Bad phase of health anxiety

Hi all,

I’m 25, male, generally in good health. Over the years I’ve suffered from phases of health anxiety and I’m in a bad one at the moment. I have been worried sick at times thinking I may have all sorts of serious illnesses and conditions.

It all began back in March when I had a dodgy takeway meal which upset my stomach. Ever since then, I’ve been experiencing on and off IBS like issues, nothing severe though. I get occasional gas and bloating if I have a large fatty meal. In terms of bowel movements I consistently go once per day but sometimes stools are softish, sometimes come out in pellets, sometimes normal. Colour ranges from light brown to brown and no blood as far as I can see.

I had a blood test which came back negative for coeliac but did show raised liver enzymes which sent my anxiety overdrive. At the same time I had a bad case of the flu or some sort of sinus infection. Thankfully, my repeat blood test showed liver enzymes are on their way back down and doctor isn’t that concerned.

My other worries include the fact that I’ve still got a cough and knee pain when crouching all the way down. Both came on during my flu or whatever it was last month.

Due to all the worrying, my appetite has been up and down. I’ve been forcing myself to eat more than usual because I’ve lost some weight and I’m struggling to put it back on. That in itself is giving me more anxiety. I’ve always found it difficult to put on weight so I typically weigh 66/67kg but at the moment I’m just under 65kg.

Anyone been in or is in a similar situation?

Hi Tempzz, I have health anxiety and thats what prompted me to reply, I know how dreadful it is.

The weight loss you describe doesn’t sound very great and it sounds like your GP is on the ball and doing the necessary tests which is encouraging.

I don’t mean to downplay your symptoms as I know how overwhelming it feels when its bad.

I am currently having CBT for my HA which is helping at local hospital psychology department. Has that been offered to you?

I found this website a couple of years ago and found it very helpful;

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Health-Anxiety

I really hope it gets better for you as I know how horrible HA is,

very best wishes, Anthony

ps I am 66 and have had HA for 30 years, none of the fears have materialised and theres a good chance that will be your experience as well!!!

YES!!! Health anxiety is the worse. I’m glad you mentioned appetite issues. I too have to force myself to eat I have no appetite at all.My stomach is just a mess with all the anxiety. I have PVCS and everytime I have one which is all day it just ramps up my anxiety x100. I’m waiting for my meds to kick in.

yup going through all of this but stress can cause lots of things to be elevated in ur body, i have bad IBS PROBLEMS plus deal with acid reflux and sinus problem and all these things set me off badly, i fear to eat cause i feel that everytime i eat it upsets my stomach and makes my anxiety worst