I faced my fear of the ENT

[beth414]

I faced my fear of the ENT
I went and faced it, it seemed so casual, he just looked in my ear and said you have a hole in your ear drum and you need to get it patched and he told me why, I told him it is still hurting and he said he saw no infection but I feel something just isn't right, I will look into getting the hole fixed as it does not seem to heal itself.I appreciate this forum being here.It helped me to read and see that others are going through simular problems. I have suffered with problems with this ear over 20 years. I was driving home and wondering maybe he didn't look good enough etc.. I dont understand why I worry so much over health issues over dying ,I am going to look into couseling this week, as I am not truly living my life because of worry I appreciate this forum because I have hardly ever go out of the house anymore because it gives me to much anxiety , I need a new antidepressent the paxil is not working.And I cannot take benzo's they are terrible to come off of.It wont be long and I will have another health issue come up that I will worry over.Anybody else have this problem get a clean bill of health and then still worry or think the doctors dont know what there talking about?I think this is also OCD

[beth414]

Thank you both so much for your response

[melipops]

Hi, i would go seek help. I know it is hard but try not to diagnose yourself. Leave that to the people who know. Some paranoia is normal and is justified in some cases about doctors. Most know what they are on about so I wouldn't worry too much. Take care Cheers

[cj29]

Health anxiety is quite common in this community.  My first experience with anxiety came from concerns about my health.  I was concerned about my heart and no matter what the doctors told me over and over, I knew something just had to be wrong.  That 'what if?' cycle of thinking took over and I initially had a hard time even accepting the possibility that it could have been anxiety (which of course it was).  

I think you are on the right track with going to seek counseling.  For me, it was the most important step I took in dealing with it.  In my opinion, counseling sheds light on a dark subject.  It gives you the knowledge to learn about and confront the source of your anxiety.  Also, sometimes, we do need a change in medications....how long have you been on the paxil?  These types of medications take awhile to feel the benefit of them.

Also, do not get too down on yourself.  Many people believe that accepting and confronting an anxiety problem shows weakness.  In my opinion, the exact opposite is true.  You are choosing to confront something that is very confusing and scary which in my book shows a lot of courage, so give yourself credit....keep us posted!