Anyone else struggle with hypochondria?!

gb2115

I'd love to hear from others who have turned into complete hypochondriacs because of this entire experience. I clearly have. And it's not necessarily fear of the cancer returning (though I know that fear will eventually come), but fear of any little health problem turning into the worst case scenario.

cliff

after a surprise of congestive heart failure 4 years ago, then the surprise breast cancer discovery last march, I look over my shoulder a lot and go to my doctor over everything.

gb2115

Me too. I went to the eye doctor about something last week for something that, in hindsight, didn't really need to be looked at. Oh well.

ChiSandy

I’ve been a lifelong hypochondriac. My husband, a cardiologist, says that we hypochondriacs make the best cancer & heart patients because finally someone is taking us seriously.

My chosen epitaph: “SEE?” (Oscar Levant’s was “I Told You I Was Sick”).

MTwoman

gb2115, it is an interesting question. During the year I was getting my bc 'figured out' and going through my reconstruction, I also went ahead and got a colonoscopy as I have a pretty significant history of colon ca in my family. I was 38 and had no symptoms, but went in for screening as my nurse navigator said, "you've met your max out of pocket this year, so it's free, why not go ahead and get that out of the way?" They found several polyps, one of which was pre-cancerous (but thankfully small). I was flabbergasted. I did have a sort of "what could happen now?" state of mind for awhile and worried about my health, but don't remember going into the actual doctor's office with symptoms that weren't identified as belonging to an actual phenomenon. I remember feeling overly anxious about ca, but I think/thought it was a pretty natural response.

Now, 14 years later, I think I've gone in the other direction. I think I am pretty careful about knowing my body and considering whether something (a pain, or difference) is "real", persistent, and indicative of a significant problem. I typically do some research, and have an idea of what is going on before I present myself to a doc. I only went to the MO once for a consult, as I was TN and DCIS. After UMX for multifocal disease, I was done with the treatment phase. I don't have an MO to even touch base with about questions. I am just 52 now, and am realizing that I will enter higher risk years for my existing breast in the future. With no MO. So I'm considering consulting with one just so someone can consider my situation (and all of the newest research) and be ready if I ever need them.

Maybe that feeling of hypochondriasis is not permanent for us all Maybe it is a natural phase that we can, with time, outgrow. You have just recently gone through a monumental health crisis. Give yourself time and patience! ((hugs))

Kayla250

yeah, my first thought after I cough is "oh no, metastasis". I fractured a hip training for and running a half marathon in June, I thought "OMG!!!" after X-rays, bone scan, and bone density test, it seems it would have probably happened without being on Anastrozole. But I must say, when I go to my doctor,with anything, it's her first thought too.

gb2115

I also wonder which doctor to go to for things. There are so many doctors now, although for me, I don't even know if my PCP knows what is going on at all. I've only seen him a few times and only go when I'm really sick. I haven't been over there since the cancer diagnosis.

gb2115

My med onc and surgeon are both very good listeners. I also have a nurse navigator who deserves some sort of award for listening to me on the phone so much. She's the type I'd want to go have a cup of coffee with!!