I can't accept that some symptoms are caused by anxiety

Hi all,

Last month I had a testicular scare and since then l haven't felt the same mentally and physically. In the days leading up to the appointment, I was in a state of panic. Felt weak, stomach pains, irregular bowel activity, pain in lower back, amongst other things.

I had my testicle issue checked by 2 different doctors. They both said it definitely wasn't cancer and most likely caused by the tight pants I used to wear. I mentioned the other symptoms and they said I was just highly stressed.

Although I was very relieved it wasn't testicular cancer, I was still concerned about the other issues. I was waking up early, still feeling weak, especially in my legs. When I tried to get back to sleep I would experience a head rush like dizziness. In the space of a week, I went to A&E twice and also my GP twice out of sheer panic. Each and every time, I was told it's stress/anxiety. But for some reason I cannot accept this.

I now no longer feel the testicular pain I had before but my stomach pains, particularly lower down on both sides, seems to have flared up. I'm experiencing constipation and still wake up each and every morning feeling ill and lethargic. I've hardly got an appetite anymore and I've lost a bit of weight which my colleagues have noticed. I've been going in to work but I just don't feel right. I cannot focus or work how I used to. I'm having sleep issues (insomnia) and the bags under my eyes are ridiculous.

Now, thanks to all the google searches on symptoms, I seem to have diagnosed myself with bowel cancer. I've got another appointment on Thursday where I will plead for a blood test and possibly a colonoscopy/endoscopy.

I just haven't felt the same and I can't accept that anxiety is causing all of this physical pain.

Anyone else feel this way too?

I felt that way for months. Still do somedays. I try to ignore it. Chalk it all up to anxiety. I go to the dr often. Frequently ask for tests done. I have had a 24 hr holter moniter, 2 ekgs, 2 blood tests, and a chest xray. I was just in today and asked for an mri and ct scan which he said no to. I think i will make my own appt at a neurologist now. I believe it is all anxiety related but until i get all the tests done that i want done i dont think it will go away.

Just like you, i just can not accept the fact that anxiety causes all these things.

So I'm assuming that all your tests have come back with no bad news?

Can I ask what you're having trouble with?

I really don't blame you wanting complete testing. I saw that Life Scan advert on Sky News today and am seriously considering it. They seem to target people over 50 years of age; I'm 33 but if it carries on like this then I think I may have to splash the cash.

I'm not afraid of dying but I don't want to suffer in the long run when it's too late. If a possible illness can be identified and treated earlier then why not? That's how I see it anyway.

Hiya what your saying is all anxiety related symptoms, if you look on google and search anxiety symptoms you will find all the symptoms on there that your worrying about, i suffer with health anxiety too and find it hard to beleive my symptoms are anxiety related but the truth is they are.

Thanks for your reply. Believe me, I've been googling for the past month. I'm just finding it hard to accept. I haven't been offered any anxiety medication, was just told to rest and relax with a camomile tea. I've done this and unfortunately I don't feel any better.

I took time of work to rest but I think it had the opposite effect. I was at home going crazy. Constantly searching symptoms, diagnosing myself with leukaemia, and then lymphoma and all sorts of illnesses that shared some common symptoms. I seem to have developed tinnitus in my right ear so things just seem to be getting worse.

It has been a month now and I feel as if I'm leaving something more serious to fester while I'm trying to sort my head out. Very desperate times at the moment.

I randomly had a panic attack in october that has left me with what the drs call sinus tachycardia (fast heart rate) caused from gad. Ive always had anxiety, always been a worrier and this has never happened. Cant have caffeine anymore either. And yes, all of my tests have been normal. I had a high white blood cell count which led me to believe i have cancer but it is only a tad over the norm and the dr says not to worry.

I am also constantly diagnosing myself as well. I can't wrap my head around it. Even though i am trying. Why have your drs not given you any meds?

Look up the symptoms for gallbladder, if I even spelled that right.

Oh my! This sounds just like me minus the testicles! All of the stomach discomfort u described im experiencing right now. I just woke up contemplating a trip to my dr r er

They've never offered but to be honest I've never asked.

I wanted blood tests and a diagnosis for something other than anxiety I guess.

Glad your results are all fine. Do you experience any physical pain to make you think you have cancer?

Hey poony. Did you end up going?

Can I ask how long you've been experiencing these stomach issues for?

I experience pain daily. Mostly my left shoulder and left rib cage. Which causes me believe i have a heart issue. But the heart dr said no. I have headaches, and a tingly head feeling. My face also hurts but i had a bad cold and sinusitis so i think that's what that pain is from.

My stomach makes weird noises too and it freaks me out because i do not feel hungry most of the time.

About 2 weeks...its scary m I cant get to dr til Monday

Don't worry, Monday will come soon enough. Make sure you go and mention every single symptom you're feeling.

I had a full set of blood tests finally done today. The doctor I had was great and very understanding. But now it's just the waiting game and I'm getting very anxious, constantly fearing the worst.

Praying for good results!

Thank you so much. So much going through my mind right now. I feel as if the stomach pains are getting worse and it's making me fear the worst.

How's your stomach holding up?

My stomach is acting up rite now. Its real real tight n making a gurgling sound. Im trying to deal but its not good.

Sorry to hear that. What are your stools like?

I am currently in A&E as there is a tender spot under my bottom right rib and although it isn't causing me the most severe pain, I'm feeling nauseous and I'm really worried.