SighNoMore 63 Posted January 9, 2021 I had a good few weeks. Now I have fear really setting in. I had a doctor ordered CT in November due to past kidney stones. It found a cyst on my adrenal gland. I can’t shake that fear. My urologist said it’s fine, but it always lingers it’s something more. Something sinister. Everything happens on my left side of my body and after a recent surgery, I developed a mondor cord on the left side. All I can think is the adrenal issue is cancer and caused the cord and cancer is all over my body. I am beyond scared. I have lab work next week for my yearly physical exam, and I filled with dread. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ironman 198 Posted January 10, 2021 Well, I don't think much is going to change between your post and the appointment. The only thing you can control is how you are thinking about it. Your anxiety is anticipatory...….and it's always worse than the actual event itself. The WHAT IF syndrome. What if I have a kidney stone, or five in one kidney and they have to go in and get them? I have a lump on my adrenal gland and a second one next to it. I have a kidney stone in my bladder? …..or you can do reverse what if thinking.... What if The adrenal gland bump is harmless as the doctor said The kidney stone issue doesn't seem to be there as I have not experienced pain. the conditions improved since the last scan? Even if there is a kidney stone, there are multiple ways to get to it. Kidney stones are painful, but they aren't cancerous! The bump on your adrenal gland has already been checked out. If it's normal, you're good. If it is not, the doctors would probably remove it and test it. The scan would pick up other stuff to so it would be covered. Long story short, break down your anxiety into two piles: what you CANNOT control and what you CAN control. The stuff you CANNOT control is for the doctors since they know what to do. What you CAN control is your reaction to the thoughts. You are smart, creative, and capable - and can get though anything! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SighNoMore 63 Posted January 11, 2021 Thank you for your most kind and thoughtful response the what if gets me every single time I have had stones before so I’m not exceptionally worried about that. The pain and surgery were not fun, but I made it! I just worry the adrenal issue is being ignored or blown off. I tell myself the urologist would not do this as that’s a huge malpractice issue if he did. My lab work this week is also making me feel panicked so I am trying to remind myself it will be what it will be. It’s just that fear of the unknown and you’re right, the anticipation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BirdieS 7 Posted January 16, 2021 SighNoMore, any updates? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ironman 198 Posted January 16, 2021 On 1/10/2021 at 8:37 PM, SighNoMore said: Thank you for your most kind and thoughtful response the what if gets me every single time I have had stones before so I’m not exceptionally worried about that. The pain and surgery were not fun, but I made it! I just worry the adrenal issue is being ignored or blown off. I tell myself the urologist would not do this as that’s a huge malpractice issue if he did. My lab work this week is also making me feel panicked so I am trying to remind myself it will be what it will be. It’s just that fear of the unknown and you’re right, the anticipation. Doctors won't write anything off. Everything is noted for tracking purposes, no matter how far back. Yes, it would be malpractice otherwise. Anticipatory anxiety is ALWAYS worse than the actual event itself. We put too much energy into something that isn't that critical. If it is, address it with the doctor at that point. Until then, don't put energy into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SighNoMore 63 Posted January 17, 2021 On 1/16/2021 at 3:29 AM, Ironman said: Doctors won't write anything off. Everything is noted for tracking purposes, no matter how far back. Yes, it would be malpractice otherwise. Anticipatory anxiety is ALWAYS worse than the actual event itself. We put too much energy into something that isn't that critical. If it is, address it with the doctor at that point. Until then, don't put energy into it. Trying to remember this. It is so hard to not give into the what ifs. It is a huge battle. The anticipation is so maddening to try and combat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MARC 431 Posted January 18, 2021 A friend of mine had a chest x-ray as he had a persistent cough. They thought they saw something on the chest x-ray, so a lung scan was ordered. My friend was in a panic. It turned out to be some sort of shadow they told him, which he said made no sense to him, but he was happy all was good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SighNoMore 63 Posted January 18, 2021 1 hour ago, MARC said: A friend of mine had a chest x-ray as he had a persistent cough. They thought they saw something on the chest x-ray, so a lung scan was ordered. My friend was in a panic. It turned out to be some sort of shadow they told him, which he said made no sense to him, but he was happy all was good. Glad your friend is ok! Always nice when it works out well. Hope he stays that way. I definitely have a cyst from what was explained. I am just trying to not panic over it all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
