New Member need help bad

[sixfive50]

Well, I know I have some hypochondriac tendicies but I really feel like im dying. Since before New Years, I found small lump or my thyroid gland was swollen. Im in generally good shape about 6'5 225. Once o found this gland I have been thinking its CA  or HIV or other things. Its consumed my life for bit. Stressing my wife. I have bee irritable with my kids. I dont know what to do. I went to the Dr and she checked it out and said your in good he a lth. I have scan on it scheduled for feb. I will have to do blood work. Last week I have a real bad virua or something for 24 hr period. Since then ihave had armpit ddull pain and slight night sweat. I have been so ner ous.  Years ago my best friend brother died at a very young aged from hodgkins. I tie all these sympyoms back to that. Years ago when I was 17 I got mono. My mind has never been the same. Im 38 now and every year aroumd winter im having some type ofdisease or something. Please help.

[JunoX]

First, welcome to the board. All I can say about what your going through is that if you have been to the doctor and they said you are fine, then your fine. If they told you there's nothing for you to worry about, then you dint have to worry.

It seems to me like this all may be related to your experience with the friend who died from Hodgkin's. You probably need to deal with that and how you felt about it because it could be the key to getting better from your HA.

Also keep in mind that most people always have some disease or other during winter. This is normal. Its cold and flu season. Aside from that the weather change can make you feel sick even if your not. I've had a runny nose, sneezing, body aches and feeling generally run down ever since the weather changed. Drafts, cold air, etc, can take a toll on our immune system. Winter can also be depressing at times. I know that seasons affect my anxiety greatly.

Just some alternatives for you to think about, rather than just the "I'm dying" scenario.

[Slangevar]

Welcome to anxietyzone. I've had health anxiety for as long as I can remember, but many other people had theirs flare up after the untimely death of someone close to them. This is very common.

First thing's first: You can stop worrying about your symptoms because you've started the process of figuring out what's wrong. Your doc says you're fine, but they're being careful and ordering some precautionary tests. That's great, and pretty soon you'll have peace of mind about this particular flare up.

Until you get the results, you need to find a way to distract yourself. Force yourself to focus on your family - do something fun like seeing a movie or fixing something in your house.

Once you get the results, don't get carried away by relief - HA is a chronic problem that needs treatment. Some people on this board have had success with diet, regular exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication. Everyone is different, but it's important that you find a way to control this so you can actually enjoy life.

Good luck!