Severe health anxiety

Hi ! My name is Amie, I am almost 70. Holy Moly, it's the first time I have admitted that to anyone ! And while I have experienced panic attacks, I have never experienced what you are talking about. I have experienced odd symptoms - usually during times of immense stress. Stress can do wierd things to your body - from chest pains to hives (going on 11 months now).
I haven't been able to cry since my Grandma died. I am guessing you were close to your dad as I was to my Grandma. I am no doctor, but I also think that there is a reason for the inability to cry. I believe it is our bodies way of protecting itself. I truly believe that undergoing these traumatic times in our lives - our brain and body protects itself.
I have only seen a therapist for a short time, but I also believe in my heart, that when we are ready to face and come to terms with these losses, we will be able to cry again (maybe). But I am not sure at what it will cost us emotionally.
This might sound a little crazy, but I talk to my Grandma all the time. Both out loud and in my head. It brings me comfort to do that.
I wish you well with what's going on in your life. Cut yourself a little slack and be kind to yourself. Worrying will not bring any comfort. I have been telling family that I finally figured out that all my issues are emotion based - IBS, migraines, chronic pain, hives. Now it's time to learn how to cope with them. Whether that means making changes in my life or delving into root causes and heal myself or just letting myself just go bat-shit crazy for awhile.
Good Luck ! I would love to keep in touch, but I am new to this website and have no idea how to do that !

Hi Amie,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful reply. You're truly kind, and I really needed someone to talk to. I'm new to this website too, and I’d love to keep our conversation going. I saw there's a private chat option, but honestly, I’m not quite sure how to use it yet either!

I’m so sorry about your Grandma. I can tell you were really close, just like I was with my dad. I want to cry so badly, but I just can’t… So it really touched me when you said that—maybe our brains are trying to protect us. I think you’re right, and when I see my psychiatrist next time, I’ll ask about it. There must be some reason behind it, like you said.

Can I ask—how long have you been dealing with stress and anxiety?
For me, there are times when I feel better and the anxiety seems to calm down… but eventually, it always comes back stronger. It’s like this never-ending cycle.

Again, thank you for reaching out. You made me feel less alone today. 💜

Past trauma?

Hi, Ana !! I have been dealing with stress for decades. First, when I was working. I held a pretty intensive job. What I noticed was that I started getting sick all the time. I developed chronic bronchitis, then other lung issues when the stress was a constant.

Then came my kids. Working and taking care of kids really puts a strain on women. It got to the point to where I was working 60 hr weeks and doing dinner, kids baths and homework. I seriously don't know how I made I thru.

I meant it when I said to be kind to yourself ! Try not to dwell too much on drs appts. It's a hard thing to do, but when you start dwelling on it- try thinking about anything else - pleasant family memories and such. I try to change my mind to my Grandma and the private memories I keep stored.

If it makes you feel any better, I had 4 endoscopies in one year. I kept telling my family the dr had a crush on me but I think he just was trying to go to the Bahamas for vacation and needed the money would be closer to the truth. They give you something that knocks you out while they do it so you don't feel anything.

Since I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I am very familiar with stomach/intestinal issues. But there again, it's emotion based. It almost sounds like you have something similar. Theres Chrones disease and bunch of others that are all based in the stomach and intestines and esophagus. I take Dicyclomine 20 mg for my IBS, 3 times a day. But for intestinal issues it all boils down to not eating foods that cause flare ups and following the FODMAP diet. Might not hurt for you to give it a shot and see if eating differently works for you. You can get info about it by just looking up FODMAP on the web.

From just reading your email, I think you and I might be similar in that we hold our stress inside us. That's where all the other symptoms of mine come from - emotions. And, holding it inside yourself.

I have been taking Prozac in escalating milligrams since my 30's. It has worked for me to keep me from stressing out too much. But that's about all I am taking.

Do you have any hobbies that bring you joy ?? Even setting aside one hour each day to do something that truly makes you happy will make a big difference. I have enjoyed exercizing for forever. When my kids were young, I would tell them I am going to exercise so that was the hour I didn't want to be bothered. They could talk to me anytime but for the time I was exercizing. Any form of exercise is good for you and helps reduce stress levels. It's another way of getting your mind on something other than what's bothering you.

To be honest with you, I was on the same merry-go-round. I would not be doing so good, feel better then back to feeling horrible.

May I ask what you do for a living ? Are you pleased with your job ? And, your family ? Anyone you are close to you can confide in ?

Well, I think my email is turning into a book ! You take care of yourself ! If you would like to email me my email address is (don't laugh ! I was a service engineering coordinator in my job and gave myself the title of goddess) : service_goddess@yahoo.com

Take care, kiddo !!
Amie