Scared

Hi everyone i'm new to the forum and soooo glad ive found you! it's made me realise no1 "im not mad" and no2 "im not alone with this horrid illness".

ive recently been diagnosed with CFS and fibromyalgia (after 17 years of being misdiagnosed with rheaumatoid arthritis) at least i know which demon i'm dealing with!    I also have depression and anxiety/panic attacks. I have decided to change my GP as they have no interest in my illness or continued care, so next comes the really hard bit for me, actually going into the new surgery to register, i cant become a patient till i do. I have an appointment for tomorrow at 2pm and im so scared that im already having a panic attack. I just cant seem to add any logic to the way im feeling "fear of fear" i just hate feeling so powerless, I dont even recognise the person I have become.

Does anybody have any advice? I would so appreciate it 

Thanks

maddy

 

Maddyp,

Welcome to the forum! You will find the people here are loving, compassionate friends who will celebrate your peaks with you and help you through the valleys. We all know the highs and lows that come with this.

I can truly relate to some of the things you posted, especially the comment: "I don't even recognize this person I've become." That's exactly how I felt not all that long ago and that's when I realized that I couldn't conquer all of this alone. I decided to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. The years of depression and the frustrations of fibro had become too much for me.

I was terribly nervous just thinking about going to see a new doctor, scared to acknowledge how far this journey had taken me in directions I didn't want to go, etc. On Friday I had my first appointment at the new clinic with the psychiatric nurse practitioner.

I was so scared as I walked into that building. That uneasy feeling in my stomach... my heart racing and pounding a bit... it was hard to breathe comfortably, but I pushed myself through those doors, telling myself that this was going to help me "turn the corner".

I had only been there a minute when I was greeted with a warm smile and welcomed by a wonderful nurse. She undoubtedly knew I had some anxiety and did a great job of calming me. By the time I saw the nurse practitioner, I felt completely at ease. Two hours later I walked out feeling uplifted -- and for the first time in a long time I feel optimistic and hopeful.

I share this story in the hopes that it gives you the encouragement you need to push through your fears and conquer! The doctors are there to HELP us! We may not be able to cure fibro, but together and with the help of competent medical providers, we can find ways to adjust to our limitations and live a happy, active life.

Again, welcome!!

Thankyou all so much for the advice, I know only I can make the next step but just knowing your all here rooting for me and understand how im feeling makes all the difference.
Hugs to all
will update tomorrow