Posted by JenStar on July 19, 2004, at 23:02:02
In reply to Re: Fellow Hypochondriacs - HELP!, posted by captain on July 19, 2004, at 16:32:08
hey Captain, (and all other hypochondriacs) --
we should start an "I thought I had MS" club. There are more of us out there than I thought!Captain, I got the MRI b/c my primary care referred me to a neurologist. The PC said my symptoms were "enough like" MS to warrant follow-up. The neurologist agreed and said that the 2 MRI's (c-spine and brain) would be the right ones to do. They turned out OK, but I was a complete nervous wreck waiting for the results. I can't even describe the state I was in. Looking back on it, I was in some kind of zombie hypochondriac hell where all I could think about was the disease I was SURE I had. I could do nothing w/o thinking of it, constantly! I never ever want to be that way again, for an imaginary or real illness. It was worse than being sick -- feeling that much anxiety.
That was when the neurologist said I should consider Lexapro plus therapy to get a handle on my disease-generating thoughts.
I had not considered that I was depressed, becuase like you I am normally upbeat and funny and happy and jokey. But when I started working with the therapist, I discovered that I was actually depressed about some things in my life. (Miss Honeychurch, you are right about therapy being helpful!)
I still don't think those things caused my physical sypmtoms, and I don't know where the symptoms came from. But I sure am glad they are gone! Pretty much gone, anyway. I still have some but I've accepted the fact that I don't have ALS...
Anyway, I agree that if you won't be able to rest until you see a brain scan, ask your primary care for a neurology referral & get the test done. I know I probably sound 'test happy' but it gave me peace of mind, and a 'clean slate' to start fresh. Once I knew I was well, I could concentrate on staying that way and not letting my anxiety get the better of me again.
I think the LEx really helps me keep the diseases out of my mind!
Anyway, hope your cold gets better, good luck on the business trip, and write again when you get a chance.
By the way, you should post your 'top ten' list! I've seen a few people do that and I tried it -- it's fun. List out 10 things that make you happy. It's a quick pick-me-up.
take care,
JenStar
poster:JenStar
thread:366441
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040719/msgs/368044.html