. I really try to keep my weight down but tummy muscles...well what muscles....are lax.
It's not small that's for sure but I can push it back into place for now but that ain't going to last. It's a simple op. They just put a bit of mesh in and sow things back into place.
Not often painful but I have to be careful what I lift.
If it's not one thing it's another....to be honest I just give up ::)
Honeybun
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My stomach has dropped in the last 6months :-\ suddenly the muscles 'went'.
Honeybun - it's all that cleaning you do for you Mum ;)
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I have had 3 pregnancies, a cesarean section and a hysterectomy. My tummy muscles have all but forgotten their job description even though I try to remind them regularly. I have learned to live with the overhang now and make the best of it ::)
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Some days my over-hang is worse than others and in the morning it's not as bad ::)
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Oh, not hormones then ;D
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I don't have much of an over hang further up. The one I have I've had for many years and it was down to three C sections.
The hernia is just under my belly button and again it was caused by pregnancy. I was huge with my first and it weakened the muscles. The last time my GP looked at it he didn't seem overly concerned but it's got bigger since then :o
I hate it to be honest.
Honeyb
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My lower abdomen is literally burning at the moment. Have been massively anxious all day so it could be that. Have never had trapped wind before, could it be that? It is right under and below belly button. Could it be IBS type symptoms starting at this late age?
Have just finished course of anti-bioethics yesterday so hoped would be better today. :-\
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IBS can really start at any age. Apart from the burning.....which could just be an acidic tummy....what other symptoms do you have.
Pain, urgency to go, constipation, the runs.
They are all classic IBS symptoms. The morning rush is another.
Have you tried some Gaviscon, that's helpful for the burning feeling.
A diagnosis of IBS is given when everything else has been ruled out.
Honeyb
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I would blame the antibiotics! I would be buying Greek LIVE yoghurt to eat several times daily to ease the whole of the alimentary canal!
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I am seriously hoping it is the anti-biopics, although it started in a minor way four weeks or so ago and I thought the pressure on bladder was thrush so had three lots of flucanozole.
Since stopiping ABs it is really bad today and pressure on bladder feels like burning - but does also feel like wind bubbles on my top of my bladder.
And so the anxiety circle continues...
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I can't remember what you are being prescribed but buying the LIVE yoghurt won't do any harm ;) - if you feel well enough to venture to the shops :-\
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Much better to buy a good probiotic to get the good bacteria back into your gut. Unfortunately yogurt and the little drink things don't work that well as your stomach acid kills off most if not all of the good bacteria.
Have a look at Natures Best website. Good quality and reasonably priced probiotics there.
Honeyb
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I think I will go the probiotic route if not better tomorrow. We have a local health food shop that might even be open tomorrow.
Thanks ladies. Am trying to stop myself thinking it is ovarian cancer as apparently bladder issues and abdominal pain are the two most common symptoms.
Now why did I google and find that out??? It hasn't helped, it has just added anxiety to my list of woes. Xxx
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LIVE yoghurt works and so does Actimel ....... the trick is to swallow them on a regular basis to top up ........ or stop eating processed foods ;)
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Total meltdown today - full-on panic attack with new symptom of dizziness and breathlessness. Bugger.
Trigger was probably being very, very tired as had grandchildren to stay and only got four or five hours sleep for two nights. then lay in bed too long this morning and allowed mind to wander into health issues. I also got panicky about having to work tomorrow - although so far I have found work easier as it totally distracts me.
Question - can anxiety over a period of four/five months cause massive stomach problems? I suppose it can, particularly if you add in three courses of anti-biotics.
I feel I going to become one of those weak Victorian women who sit on a chaise longue all day with 'vapours' and need constant doses of smelling salts. Sometimes that actually sounds quite appealing!!! I can totally see how women used to be put into mental hospitals at this time of life, without a sympathetic ear it would be awful.
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Oh rebelyell, have a cyberhug ((hug)). I don't function when I don't get my sleep and stress is the worst enemy of the stomach/digestive system. My bowel is a barometer of how I am physically and mentally (and hormonally)
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I have wonderful memories of Alison Steadman as Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice with one of her 'vapours' sessions. She was wonderful :)
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Thanks folks. Am out working today and despite panic attack symptoms earlier I have managed and even forgotten my physical issues. As soon as I took a break, the burning pressure in my stomach started again. I am now also doing some weird swallowing so getting trapped wind...
What we need is a game of meno anxiety bingo. I only have palpitations to add today for a full house!
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:bighug: My gut is my barometer. Since age 3 when I had my first panic attack :'( - I was told that I would grow out of it!
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Take care of you today ;) …….. put off anything non essential!
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Thanks for that HB. I've placed my order.
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Good support on here as usual! Thanks. Managed train home and am now relaxing. Am trying really hard to eat more - unlike most meno ladies I lose weight easily and lose my appetite when stressed or anxious.
Will try not to google appetite loss but would welcome suggestions for what to eat to gain weight without upsetting tummy again.
No new symptoms!
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Just eat what you fancy.
I drop weight so easily and it's not a good look.
As soon as I am stressed or anxious I can't eat. Fortunately my anxiety is worse early in the day so by the time it comes to dinner I can eat reasonably well. I can't even snack during the day.
A few years ago we moved house, we were in for two weeks and had builders in, then my mother fell and broke her hip. I just couldn't eat at all.....a few mouthfuls here and there. I lost nearly a stone in a month...not a good look when I'm not heavy anyway.
Is there a point in the day when you feel more relaxed...if there is then try and eat then....if not then just as and when you can.
Honeyb
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Dextrose tablets are a good standby. Dried fruits and nuts to nibble on. Bananas and porridge are both slow release foods. Dried toast, biscuits. Fuesli bars ………. LIVE yoghurt.