Anxiety is eating me up

[macwriter]

Last Thursday I got an MRI on my lower lumbar region for hip and back pain. I am so bad about medical tests. I am losing my mind waiting for the results to be posted on my patient portal. All I see so far is the MRI images which of course I can't read, but I stare on them worrying that i am looking at something life threatening or crippling. I am 77 and shouldn't be such a baby about these things. I don't think that I am experiencing anything other that some disk issue or mild stenosis. None of this discomfort keeps me from doing what I want, but my heart is racing and I am terrified.
Can anyone relate to this and tell me how to stop panicking about all this. I do it with every blood test and doctor's exam. I need to calm down and I just can't.

[Walleye]

1. I can definitely relate to that. I've got to get some x-rays and blood testing myself. It always terrifies me.

The only advice I can give is just keep in mind. There’s nothing you can do about it. I feel since I’m 76. Anything could go wrong at this point so I’m with you.

[macwriter]

2. Thanks

It's comforting to know someone else feels this way, too. I thought I was crazy

[elleng]

3. If None of this discomfort keeps me from doing what I want,

sounds like you're in good shape.

(I'm 80, have 4 young grands, so only thing I 'worry' about is that thry continue to thrive.)

[macwriter]

4. thanks

That's what my logical brain keeps tells me, But my emotions are always overwhelms my logic

[SheltieLover]

5. Try Yale's free science of well being course

https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

There are also free teen & parent versions.

[macwriter]

7. Thanks

This looks promising. I so appreciate this. God bless

[SheltieLover]

14. Yw. I hope you find it helpful

[pbmus]

6. Am 79 this month and

I have had 2 surgeries from falling off my bike and a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in the last 6 months. At one point my anxiety and depression and panic attacks were so intense I couldn’t breathe. This all happened while my wife and I were on our first trip in our new RV. I still have hardware in my clavicle and I can’t see out of my right eye completely but the symptoms of MG have come down, I am able to keep my eyes open and chew my food. All of my surgery was done in unfamiliar places with VA doctors. I am thankful that I was able to see enough to drive from Sierra Vista Arizona to Northern Illinois in our RV without any major problems. I am walking again around the neighborhood and have decided to get out the bike. I use a variety of different ways to curb my destructive immune response and my emotional behaviors. Firstly, Sleep, 7-9 hrs on a regular basis and eating at least twice a day with a healthy snack in between, Diet, not too much of anything. These are my habits and I hope you feel better soon.

[macwriter]

8. wow -- that's a lot

Makes me embarrassed that I am whining about my worries.

You sound like a strong person. I admire that.

Your advice is sound I walk the floor at night and get less sleep than I really should. Thanks for reaching out. Good luck to you.

[pbmus]

9. My response was not meant

To embarrass you, I apologize, you are sharing and trying to get better which I hope you do. I was simply trying to help you understand your situation can get better. ❤️‍🩹

[macwriter]

10. Thanks -- I needed that

I sometimes I don't know what I do sometimes if I didn't have the good people like you in DU to express myself to and express my fears as well as my frustration and anger about the times we're living in.

Thanks!

[pbmus]

11. You are welcome and thank you

For sharing

[applegrove]

12. Belly breath: when you breath in your stomach goes out,

when you breath out your stomach contracts. Do it for a few minutes and see if that doesn't help.

[macwriter]

13. omg

It actually worked!!! THANK YOU!

It actually made me feel sleepy, and I never thought I would sleep tonight.

I will use this technique whenever I start feeling like I'm going down the rabbit hole!

Off to bed now.

Thanks!!!!!