re: Advice on handling a hypochondriac?

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Great post. Good for you. That’s a big accomplishment.

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Thanks, I appreciate it.

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About 5 years ago I went to my GP 5 times in 60 days with what I thought were serious issues. He figured it out and talked me through it. I also got a low dose prescription of Valium. Finally, counseling sessions once every two week.

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I was also prescribed valium by my doc after about the 10th time I told her I went to the ER for nothing. She gave me instructions to take it at night as needed, so whenever I would start to feel anxious I'd pop one and I'd be fine. The big thing was not abusing them. My doc was very up front that if I started calling asking for refills she would cut me off in a heartbeat. I could make a 30 day supply last between 60 and 90 days, so I was on that for about a year.

The issue was it never fixed the problem for me. I eventually switched doctors and my new doctor was adamant that she did not want me taking valium to curb anxiety before trying other methods (losing weight, therapy, diet changes, etc.) which in the end I really appreciated because those things had more of a positive impact than the medicine.

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It is a miserable way of life. Every little sensation or feeling gets your mind racing on what it could be.

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This is what many people don't understand. When I need to go to the ER I am not seeking attention. I'm fricking embarrassed and I feel guilty for putting my spouse through it again, but my fear level is so unbelievably high that I can't sit with it.