Sneakers84 0 Posted December 10, 2014 While I am happy to see I'm not alone in this, it's sad to see so many others suffering. I am a hypochondriac. It sucks, it comes in waves, and I usually deal with it. Lately I have had a headache... Tension and sinus that I can't seem to shake so you all know the drill. It's obviously a brain tumor. Ugh... Why can't I just accept I have a headache like a normal person. Worst part is my husband is a doctor and constantly tells me I'm fine but I just pass it off as him not wanting to scare me. Actually on paper that sounds a lot more irrational than it did in my head. If he legitimately was concerned, I doubt he would spare my worries and keep it from me. I seem to be spiraling out of control since this headache started. I've fallen into a funk that I know will dissipate as soon as the headache goes away. The worst part about all of this is that I know I'm not crazy and I am completely cognizant of how irrational I am behaving and how my thoughts are not real but I just can't seem to turn them off. Fortunately I stay miles away from doctor google and am currently in the process of finding a psychiatrist. Meds are not an option but I'm feeling better just knowing there are others out there going through the same thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessie-lee06 1 Posted December 10, 2014 Hi Sneakers! I feel your pain. I have had headaches for the last month ATLEAST and my sinuses have been killing me. really blocked up and I'm blowing my nose so much there is blood and I also have a sore throat. Normal person says it's a sinus infection/cold but me the hypo says i'm obviously dying. It's an awful thing constantly worrying about it too it's like an endless cycle. I have recently had blood tests and everything was perfect so I should just rest on that knowing I am not really too ill. Easier said than done for us of course. I have just started lexapro. Day 25 today and have been getting headaches as a side effect, not to mention i was just diagnosed with TMJ so all my symptoms have a reason it's just so hard to accept. Stay well away from Dr google i have only learnt this recently after many panic attacks reading what could possibly be wrong with me. I hope your sinuses clear up soon, and tension is always the biggest cause for our headaches. Most of the time we are tense without even realising it too. I heat pack on your neck/shoulders works wonders. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonathan123 2368 Posted December 10, 2014 Hi Sneakers and welcome to AC. It does not follow, in my experience at least, that being a doctor necessarily means you understand how it feels to have anxiety. There is no substitute for experience and you will find that in abundance on this site. We have all been where you are now (see the above post by Jessie), and there are many more out there who do not come on here and seek help. You are neither crazy or irrational but suffering from acute anxiety. There is a theory that when in an anxiety state the primitive part of the brain takes over. That is the part handed down to us by our cave man ancestors that puts us in a fight/flight mode. We see a Sabre Toothed Tiger and we run like mad!! Now our body acts in the only way it knows when we are fearful. It puts us in this fight/flight situation. Result. Headaches, tummy upsets, aching arms and legs (and all muscles can react in this way). Wanting to dash to the loo to lighten the load so we can run faster. Now in modern society we can't fight, not done, and we can't dissipate the energy by running so it gets bottled up and results in the feelings you have. When primitive man ran he eventually dissipated the energy and went about his business. Animals do this. They have a fright then, ten minutes later, are chasing a ball. It is our minds that are the problem. We become afraid of the symptoms that are normal in the circumstances we create and so add more fear, more anxiety. Look up on the site the posts about this and especially under RESOURCES the articles about Dr. Claire Weekes. This does pass, honest it does, but you need to help yourself by realising that you are in a vicious circle of fear/anxiety/fear. Good to have you with us. Jon. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkrickeb 1 Posted December 11, 2014 HI, after reading your post I felt I had to respond. I am a medical assistant and so when ever I feel any ache or pain I always think the worst. Lately my anxiety has been so bad, I constantly think something is wrong with me.Today my throat felt tight so when I looked in the mirror I thought my glands were more swollen then usual. Right away panic set in thinking my airway would swell and I wouldn't be able to breathe. Everyday its something. Its funny cause I work with Doctors all day and that gives me some relief . I always think if something happens to me, at least I am with doctors that can help. I was wondering if you being married to a doctor gives you any comfort. Hope you feel better soon.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dany 10 Posted December 14, 2014 One technique that works for me really well is to accept the pain. You said that you know that your thoughts and concerns are irrational and that means you know you don't have a brain tumor or something else. From this point you will have to accept the fact that you have a regular headache that millions of people around the world are experiencing every single day and that is a normal thing. Headaches can have multiple reasons so no need to worry until you don't take a complete medical examination and see exactly if you have a real reason to worry or not. Accept the pain and learn methods to relax like deep breathing so you can ease your pain. Also herbal medicine can be really helpful, for me works a lot. Take care and stay positive! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
