Why doesn't my dad notice that I'm sick?!
Question: I'm a hypocondriac, and I know it, but I really think that I have a right to be this time. My half brother had Leukemia when he was little, maybe four, he's in remission. I have lots of symptoms. I'm not hungry, I'm always tired, my bones and joints hurt, I'm always coughing because my lungs feel irritated, and I have these red dots all over my legs (they're very small, so I don't know if they're petechiae or not). I showed the red dots to my dad, and he said that they were from shaving. He also knows of my joint pain, and doesn't do anything about it. I finally convinced my parents to scheduel a physical for me, but that's all. Wouldn't my dad be ultra cautious because of what happened with my half brother? Shouldn't he be freaking out every time I have a minor sickness? Why is it that my parents don't seem to care about me when I'm ill? Why do I have to take care of myself every time? I'm only thirteen, but I know I'm sick with something. Isn't cancer genetic? Please help me.
Answers: I'm a hypocondriac, and I know it, but I really think that I have a right to be this time. My half brother had Leukemia when he was little, maybe four, he's in remission. I have lots of symptoms. I'm not hungry, I'm always tired, my bones and joints hurt, I'm always coughing because my lungs feel irritated, and I have these red dots all over my legs (they're very small, so I don't know if they're petechiae or not). I showed the red dots to my dad, and he said that they were from shaving. He also knows of my joint pain, and doesn't do anything about it. I finally convinced my parents to scheduel a physical for me, but that's all. Wouldn't my dad be ultra cautious because of what happened with my half brother? Shouldn't he be freaking out every time I have a minor sickness? Why is it that my parents don't seem to care about me when I'm ill? Why do I have to take care of myself every time? I'm only thirteen, but I know I'm sick with something. Isn't cancer genetic? Please help me.
I usually try to answer only questions where I have at least a snowflake's chance of getting picked for best, but in your case I am making an exception.
You are obviously VERY smart...for your age and just very smart in general. You express yourself extremely well. The trouble is, in this case your brainpower is working against you.
Instead of bugging your father to get you to a physician, take the advise of so many posters here and ask to see a psychologist. Hypochondriacs lead miserable and lonely lives, self-indulgent, and negativity-centered. You don't want to go that route if you can help it and the time to stop is NOW. Unfortunately, you need assistance in stopping it.
OK, now give me the thumb-down, but at least I tried--I wouldn't have bothered if you were just another inarticulate Brittany-wanna-be texting in some ludicrous question. YOU are worth attempting to save!
well u can only cry wolf so many times may not b n ur case so i will not critisize just say go to the physical tell the dr of ur concerns get answers and honey ur brother is not half he is or he isnt come on now lets not make it harder.n ur dad cld b afraid of what he may hear after all he has lost 1 child
The only illness(if you can even call it that), that you seem to have is jealousy and a desire for attention.
Get yourself a hobby or a part time job.
Your parents WILL care about your illness when you are actually ill.
I'm guessing that your physical showed that you were physically fine, maybe you need to see a counselor.
Maybe your Dad is scared you could have something too, it's probably not that he doesn't care. I'm sure it's just the opposite, he cares so much he is more worried. Some cancers are genetic, I had Brain Cancer and when it's a primary brain tumor and no one else in my family has had one before me means it is not heredity.
You have more chances of cancer if you have a history of cancer in your family, like breast cancer or in your case, leukemia. Go to the doctor and get checked out and try not to worry until you know something.
I'll pray for you and your family!
You need to seek a mental health professional. Your behavior seems to be a means of drawing attention. The more they ignore you, the more symptoms you produce. This pattern needs to stop before it becomes more serious and destructive.
Youre going to be critical of any answer that doesnt say yes you may be sick. Personally I think you just need attention.
But go see the doctor if youre this concerned.
i can understand your fears if your half brother had Leukemia,it must be scary.the sooner you get checked out,the better.just to put your mind at rest,if nothing else.if you are in the clear then i am sure the fears will reside.maybe your dad is not paying attention as he may think (along with you) that you are imagining things,and think it is best to ignore what you are saying,or play it down.best have the physical and put your mind at rest.
i dont know.but any body can get it, by breathing the air now days.
1) unless you are falling down sick, patiently have your symptoms reviewed by a professional at the next opportunity.
2) get a hobby - this will help with the hypochondria. I recommend guitar, but whatever works for you.
Understand that hypochondria is not always rooted in the fear of being sick, but in the desire for attention. It can help if you put yourself in the perspective of having power to help and not in the perspective of needing to be another victim / burden. Look for ways to be responsible, reliable and useful to feed your need for attention... if not at home, then think about volunteering somewhere - there are a lot of volunteer opportunities out there.