Obsession about going to the doctor

[johanni]

It seems like every time I feel a little symptom in my body I need to go to the doctor to be reassured nothing is wrong with me.at one stage I would go everyday even to different doctors!Ive seen 4 cardiologists because of ongoing chest pain but all tests haxe proven negative.Yet I cant seem to convince myself I dont have a heart problem.I am in despair and have constant thoughts of death and even nightmares like planning my own funeral.Please advise.i do take valium which seems to help ,tried several ADs which I think made me worse.
Dimi.

[spade22]

You suffer from hypochondriasis.  Please see a psychiatrist who can give you the help that you need to get your life back on track.

[Raine9]

I agree with spade.  I suffered from the same thing.  I know EXACTLY what you are going through.   A psychiatrist can help.  Medication can take the edge off but the only person who can really change your perspective is YOU.  Over the summer I read a self help book that helped me with this.  When I get a physical symptom nowadays, I just sort of shrug it off and it goes away in a few days.  I no longer have thoughts of despair and so forth.  Generally, I'm positive.  I suffered from chest pain earlier this year as well.  It frightened me but it turned out to be nothing but anxiety.  I took Xanax a couple of times and the chest pain went away.          

The book I read helped me a great deal and my anxiety is virtually non-existent these days and I feel great!  

Good luck!

[johanni]

Thanks for replying.It really is a living hell.I wonder when I will reclaim my own self again.I think its time as you all suggested that i seek some help.I cant live like this.It is torture!!!!
Dimi.

[Trizmommy]

I agree that the chest pain is anxiety.  I had that constantly, whether I was thinking bad things or not.  And I'm 27, I felt I was too young for heart problems....I'm on lexapro now, and my anxiety is pretty much gone, I only need the occasional xanax but that chest tightness and pain are gone...Good luck to you, don't worry, if you seek relief, you will find it!

[Topher7]

Read my dodctor post below. I'm in the same boat sometimes. It comes and goes with me but even after hearing 3 times I'm fine I still have symptoms and think they don't see something. I'll get through it but talking to someone helps.

[johanni]

Thanks for you support over this tough period for me.I guess we understand each other better than some doctors understand us.
kind regards,
Dimi.

[Julie359]

yeah anxiety and chest pains/tightness seem to go hand in hand, my chest tightens so much when i'm very anxious or panicking that i can't talk and find getting a breath very hard.  I can understand your worry as it is very disturbing getting pain in your chest, you naturally think something is very wrong but as you have been given the all clear, when you feel the pain coming on just keep saying in your mind that it is just anxiety, that you are fine and nothing bad is going to happen.  Do some deep breathing, and see yourself relaxing in your minds eye, repeat it over and over until you start to feel calmer.  This may help..... xxx

[sandra151167]

Does any one take citalopram?  can  you tell me how your getting on with them and any side effects