Major Health Anxiety: GI issues
Hi - sorry for the long post! I’m a 58 yo female who up to the beginning of this year was athletic, fit, felt great and as far as I knew, healthy.
I had a 5 hour surgery late last year and one week after, I started to have upper GI issues which migrated to lower GI (I’ve been diagnosed with IBS yrs ago) and by the time January 2020 rolled around I really felt something didn’t quite feel right. By then, I was getting lower pelvic/back pain. I was also getting bright red blood occasionally after BMs. I have had this for years for hemmroids but this time I got scared. Fast forward to March, and I called a GI dr requesting a colonoscopy but covid19 prevented that, so I called again complaining of pain and they did a CT scan of pelvic/abdomen looking for a rectal access. The CT scan results came back with clear colon, stomach, lymph glands,small intestines, female organs and NO rectal access. etc but found. Liver lesion - noted as hemangioma but needs evaluation and a pancreatic cyst. This started into fast descent into major health anxiety and absolute depression. Also, in addition to the pelvic and lower back on the left side I developed groin pain on the left side in the last 3 wks. I did see a colorectal surgeon right after the ct scan and He diagnosed me with a fissure.
Since the ct scan, I have turned over the care of the pancreatic cyst to a specialist at Stanford hospital I’m scheduled for a follow up mri is sept. This Dr reviewed my images and said this cyst is precancerous.
In order to address the continuous pelvic/lower back now groin pain I called another GI dr and begged for a colonoscopy which is scheduled for this Friday.
I’m absolutely terrified at this point. There is colon cancer on my maternal line. I’m not sure I’m mentally equipped to handle cancer from my colon, especially after being told I have a precancerous cyst and I have a hemangioma that requires further evaluation. In mind, I’m dying by the minute. I can’t eat and I have stopped working out. I sit in my room all day and ruminate over my health issues. I’m currently seeing a psychotherapist 2x a week, started meditation and breathing exercises. I take .25 Xanax in the afternoon and another at night.
Anyone else dealing with / dealt with major health anxiety issues?
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Sad to know about what you went through as a child then as an adolescent that was harsh ..
Experienced child molesting as a child by a family member I could tell a soul about it was afraid to mention it I was warned that no one would believe me & nobody would take my words seriously. that effected me for the rest of my life till today ..my relationships with men was badly effected..I was traumatized but the people didn't see the ..
@nawras I was molested by my brother-in-law and my sister found out. They have been divorced for years. I wrote a long passage earlier. He is the one that will pay for it. I feel so bad, because you did not have support. He also molested my older sister and in those days she had to be at the divorce proceedings to testify. It must have been hard for you and still seems to be hard for you. Have you gone to counseling. I lived on counseling for years. A lot of stuff has gone on in my family, but at least I had support. I wish you to be able to live a normal life and put it all behind you. That's what I did, except for the death of my 11 day husband and our friend. They are in my heart and it's been 50 years. Can hardly believe it, I can see them as clear as day. I was only 18. I hope things are better for you. Blessings
@lisag03 I wish this wasn't yours or anyone' story. My heart and my prayers go out to you, your husband and your children. I sit here in tears praying for relief from pain and depression. I read your story and I now cry and pray for you. I am so sorry that you are going through this. You are strong Momma. Stronger than you ever thought you could be. You are an inspiration to me and I am sure many others. Please allow us in so we can offer support where we can and prayers always. God bless you and your family.
You are so kind. Thank you so much! I’m hoping I’m on the uphill swing right now and that we keep going that way
Have you had any more discussions about a colectomy? I don’t know why I never saw your response before now. I’m curious what your circumstances are now? I would love to chat if you need to