UCPPS - Prostatitis, Interstitial Cystitis Forum

Well, it's hit again... Not my prostatitis but my health anxiety (Carld, any word from you would be great)...

Basically, I have, in the last several years, all but convinced myself at some point that I have probably 6 or more different cancers. Testicular, small tumor on belly that turned out to be a cyst, colon cancer, mouth cancer. I'm not sure why but cancer is a big fear (phobia) of mine.

A few days ago I had a stuffy nose with mucus running down into my stomach and a little burning sensation in my tummy (probably from the mucus, right?). Some slight stomach discomfort. It would come for 30 seconds at a time and then I'd be fine. These are symptoms of anxiety I've had at times as long as I can remember.

The symptoms now (today) seem to be more steady. Basically most of the time unless I feel like I'm not going to die.

I think some anxiety about an unrelated family issue set me off but I instantly decided I had stomach cancer (at 27 yr old non smoker, no family history of cancer, healthy otherwise and a healthy lifestyle).

I basically know that I've had the same mild stomach upset during other anxiety issues such as when I was convinced I had colon cancer.

The symptoms go away when I am relaxed such as at night when I chill out. They stay away all night then when I wake up they slowly come back over the course of the morning (much like my anxiety). When I eat something the symptoms also go away or at least get a little better.

I assume early stomach cancer symptoms don't behave like this.

Not matter how much the "logical" side of my brain tells me there's no reason to fear, I can't stop thinking and worrying about it!

Any words of encouragement in this dark time of hypochondria would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

Matt

It also feels better when I talk to someone about it and realizing that it's just anxiety (when I'm able to do so) makes it go away temporarily.

This is SOOO anxiety but why can't I convince myself?

If it were something else it'd MUCH more likely be an ulcer as I worry too much and my dad and both brothers have Crohn's Disease and ulcers.

But I don't even think it's an ulcer since it doesn't hurt really and it goes away when I'm relaxed for hours at a time.

Please help me stop being PSYCHO!!

I was convinced I had cancer on a number of occasions but the (expensive!) tests were always negative. Anxiety is part and parcel of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome for many men. Anxiety often shows itself psychosomatically as stomach pain (one of the classic signs). When anxiety gets out of control, it's best to treat it as a separate entity, quite apart from your CP/CPPS. That may mean a doctor visit and an anxiolytic medication. Very persistent and deep-seated anxiety can be treated by some SSRIs (eg Lexapro) in high doses.

Here are some general guidelines for the treatment of anxiety.

If you look in the dictionary under health anxiety...It has my face there...Go and look...LOL!!! Par for the course...You are healthy...You have UCPPS that can be managed very well and live a full long productive life...

Cognitive therapy is a must in neurofeedback to train your brain waves to function more in the alpha state...

Take 200mg of L Theanine to help with anxiety...It is the real deal...No way would I promote anything here with out first hand experience...

http://www.web-us.com/l-theanine_anxiety_reducer.htm

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G7R6OE/ref ... B001G7R6OE

Best

Thank you Webslave and Carl.
That's reasuring.
Last night I once again had a great night of little to no worry or stomach upset that once again had me convinced at the time that I was fine. But once again this morning when I woke I was fine and slowly sunk back into the anxiety and soon followed the mild stomach upset.

Diaphramic breathing helped it and postponed it for about an hour. This is crazy!

I finally have a primary care dr. who I have an appt to see on the 22nd. I wish it was sooner.
I have always felt that it'd be better for me to overcome my anxiety on my own so that I'd have the power to do it.
This time I can't. It's really bad and persistent.

I will look into the L Theanine.

On a positive note, I have been chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptom free for a couple weeks now. This bout of anxiety will probably bring it back though!

Thanks!

It looks like the natural wellness center store down the street has L_Theanine. I will get some today once they open.
Thanks!

Well I don't know if it's Placebo or not but the L theanine seems to have really helped!
It seemed to have really relaxed me and given me some perspective.
I can actually fathom the possibility that I'm not dying of stomach cancer!

Thank you Carl for the tip.

Well, the stomach cancer went away :0)
I had a great holiday. Turkey and all sorts of treats!

Then just the night before last I felt a bubble type thing on the roof of my mouth.
I became convinced it was oral cancer!

So stupid.

Well, Luckily I had my first GP visit with my new GP on the 22nd. He gave me 20MG a day of Prozac and 20 Ativan pills to tide me over till they start working.

I didn't take either of them until Saturday night.

I've been a little drugged out but am doing well overall.

I'll be starting CBT in a few weeks!!!!

I'm very excited about my new situation...

Long term anxiety and depression control,

Short term anxiety control for the mean time,

and the CBT I've been wishing I could do and they offer it through the hospital!

I hope everyone had a very Merry and pain free Christmas and holiday.