Paralyzing fear of doctor visit

I have suffered from health anxiety for many, many years. Contrary to most of you on this site who suffer this affliction however, I avoid doctors at all costs. Thankfully for most of my life I have been very healthy, even though I've thought I had every disease known to man. I know it all stems from two bad experiences I had as a child but even though I recognize this intellectually, emotionally I can't get past the fear. Just the thought of having to have even an eye exam makes my heart pound and feel like i am going to pass out. I am now quite sure I have a cataract or something, as my symptoms all indicate that, and my eyesight is very impaired in my left eye especially, to the point where there is just a clouded spot when I look at things. I have an appointment next month and already every morning I wake up I think about it and wonder how am I going to get through the appointment without passing out And the worst part is knowing that if I DO have to have eye surgery, that means I have to have a complete physical before I can have it...THAT is what scares me the most....the thought of the exam, the possible tests required, and the fact that I'm SURE I have something physical because I've neglected care for so many years AND the fact that I've smoked forever, so the fear of what is coming is overwhelming to me. I have gone through some very serious issues in my life and somehow managed the strength to get through them, but this seems to be beyond my control. Family doesn't understand this fear at all, and quite frankly think I'm just a cowardly baby and I have to agree with them but I don't think they realize the panic and debilitating fear I experience. I have tried many methods of positive thinking to prepare myself for what's coming, but I'm afraid when the day comes, I will completely fall apart. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can conquer this fear? It fills my every waking moment with anxiety and panic. Thanks for listening to this cowardly member. And this fear also makes me dislike myself, because I see so many people who go through terrible health issues with so much courage and strength.

I also have a huge fear of going to the doctor, I hate test and waiting on results, it puts me in a bad state of panic. I'm  so bad that I freak out and can't watch those cancer center commercials, ugh. So I can totally relate.

I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I actually DID pass out at my last eye exam! I have had health anxiety since I was a little girl. It used to be centered around needles. As an adult my fear of needles has grown into a fear of anything medical, and on from that into full blown agoraphobia.

about three years ago I knew I needed an updated prescription for my contact lenses. I fretted about the appointment for a few days before going. What I SHOULD have done was exactly what everyone here is suggesting and take one of my "for emergencies only" xanax pills before the appointment. It would have calmed me down and I am sure I would have been fine. The other thing I SHOULD have done was to speak candidly to the lady who was checking me out and to tell her that I was anxious. Of course here I am embarrassed by my anxiety so I choose to hide it.

Long story short I pass out in the chair about 10 minutes into the appointment. I think I scared her to death. I have passed out before though and I usually know I'm going to go for a second or two beforehand. I had enough time to say "I don't feel well" and out I went.

And you know what.....nothing else happened. She woke me up. I was HORRIBLY embarrassed at that point. I asked her for a glass of water. Felt tired. But, I finished the appointment. They were so careful with me after that....asking if I was feeling well and did I need a breather before doing the next thing. I joked with them about my anxiety and they told me that I should have said something....they would have been understanding. I could have gotten up and walked around every few minutes (which sometimes helps, you don't feel confined in the chair) and that would have been totally fine.

I guess my point here is that nothing bad happened. Embarrassment never killed anyone and passing out certainly doesn't kill you either. Not that it will probably happen to you, but even if it does, it's not the end of the world. Just remember to breathe (I think I was probably holding my breath that day without realizing it) and ask for whatever you need. Tell them....they will understand. And if you can....get a benzo beforehand. My dentist gives me some to take before I go for an appointment.

Best of luck to you.


Jen

I don't mind going to the dr. The fear of the unknown is what paralyzes me, I'd rather know it's nothing- or find what it is and treat it...

I wish you all the best!

I am no fan of going to the doctor either. However, think of yourself as the consumer. The doctor works for YOU. You are in control of the situation. You can hear the doctor's advice but YOU make the final decision. I have a very high deductible so I pay for everything. So I ask how much each procedure is going to cost and that becomes part of my decision. Also think about the worst thing that could happen. You could pass out or throw up. Either way, I am sure the doctors and nurses have seen it all. When I had to have my first bood draw I told them it was my first time. For them it was very routine. Tell them how scared you are . if they don't respond well, they are not the doctors for you to see. You can always turn around and walk out the door. Remember you are the boss.