[fearpanick]

I am terrified there is something really wrong with me, a brain tumor or early onset dementia or the like. Also, I have stomach problems which have been causing me anxiety. I was diagnosed with gastritis in August, and have been having a lot of those symptoms the past couple weeks (nausea, feeling full, lack of appetite), so it seems to be acting up -- I am trying to convince myself that given my past diagnosis, this is unlikely to be cancer and I probably just wasn't careful enough with caffeine, alcohol, etc. before.

But also, I have noticed the past week or so I have been making strange mistakes that are unlike me. My partner was doing pullups and I couldn't remember the word for them, then I freaked out. I've had trouble remembering little things -- names of restaurants, streets...usually I'm good with that sort of stuff. I'm meeting a friend for dinner tonight, and completely mixed up what train I should take, I know the area really well and this is a strange thing to mix up for me. I also am supposed to meet her at 8, but was planning the evening around leaving at 8 to meet her -- another odd mistake not typical for me, I'm usually very organized and together. I am really stressed about the stomach stuff, and now about this, so I hope my lack of attention/preoccupation/anxiety is simply the cause of all of these weird things, but I'm really scared I have a brain tumor or something (particularly combined with some twitching in my finger and eye I've been experiencing) and my anxiety is spiraling out of control. Any advice would help a lot.

Dear fearpanick,

I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling unwell

The first thought that came to my mind when reading your post was that you sound very anxious about the stomach symptoms, and that maybe this is the cause of your current forgetfulness.. The timing seems to match as well since you say your stomach has been bothering you for a couple of weeks, and the forgetfulness has come about in the past week or so.

I've suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for 15 years so have loads of experience with (unexplained) stomach symptoms and know first-hand how scary it can be. How was your gastritis diagnosed? Did you have a gastroscopy? If yes, then I'd say you can probably rest assured than nothing as bad as cancer will have had time to develop since August. However, seeing as you're so worried, I'd give your doctor a call and let them know that your symptoms have got worse and see if they think more tests are needed.

As for the forgetfulness, have you had any other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, changes in vision..? I know stress and anxiety can cause very real and terrifying symptoms. Whenever I'm worried about something, I become very disoriented and my head'll be all over the place. It's quite understandable, really, as no matter what I'm up to in the current moment, a lot of my thoughts will be on whatever is troubling me, and less focus will be put on what I'm doing right now. I doubt there's anything seriously wrong, but if you can't shake the worry, then do mention these symptoms to your doctor as well. It's worth it to get peace of mind!

I hope you feel better soon!

[Frankbtl]

Hi fearpanick, I'm really sorry you're going through such a hard time
But I'd say that the forgetting things is probably down to all the stress/anxiety you're going through. And I'm not meaning to trivialise it at all, stress/anxiety can be impact immensely on your life
And along with it loosing focus, concentration, forgetting things can be so common, just for starters!! Some of your stomach problems may even be linked to that too!!
Priority though would be to see your doctor about the stomach problems, because even if they're not "serious" then they are definitely causing you a lot of suffering. And maybe they can help you with something for the anxiety/stress as well.
Although now you're here (and welcome to PC!! ) you will find lots of different ways to help with that anxiety/stress.........I'm sure you've tried some ways before but lots of different ways on here too!! But just to kick you off.........just some thoughts.........maybe mindfulness, breathing or grounding exercises, mediation, yoga.........could help just a little??
And you're not alone in this now........there's some great support on here, glad to have you with us!!

Alison