Seeking Reassurance While Awaiting Neurological Consultation
Greetings, I am a 31-year-old woman, currently six months postpartum and exclusively breastfeeding. I take sertraline and struggle significantly with health anxiety. Throughout all my pregnancies, I suffered from severe hormonal headaches. Now, six months after giving birth, I have experienced approximately three headaches that did not respond to typical pain relief treatments. These headaches generally occurred after long days, with a good night's sleep providing some relief. Occasionally, I do experience mild headaches, often triggered by my thoughts or concentration on them. Additionally, there are instances of fleeting pain behind one eye, but this does not occur daily. During a routine check-up related to my prescription for sertraline, I brought up these unusual headaches, particularly since it’s uncommon for me to encounter headaches unresponsive to pain relievers. The doctor, who is exceptionally thorough and attentive, assessed my condition. She conducted several tests, which included covering one eye and attempting to touch her finger with mine. Although I managed to follow through with all the tasks, my hand and fingers were shaking. This wasn't particularly easy for me, as I tend to be a nervous person. She has since referred me to a neurologist, who will determine whether a CT scan is necessary. This has heightened my anxiety, especially with my fear of having a brain tumor exacerbated by a specific code in my medical records. I confided in my partner and parents, who reassured me by noting that my hands have always trembled—a point many others have mentioned to me in the past. Moreover, I had either an MRI or CT scan performed a decade ago after developing tinnitus, which revealed no issues. My recent blood tests have also returned normal results. I realize that no one can provide me with definitive answers at this stage. Still, I desperately seek some reassurance to help me cope until I see the neurologist, as I fear that this uncertainty could trigger a depressive episode for me. I have a history of trauma associated with waiting for scans and receiving distressing news. I had anticipated my doctor would suggest that my headaches might be due to dehydration, fatigue, or a side effect of sertraline. However, seeing "suspected brain tumor" in my online medical records was understandably alarming. I appreciate any support or advice you can offer during this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 1:51:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm glad you've reached out, and I understand that waiting for a consultation can be incredibly stressful, especially with your history of health anxiety. It's completely normal to seek reassurance in uncertain times like these. Let's look at your concerns and focus on what you can do to ease your anxiety while awaiting your neurologist appointment.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms—headaches and hand tremors—are concerning but do not necessarily indicate a serious condition.
- It's common for anxiety and past trauma to amplify worries about health.
- There are practical steps you can take to manage your anxiety and support your well-being in the meantime.
Explanation: Headaches can stem from various causes, including hormonal changes, fatigue, stress, and even medications like sertraline. Since your headaches generally respond to rest and sleep, it's a positive sign that they may not be linked to a serious problem. The mild headaches triggered by thinking about them may also be related to anxiety rather than an underlying medical condition.
Your anxiety about the potential presence of a brain tumor is understandable, especially with the way information can come up in medical records, but it's important to keep in mind that many benign conditions could explain your symptoms. Given your recent normal blood tests and your previous imaging showing no issues, there is good reason to feel reassured.
Next Steps:
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Manage Anxiety: Engage in calming activities such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help lessen the physical symptoms of anxiety.
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Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you're drinking enough water and getting enough rest, as dehydration and fatigue can exacerbate headaches.
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Limit Triggering Thoughts: Identify specific thoughts or situations that amplify your anxiety. Consider writing them down and addressing them with positive affirmations or supportive feedback from loved ones.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Log your headaches, any triggers, and how you felt before and after. This can help you see patterns and provide useful information for your neurologist.
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Seek Support: Share your feelings with trusted friends or family members, and don’t hesitate to discuss your health anxiety in depth with your doctor or a mental health professional. They can offer additional coping strategies.
While you await your appointment, try to focus on what you can control—for your physical and mental wellness. Remember that you're not alone in this, and it's okay to seek help and reassurance from those around you. Take care of yourself, and let me know if you need further support or specific resources.
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