Fear of going to the doctors

Hi. I have an extreme fear of going to the doctors. More specifically, I have a fear of having my blood pressure taken. I break out into an anxiety attack just thinking about having my BP taken and while it's taken in the office. As a result, it's usually in the high-normal range. I can't even do a BP reading at home or elsewhere.  I am on BP medication, even though I'm not sure I even need it! Am experiencing panic attacks this week and just started Lexapro again, waiting for it to kick in. Taking a few Xanax here and there.

I am OK with any other medical procedures and tests, as long as it doesn't involve any BP readings. It seems so self-defeating. I have an EKG scheduled for Tuesday for what we strongly suspect is anxiety related chest discomfort and am already freaking out over it.

Anyone with similar experiences or advice?

Thanks.

Hi dskpen and welcome
I also dread having my BP taken at the doctor's office! It started when I was at my regular OBGYN appointment with my first pregnancy. The doctor took it and literally said 'Oh my God.'...turned out I had pre-eclampsia and ended up in the hospital for a week after I delivered with high BP.

Since then, I get nervous when I get checked and a case of 'white coat syndrome' when I see a doctor.

I am sure that you will do absolutely fine with your upcoming appointment. If you get a high reading, explain that you are nervous, and have them check it again after you have had time to relax and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

Let us know how the test goes...I am sure you'll be found to have a strong and healthy heart:)

We understand what you are going through, so post anytime and we will be here to support you!

Take care,
Scaredy Cat

There's no reason to think that you will have problems with pregnancy...it is pretty uncommon.

I had it with my second pregnancy, but much milder because we were anticipating it, and caught it early. With moderate bed rest, I was much better the second time around;)

I am sure that we will all be fine...we just need to relax , breathe, and think positive!

Hugs and low readings;p

S.C.

I signed up for this on a whim and am so glad I did. Your comments have been very helpful.

It all started when I was pregnant with my twins. Towards the end of the pregnancy, I had one borderline high BP reading. The dr came in and abruptly said 'Your BP is almost high enough to put you in the hospital". It freaked me out, but turned out it was not an issue for the rest of the pregnancy.

Then one year later, worn out and stressed with three small children and maxed out on sinus medications, I had a routine dr visit where my BP was high. She had me do some home readings but it only added to my anxiety and a non-stop spiralling effect. It did get better with medication, diet and exercise.

Unfortunately, I now have a phobia of BP readings. It's usually in the normal-high range, but soooo frustrating because I really do feel fine otherwise. There has got to be a better way than making a diagnosis on one reading in the drs office.

I am hopeful that the EKG test won't be so stress inducing and that it will bring some peace of mind, at least temporarily.

Thanks, everyone!!!

wow newbi here, all of my anxiety started about 13 years ago at a walmart when I was bored I checked my BP...it was like 145/90 , I read the machine and it said it was high on it's list...I had a panic attack and have had them off and on ever since. My bp at home is usually good, but usually high at MD's office. I have had 3 stress test done all came back fine...hate it that others suffer from this too.

Cheet J
louisville, ky

Hi, all. My dr. appt. is this afternoon at 3:15 and I am already fretting about it. I just WISH it were in the morning so that it could all be over with.

I've been trying to start taking my BP at home, just to overcome that fear. A few times, it was well within normal to normal/high ranges. A couple of times, it started high but gradually came down to a normal range within 10 minutes. Of course, my heart was pounding the whole time. Husband is trying to be supportive but I think he's perplexed at my extreme fear.

I guess I'm looking for some reassurance. Have any of you tried this? Wish me luck!

Dskpen