Combat PTSD related to Hypochondria?

[Fereshte]

I am a Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran.  I suffer from combat related PTSD as well as MST (Military Sexual Trauma--meaning rape within the military).  I've done pretty well through therapy and for a while thought I was doing just fine.  Then suddenly I seem to have developed hypochondria.  At times it can be very gripping--anxiety panic attacks that make me break down and weep, depressed, and feel like I'm dying.  I've never had this issue before--I've always been a healthy person.  In fact, even now I've an avid Crossfitter and strict paleo diet eater--my doctors tell me I'm in perfect physical shape.  

So my question is, can my PTSD from the military be in some way related to my hypochondria?  Have those two ever been linked together?  It doesn't seem to make sense to me as they seem to be totally different kinds of fears.  I know it sounds silly, but I'd almost prefer if my hypochondria was somehow related to my PTSD.  I've never quite been the same since the military, and there are distinct reasons for that.  I can't find the distinct reasons for these hypochondria panic attacks.  

My veteran's benefit advocate wants to me apply for a higher disability rating because of these crippling panic attacks, but I don't feel comfortable doing so until I know, or at least have a clue, if the two are related.  

So what do you think?  Can Combat PTSD, or MST lead to hypochondria?  Even if its been several years since the events?  

Thank you for your time

[MYoungAtHeart]

I have PTSD from when I was a child many many years ago.  I have run the gamut of anxiety and depressive symptoms that come with the PTSD and can relate to your question about hypochondria also.  The simplest way to explain hypochondria and me is that I felt that my whole life at one time was a complete waste, and I wanted a better life but had no idea how to get it and then became afraid that too soon I would be dead and to have never been happy....That led to almost a decade of hypochondria, and that was a whole different world of worry, anxiety and depression.  What I did do and I am not recommending any thing I did to anyone, we all have to find out own way, but I started studying the fear of death and soon became  sick and tired of being sick and tired of going to doctors and worrying about how I might be dying when I still had not learned how to live.  

Please know that I am not saying this was an easy anxiousness to overcome, it was very very difficult because of the symptoms that were mistakenly taken for genuine feelings that I was dying many times...I joined a Anxiety Support Group and that really made all the difference.

I do wish you the very best in your journey and hope that you can post of your progression through the whole tangle of PTSD.  

M

[mammo]

Yes.....PTSD can be causing your hypocondria and many other things.  It would be in your best interest to get into therapy so you can at least rule this as the cause or rule it out.  Many people go a lot of years before their PTSD kicks in...so time has no bearing on it.  You owe it to yourself to talk to someone about everything you've been through, can't hurt and may help.  Thank you for your service and go get the care you earned!

[JamieEileen]

It sounds like it is all related to PTSD. Hypochondria is a fear of something like spiders, germs, etc. You may be having a positive breakthrough with your therapy, and that is great. I want to thank you for serving our country. I know you are going through a bad time. Just remember how special you are. I can't say anything to make you feel better about your experiences in the war. But know this, I love you for doing it. Here is a hug. If I can help you please let me know. Ok?