Cannot put the brain tumor fear to rest!

[Angelofworry]

So, as many if you have already read, I have a huge brain tumor fear right now. I have been getting headaches nearly every day since Christmas. I finally went to the doctor. I didn't mention my brain tumor fear. My blood pressure was greatly elevated - 150/97 :-( im a nurse and have been checking my blood pressure at work and have noticed it was elevated before my appointment. doc said this probably explains my headaches. I started meds and got a massage on Saturday. Massage therapist said I was incredibly tight in my neck muscles - particularly the side which I have been having the most headaches. I haven't had a full blown headache since my massage but I frequently feel like one is coming on, but never does... Does that even make sense? Maybe I'm just hyper vigilant in my symptom checking? I also feel like my left side is weaker today? I dunno... When I go to the gym tonight and lift I'm assuming ill notice a difference if it really is? Maybe  just being paranoid...?

[v12alp]

I am a nurse myself and going through this fear as well. I had a nasty bout of flu like illness that lasted for couple weeks. Afterwards I was feeling somewhat lightheaded, frontal headache, pressure when bending over, nasal congestion. Nothing severe or persistent. Well being an outrageous hypochondriac, I went to my PCP who said that I has post-viral recovery period and possibly sinuses inflamed, but I threw brain tumor and/or meningitis, labyrinthitis out there, she looked at me, asked to look at the light, shook her head and sent me for brain MRI w/contrast. I also thought I had some vision changes and immediately went to ophthalmologist. He performed a through exam with pupil dilation and told me that I have floaters, otherwise unremarkable. I have lost my mind completely, but I'm getting an MRI tomorrow and paying out of pocket.

[JupiterSound]

Give this a read. It helped me when I was going through this worry as well.

http://www.anxietyzone.com/index.php?topic=16974.0

[v12alp]

I have read it a while ago. It is indeed an awesome read, but due to our faulty thought processes it is not so easy to shake a fear off.

[sixpack]

I am always amazed when peeps have headaches and assume brain tumor rather than look at the MORE likely causes of headaches---stress, anxiety, sinus issues, muscle tension, tmj, migraines.   My dad and sis had brain tumors.  They actually had MAJOR stuff going on and it wasn't headaches.

My nephew's gf just came back from neuro from months long headaches.  the answer was still migraines....


what all do you do to work on reducing stress and anxiety in your life?  what realistic expectations do you have about how anxiety manifest itself?  Once you start changing your mindsets and habits, what are your expectations?  Meaning what do you think you will have to do long term and short term?  Remember anxiety doesn't just go away.  sure it will wax and wane but if left to its own devices EVERY time you hit stresses in life (which are pretty much unavoidable) you will find yourself falling into the anxiety pit.  However if one starts practicing proactive habits, one learns how to more effectively deal with BEASTYs dasterdly plots and will not be so easily sucker punched.

[JupiterSound]

I have read it a while ago. It is indeed an awesome read, but due to our faulty thought processes it is not so easy to shake a fear off.

Trust me, I know it's not easy to shake a fear off. But it was intended for the poster to hopefully get some assurance from it. ;)

[Carlton91]

I am a nurse myself and going through this fear as well. I had a nasty bout of flu like illness that lasted for couple weeks. Afterwards I was feeling somewhat lightheaded, frontal headache, pressure when bending over, nasal congestion. Nothing severe or persistent. Well being an outrageous hypochondriac, I went to my PCP who said that I has post-viral recovery period and possibly sinuses inflamed, but I threw brain tumor and/or meningitis, labyrinthitis out there, she looked at me, asked to look at the light, shook her head and sent me for brain MRI w/contrast. I also thought I had some vision changes and immediately went to ophthalmologist. He performed a through exam with pupil dilation and told me that I have floaters, otherwise unremarkable. I have lost my mind completely, but I'm getting an MRI tomorrow and paying out of pocket.

How did the MRI go?

[Angelofworry]

Thank you all for the replies. Rationally, I know my headaches are probably caused by a combination of stress, anxiety, and the facility I work at is on lockdown for influenza, so I'm sure my system is working overtime. I have also come to expect and fears headaches so I thinks body is creating them... Is that even possible? The only reason I say that is because they headaches never last long and are usually in different places. Sort of a wandering headache if you will. I actually do have a little experience with brain tumors, I had a good friend who had one. And as six pack says, they are bossy and unrelenting.y friend KNEW something was wrong. From onset of symtptoms to diagnosis was just under two weeks. She only had three headaches in that time frame. They were powerful headaches and she couldn't even walk. The third headache ended with a grand mal seizure and her in the ER. I now think I have other symptoms of course- I'm more short tempered and easily angered. And my ears have been ringing. Both could be anxiety symptoms easily. I however am interpreting them as a threat and have the incredible urge to go to the ER when I should be making an appointment with my psychologist.... Grrrr.... It's more frustrating when I KNOW my thinking is screwed yet I can't stop it.

Also I went to the gym last night. I had no weakness or any other symptoms while I was there. I think that's a pretty good indication that I'm fine.