My health anxiety

While reading through my diary I found something I had written a few months ago. I think I must have been trying to understand my health anxiety or reassuring myself that I was suffering anxiety, I'm not entirely sure. I thought I'd share it anyway.

2002 - began feeling lightheaded a lot of the time and became afraid that I would faint. Being a 14 year old girl I thought it was probably anaemia as I had problematic periods since they began. Started taking iron tablets but when it didn't go away I went to my doctor. Was sent to have blood tests, which came back normal and doctor diagnosed panic disorder. Disagreed with diagnosis of panic disorder as I didn't feel 'panicked' about anything.

Couple of months later - doctor became concerned by my fast heart rate and wanted to have it checked out. Sent for an ECG but nothing came up and no more tests were required. Became concerned that I had a heart problem that wasn't picked up. I still always have a racing heart and have now developed heart palpitations. Have since had another ECG, which was normal again.

2003 - began having migraines a lot and doctor sent my for a brain scan as I had also been feeling lightheaded and nauseous. Results took a long time to come back and the wait made me anxious. Scan came back fine and I was diagnosed with migraines. Accepted this diagnosis for a while but then by the end of 2003 and for most of 2004 I became convinced that i had a brain tumour and then thought I was going to die from a brain haemorrhage after a family member died from one. Don't really worry about this much any more.

2008-2011 - became concerned that I had diabetes. Began to watch what I ate and bought a blood glucose monitor. Doctor sent me for tests. Results showed that I ha slightly low blood sugar levels but nothing to be concerned about. Still kind of worry about this as I often have symptoms of diabetes.

2011-2012 - been experiencing rectal bleeding throughout this period along with a change in bowel movements, digestive symptoms etc. Had a rectal examination, stomach examination & stool sample given. Nothing showed up and blood tests were normal. Still haven't found out what's wrong and currently waiting on an appointment for a sigmoidoscopy. Obviously in my head I'm worried I have cancer.

These are big worries that I've had over the years that have consumed a lot of my thoughts. It doesn't include all the nights I've spent worrying I have meningitis, swine flu, etc... You name it and I've probably been convinced I've had it!