Autism and health anxiety as I get older

Yeah I haven’t had time to look into it yet but turning things into a storm sounds familiar.

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Mmm... I get that - hopelessness sneaking in like it's waiting at the door. Feels safer than hoping, doesn't it? Less to lose.

But hey, you're already doing the hard bit: noticing it, naming it. That's not nothing.

And googling visceral hypersensitivity? Good move. It's sneaky - gut nerves on high alert, turning everyday stuff into a storm. Stress makes it worse but knowing that - it takes some power back.

I’m sorry to hear you’ve had to face lots of medical interventions in recent times.

I think you’re right things do get a bit easier to face over time.

You’re post has made me reflect and I believe we’ve had to be tough to get through just normal everyday stuff that NT people take for granted.

So yes I do have a little more hope that I can face  what is to come.

I may just be tougher than I think.

When health concerns have arisen or compounded, I have previously found it a challenge not to catastrophise.

Having been through quite a bit of medical intervention in recent years, I have become rather more sanguine about things, as I have gathered more evidence that I can make the best of whatever I encounter, as I have (in hindsight) with my autism and ADHD. 

I have also got better at getting checked out early by my GP, explaining what's going on inside (with careful preparation) and advocating for what I need. I still worry sometimes but I can usually calm it down.

I feel blessed that I have made this progress because I know that this stuff is hard for us autistic folk. 

Wishing you well with this,Lonehare12 , and maybe my story offers you some hope.

Hilostmyway 

Hoplessness is definitely something I slip into easily, it seems to be my default mode.

I will google visceral hypersensitivity and try to learn a bit more about it.

Thank you

I get it. That hyper-awareness of every little bodily signal? It's like your nervous system turned up the volume on everything - new twinge, appointment looming, results pending - and suddenly it's all-consuming. As we age, it can feel heavier because life's got more "what ifs," and the hopelessness creeps in when it won't quiet down.

You're not alone; lots of autistic adults describe this exact spiral - especially in places like r/AutismInWomen or r/aspergirls, where folks say things like "my body feels like a minefield" or "every heartbeat's a red flag." One person called it "visceral hypersensitivity" - not hypochondria, just amplified interoception making tiny stuff feel huge.

From what I've seen, coping isn't about "fixing" it - it's about turning down the volume without ignoring your needs.

I get that.

For me it’s more the uncertainty and waiting that makes it worse rather than needing to push through it.

It’s interesting how it shows up differently for each of us

Hi Downsideup 

I really struggle with this too. I try not to get to my appointment too early, like I would for all my other appointments. It sort of cuts the agony down a little bit.

I don’t really use headphones or anything like that, but sometimes just knowing others feel the same helps a bit. It’s really hard when you’re already overwhelmed.

Join the Club!

Though, it's not so much about Health Anxiety. Moreso a greater perception of danger. Plus, the 'Stinking Thinking' of others telling me to stay home; while I'm out driving.

Sometimes, you have to let the Tiger out of the cage.

Like others my anxiety has generally increased with age. With medical issues its the waiting rooms and uncertnity of who and when they will call me is the worst. By the time I've waited im barely able to speak. How do others manage waiting rooms.

Thank you, that really makes sense to me.

I like how you explained it being linked to memory and not always what’s happening in the moment.

It helps to know others experience it like this

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Thanks Lonehare. The colourful hearts are intended as a symbol of silent solidarity. I’m finding my anxiety doesn’t help beyond a point in can cause accidents, it makes tasks harder. Time is also compound by inconsistent and unfamiliar discomforts. These are often like heightened states more of a temporary irritation and something to be managed, I’ve noticed specific anxious emotions are not always triggered by whether:what I’m doing it’s more as if they are lol linked to memory and personal ways of processing. Logic can override anxious thoughts but you need to be in control of your thoughts, environment and those who surround you. All of this can be like watching a film, but true film keeps changing.

I’m pleased to know you’re okay pietro_21 it looked very painful.

Your experience doesn’t do much for our faith in humanity.

I hope you are recovering well and taking it easy.

The colourful heart emojis brightened my morning.

Thanks Dormouse. 

That sounds like a very concise non medical opinion.This wasn't meant to disrupt Lonehare's thread, I am just feeling the cold wind cut into me a lot more at the moment. I have to take it easy, but I feel like I am always taking it easy. 

4 hours later -apparently it is not broken. Its a like a netball or basketball injury. Still if I was 16 it would probably take 2 days to recover.

Sorry you have received this finger wound and grazed back too.

Just a layperson's outlook; if it were my injured finger, with the wound's proximity to the joint and already swollen, I would present myself to my local NHS Minor Injury Unit, or Urgent Treatment Centre.

In our area of the Country, our Minor Injury Unit represents a shorter waiting time (than A&E) and can x-ray an injury if deemed necessary (for aged 5+).

Usually, they are a "walk-in" service - it might be worth checking if your local one has different open hours depending upon the particular day of the week.

Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk to find your nearest unit and, in many cases, get an appointment booked.

Best wishes for your speedy recovery.

I hope you don’t have a long wait.

 I have had two fractures of the one finger on separate occasions, surgery, and many weeks of physio at the hand clinic. 

I am going to have some dinner and make my way over. 

What a horrible experience.

I’m just seeing your finger and it looks swollen. If you are in any doubt about it, better to go to a minor injuries or emergency department as talking from experience, untreated finger fractures and injuries can affect people’s functioning more than they might realise.