New girl here

Hypergirl Tue, 31/07/2018 - 20:18

Hi everyone,

can anyone help me please? I am a long way off my cancer remission actually 12 years ago now but I am still suffering from crippling hyperchrondria. I just cannot shake off the feeling that even the most innocent of pain is something sinister. I have had so many scans, MRI and CT for so many different things. Last year I was tested for a heart problem which I didn’t have but went through the most horrendous time having to have an angiogram and I am currently in the grip of a problem with my back. I didn’t have any help after my cancer was cured (just surgery) and I was just left to get on with everything on my own. I didn’t tell my parents as they were elderly then and so I just relied on my husband who has been a brick. The scanxiety afterwards was just awful and I dreaded the doctors appointment when you waited to hear if the latest scan was clear.There is nothing I can do about having had cancer, I know I can’t change it but oh I would love to just have a time when I didn’t worry so much. I wonder if anyone has had treatment for hypercondria - although I realise most hypercondriacs have never had any serious illness in the first place. Has anyone had hypnotherapy or any form of treatment for it. I would love to have some peace of mind. Sorry for rambling but would like to hear from anyone who might have conquered this or at least ways quietened it down. Many thanks and love to all.

StillDancing Wed, 01/08/2018 - 23:57

Hi

I can fully relate to what you're saying. I am 14 years post-diagnosis ( I had cancer of the tongue). I had surgery and radiotherapy and have had no problems since. For the first few years I used to be very anxious about any illness, however minor. I also had serious confidence issues. Once my five year remission date passed I felt as if the doctors just saw cancer as a part of my medical history that I could just draw a line under.

Eventually I realised I needed to talk to someone who understood the impact of a cancer diagnosis. I phoned Macmillan and they gave me contact details for a cancer support unit at a local hospital. I saw first a counsellor and then a psychiatric support worker - both of whom had worked with patients in the hospital and in hospices - and they were really good at helping me work through my issues. They helped me to realise that although I may not be able stop feeling anxious about my health I could learn to control the anxiety. I no longer torture myself with "what if", I try to calm myself down and think "it's probably nothing serious". It really helped to talk to someone who wasn't emotionally involved .

Take Care

Hypergirl Thu, 02/08/2018 - 09:59

Thank you for the reply, its much appreciated. I am going to get some help (never too late!) - because this is really keeping me from living my life, which is strange because I survived and should be grateful for it (which I am- beyond what you could imagine). I had bowel cancer (it was a carcinoid tumour) and had to have a bowel resection - I was in intensive care for a week - no food for 8 days, lost a stone etc. etc. But afterwards I did feel that I was just set adrift. I didn't have to have chemo (it doesn't work on this type of cancer) - just a watching programme - which lasted five years, scans colonoscopies bloods etc.

My GP is good but I know he thinks I'm a nutter and he humors me somewhat - poor man. I am going to get some CBT therapy I think seems like this might be my best bet. Also I am going to try some meditation and just generally be better to myself (get some massages etc.)

I am very active - go to the gym, walk a lot, travel a lot but have been extra stressed this year as my father died in February and I am now looking after my Mum (88) who has her own health issues, so I suppose the stress of this doesn't help my own situation.

I am pleased to have found this site, it helps I'm sure. Thanks again - love xxx

bryjan Sun, 05/08/2018 - 17:04

I think CBT is a great help and have tried it but what really helped a great deal was using Headspace every day - brilliant programme and Andy seems to have the most wonderful voice and manner.

Delighted to find this site as had no support here at all as naturally enough everything is in Dutch, which I dont speak. Have got a couple of contacts now and talking to eachother really helps.

Hypergirl Mon, 06/08/2018 - 12:40

Thank you Bryjan - is Headspace an online programme if so I will try it straight away. I have found someone who does relaxation/meditation and healing so I will be having my first appointment with them this week. So determined to sort this out - after a long time I know- doesn't help that I am now 62 and of course the body will have aches and pains (more so than when you are younger) - but I must get my head into a space that says "that's normal" - Thanks again - love to all xx

bryjan Mon, 06/08/2018 - 18:06

Hi there. Please try it on www.headspace.com and u get lots of free examples. It truly restored my sanity as was so lonely because although there are about 70,000 English speaking people in The Hague the hospitals don’t have facilities to assist us although I tried - am therefore delighted to find this website to ‘talk to others’. Please post how you find Headspace as am interested. Also love the Cancer Survivors Companion, especially pages 1 and 2!