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Anxiety of seeing a Dr

Posted , 3 users are following.

iain18679
iain18679

I have a health problem that should be looked at, however, I get sweats and nausea even thinking about going to see about it. I've had this problem for a few years now and it is quickly getting out of control. 

I can't even drive past the surgery without my hear rate increasing, sweating and nausea, and as my kids school is on the same road as the surgery I can't avoid it. 

I have developed a big distrust in Dr's and nurses, I cant bare the thought of having to go to the surgery, hospital or have any form of exam! 

Help!!

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • linda83143l
    linda83143l iain18679

    Posted

    Have you had this all your life?

    I cant take injections or couldn't because I saw the nurse put the needle under a flame.

    I was terrified.

    Can you relate to when it started?

    Xx

    • iain18679
      iain18679 linda83143l

      Posted

      Ive had this for at least 15 years from what I can remember. I've been trying to think of when it started, but I've had many bad experiances over the years and I'm struggling to pinpoint anything.
  • FozBear
    FozBear iain18679

    Posted

    Hi iain,

    I know what I am about to suggest is a logical solution to an irrational problem (fear) so although it will probably make sense to you it is unlikely to reduce your concerns but I do hope it helps at least a bit.

    You indicated that you have a health problem which should be checked out.The logical part of you knows this is an important thing to do because it may be something that needs treating and in most cases the sooner something gets treated the better especially if it is a serious issue (which it probably isn't )

    The fear of going to the doctor will have a limited timespan. Ie mainly while you are there and probably the lead up to the appointment.The worrying you are currently having has no end date because you need to do something and as long as you don't you will keep worrying.

    Here are a few ideas.

    1/ Ask a family member or close friend to book the appt for you and perhaps have them come along with you to it.

    2/A half hour or so before the scheduled appt time call or have your friend call to see if the doctor is running on time as they often don't.In this way you will spend the least amount of time in the waiting room which is often the most worrying part.I now do this with all of my appointments because I get anxiety being in the waiting room.If they tell me the doctor is running 15 minutes late then I go at that time and not before.

    iain as hard as it is it just feels that you have much more to gain by taking the action you know you need to take rather than continue to worry about the health issue and the fact that you know you need to do something about it.

    I really hope this is of some help to you.Cheers from Rick.  

     

    • iain18679
      iain18679 FozBear

      Posted

      Hi Rick, thanks for the reply.

      My girlfriend has offered to make the appointment and go with me. Every time she tries to make the appointment I come up with an excuise on why I can't go on that day and as I work shifts there are usually severa days each weak where it is impossible to go anyway. Every time she tries to make an appointment I lose sleep over it.

      My fear is that much of a problem, I'm even shaking now after reading the part about the appointment, waiting room etc sad

      I'm 95% sure I have an inguinal hernia, I've done several tests on my self and know the landmark areas for the diagnosis. The only treatment is surgery, which I'm sure you can imagine doesn't go well on my mind.

  • FozBear
    FozBear iain18679

    Posted

    Hi iain, it sounds like you are taking the leap and going to do it.Well done ! It is fantastic that you have a supportive partner to help you with this.I know how bad fear can be so I so sympathise a great deal.I recently had my sixth operation to remove kidney stones and I was overcome with fear but it had to be done and it was far less traumatic than I expected.Don't you find that is so often the case... that the event we fear is rarely as bad as what we have created it to be in our mind beforehand.

    I suggest you let your girlfriend make the appointment preferably as soon as possible to avoid extra time that you might worry.Prearrange a leave day from work or ask your girlfriend to call in sick for you on the day.Do everything you can in advance to reduce the option of backing out.Yes, this will probably create some fear and yes the night before you may not have the best sleep ever BUT once you have done it your girlfriend will be so proud of you and more importantly you can take massive pride in what you have achieved.There are some things I have been putting off for fear of anxiety on the day but giving you this advice has made me decide that I need to practice what I preach so I am going to face my fear just like you my friend.Please let me know how you get on.Please also keep thinking how you will feel After you have conquered the fear by having the appointment.Cheers for now from Rick

    • iain18679
      iain18679 FozBear

      Posted

      Hi Rick, my girlfriend is going to make the appointment for me, but she's not going to tell me when it is. I know I'm going to lose sleep over this, but it's probably the only way to go.

      As for a sick day from work, that would lead to all sorts of problems as they have no interest in the employees! I would end up having to go to a sickness review etc.

      I expect the worse from the situation so it can only get better, however the negative experiences I have are also from a professional background. I've seen how unprofessional the NHS is as I work for them, this has made the problem so much worse over the years. To be blunt, I'm sh*tting myself!

  • FozBear
    FozBear iain18679

    Posted

    Hi again iain. it's probably a good thing that your girlfriend hasn't told you the day.Well done again to committing to going.You should know you were the inspiration for me to book and see my doctor this week as I needed a referral to a specialist.My anxiety was very high in the waiting room and I actually went outside for a few minutes to calm down before going back in and sitting down(I am in Australia so it was very pleasant outside this time of year) I went back in until It was my turn and I admit it was a challenge but I did it.When I was in the waiting room I was thinking of your situation and at that moment I could certainly empathise with you.I was proud I practiced what I preached and that was thanks to you.Also booked a haircut which was well overdue for fear of being trapped in salon but I did it this week.I told my barber last time about the anxiety so when I say skip the shampoo and head massage he knows I am having a rough time and does the cut super quick so I can get out of there. Best wishes and best of luck to you iain from Rick
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