Well, I notice that activity on the forum has slowed considerably and I just wish you to know that I consider it a good thing because in my opinion, it means that most all of you are finding your difficulties to be less worrisome than originally thought.

I'll be around if you need me, but I'm glad to see that you need me less.

Best regards and Good Health

I feel the same as Cazza, I guess. Although my missed beats seem to have gone at the moment I still read the forum everyday. I still have a deep-seated anxiety about my heart and a slight tremour so I continue to look here for reassurance.

I do tend to post less when I feel okay, I also have a few other family health issues which are occupying my mind too, but I always read the posts. Even if I am not responsing I am thinking about you all.

Like Cazza, I don't like to bother RLR too much. If I'm honest, if were to ask a question every time I thought I had a health issue it would be about 6 posts a day. I am currently struggling with 'automatic negative thoughts' and 'catastrophic thinking' (as they say in CBT) about my daughter's health. My health anxiety extends beyond me and although it is natural to be concerned when it is your children, I have lost all logic and assume the worst, even over minor things.

There is a book out called "The Worry Cure" by R Leahy which I am thinking of getting. It concerns me that my anxiety very much affects my dealings with my family and I am teaching them to be anxious when they should be carefree.

On a different topic, there is a show on Living TV called 'The Biggest Loser' - it is a weight-loss show. The current one follows a group of Australians trying to lose weight. Some of them are very seriously obese (300lbs+). One of my things is anxiety when exercise makes my heart rate go up - I feel scared and think it may be dangerous. Well, they have these big guys running and on bikes to the point of exhaustion. I am sure they will have had medical checks, but it just shows that even though their hearts must be in worse shape than mine, it is still safe to do all that stuff.

I really need to get a handle on my health anxiety, it is seriously affecting my quality of life. I think I'm doing okay and getting over the heart thing and then something else comes along and I'm convinced it's a serious illness. We joke that my husband is going to write a self-help book. He will call it, "Get a Grip Woman". It will be the sequel to his first book, "Pull Yourself Together You Silly Cow." He is mister logic when it comes to heath things, fortunately.

I am also frustrated by not losing weight. I lost a stone at Weight Watchers last year, but since about March I have just lost/put on. It is ridiculous to worry about your heart so much and then not do the thing which will help it most - eat healthily and lose weight. (I don't smoke or drink, so ok there).

Sorry to hijack your thread RLR. I welcome your comments and support in many areas, not just health.

I have always liked reading self-help type books - even before my ectopics - and I would be interested to know if there are any that you have found helpful. Of course, the answers are within yourself and you can't look to others to sort your life out, but I have found things like "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" interesting. Actually, some of the best books I have read are by Oliver Sacks, incredibly moving and makes you stop moaning about your lot in life.

Yes, I've read a couple of those - I thought 'Self Help for Your Nerves' was the best. They should give it away free at GP's surgeries. When I was really bad I took it everywhere with me. When I get chance I'll list the books I've read to help with my anxiety.

That is a brilliant idea stu.  Could this 'book list' happen?  I would be very interested in looking what has been tried and tested and seeing what is worth getting hold of for future reference.xx