How to be frank with a hypochondriac?

leslie :-D · Aug 14, 2007

it is one of the most challenging and complex psychiatric disorders.

here's a link...

http://www.depression-guide.com/hypochondriasis.htm

leslie

Jolie, BSN · Aug 14, 2007

I hope I can help, having been in a similar situation myself.

I was always a very laid-back person, with little concern about health issues. At the age of 31, and as a new mother, I was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, it was diagnosed fairly early, and I had an excellent prognosis. My care included extensive teaching about possible s/s of recurrence, and frequent follow-up visits to numerous specialists.

Very soon, I found myself scouring my body for any little evidence of abnormality, and blowing simple, minor symptoms WAY out of proportion. (In my mind, a cough was not explained by a cold, it was due to a lung tumor. Arm pain was not due to a surgical incision, but bone mets, etc.) I was driving myself nuts.

I made an appointment with my family doctor to investigate yet another symptom when she sat me down and had a long talk. She discussed normal anxiety related to my diagnosis, and treatment options for anxiety ranging from medication to meditation. She also asked me to agree to a "contract". We would schedule a monthly visit at which we would discuss any concerns that had come up in the past month. She would thoroughly investigate any physical complaint I had at that time, but I was not to come in any sooner than that monthly appointment unless I had emergent symptoms. If I did not believe that the monthly visit was necessary (had no new concerns to check), I could cancel it with 48 hours notice, and come in the next month.

Once we started this "system", I found that my visits dropped off significantly. Knowing that I had a standing appt. gave me the security that my concerns would be addressed in a timely manner, and my "need" for "urgent" visits evaporated. Very soon, I was down to my scheduled follow-up visits only.

That was 12 years ago. Cancer is never too far from my thoughts, but does not dominate them any more. I've moved, and no longer see this particular doctor, (She was a gem!) nor have I made such a contract with any other physician. What I do now is to make note of any new symptoms, and if they persist for 2 weeks, I call my family doc for an appointment. This works well for me, both physically, and mentally.

I wish you well in dealing with these issues in your family.

Jo Dirt · Aug 14, 2007

Whew, thanks for the link and telling me about your situations.

My mother has it bad. She was on the phone tonight wailing that doctor is going to let me die!!!

It has alienated my siblings. But here I am going to take off from work and leave my family to travel out of state to take her to see another doctor with the hopes they will have the key to pull her out of this. It all started when my dad died 14 yrs. ago. But I know it will take a miracle for her to realize what the real issue is.

It's such a DRAIN, emotionally and physically. It literally can leave you in tears. Here is a typical conversation with my mom:

Mom: I've got this bump in my mouth, it couldn't be anything except cancer.

Me(rolling my eyes): You told me last week you had colon cancer.

Mom: I've probably got that, too.

Me: That colonoscopy you just had said everything was fine.

Mom: Those doctors don't half look at those things and I wouldn't doubt they missed it.

This goes on over and over and over and over....woe to anyone who suggests it could be in her mind.

Welcome to my hell.

BTW, leslie, that link you posted sounded like it was talking about my mother. It described her to perfection.

Selke · Aug 14, 2007

Jolie, you have a very wise family medicine doc. In fact, very nurse-like.

Motorcycle Mama, I'm worried about you. From your other posts you have a lot going on yourself, and now these worries with your mother. I hope you can take care of yourself and find other ways to help her. Sending you hugs, wherever you are.