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What do you do when your worst fears are doctors?

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Posted 9/8/2015 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
I get extreme panic when I even have to pick up the phone and make an appointment, I hate being like that. When I finally do see my doctor I get so nervous that I feel like fainting. Does anyone else have a doctor phobia?
Posted 9/9/2015 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Deborah,

Totally, and this is what caused a lot of my anxiety in the first place. My first big panic attack was when a famous celeb in the UK died of cervical cancer and because I hadn't been for a smear in 4 years (too scared) I convinced myself I had it. I was rushed to the ER because I thought I was dying. It was panic.

Honestly, all I can say is that I pushed through it. Just once. I went to the doc and got everything done, from bloods to smear (sorry if TMI) and then made a vow that I never put it off again as I'd probably rather be sick than suffer from The Fear. I was scared of needles up until 6 weeks ago when I'd had enough and begged them to take blood to show me what was wrong with me. There was nothing wrong, again, panic.

My advice would be to take someone with you, get someone else to make the appointment maybe too. Walk slowly through the doors and breathe, breathe, breathe. Explain straight away to the doctor you suffer from extreme anxiety if they don't already know and don't be scared if you are having a total breakdown in their office, I have done this many many many times. They will be understanding if they are a good doc, they see lots and lots of people like us I promise.

Let me know how you go I would love to try and help you more I feel your pain.

LR x
Posted 9/9/2015 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
My dad is a doctor so I don't have a doctor phobia, but I can see why you have one. Most doctors I have been to are not that great, and have given me (and my husband) horrible advice or have prescribed things that interact with each other. You are supposed to be able to trust doctors, but many of them are no good!

If you are scared of doctors, might I suggest switching from your current doctor? I hated my old doctor and dreaded going there, even though I didn't have a phobia. I found my current doctor online, and I chose her because she has high ratings, she is well educated, and she wrote some really nice, refreshing things in her profile. I am so glad I found her because she is awesome and I feel very secure with her.

If you dread calling the doctor's office, I might have a solution for you. Do you live in the USA? If so, there might be a hospital near you that is tech-savvy enough to have a system where you can make appointments, email your doctor, and even see your entire patient record (including lab test results) online. The system my hospital uses is called "followmyhealth" (all one word). I would Google "{your location} followmyhealth" and see if there are any hospitals that use that system in your area. If you can get on that software, you won't have to call up the office anymore, and you can leave an email for your doctor rather than calling and having to get a call back (which I hate!).

If you need help in searching for a doctor, I would be happy to help. My favorite sites are HealthGrades and ZocDoc.

Oh, and I second the fact that breakdowns in a doctor's office are okay. I have cried uncontrollably in my doctor's office before.

Take care,

-Cat

Post Edited (BlueCat) : 9/8/2015 8:25:57 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/9/2015 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
D.S.,

I agree...having an understanding doctor will make a huge diffference!

I too have this issue, and I am thinking of changing doctors. He is great, and nice...nothing negative to say...

...but I don't get a feeling that he understands my anxiety about visits, and I would like someone who has an understaning about doctor phobia.

My former doctor who retired, did...her daughter had panic disorder, so she really 'got it'...(so sad she retired!)

I hope you can find a doctor who can treat you both body and mind, with much understanding!

S.C.
Posted 9/9/2015 7:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes I can relate on this one I hate going to see the doctor but luckily I have an excellent doctor who is very understanding and supportive but I still don't like going to see her lol.

Hibee
Posted 9/9/2015 10:43 AM (GMT 0)
Me too Deb, me too...

I have an appointment tomorrow with gyn, even thought he told me on the phone that everything is alright and I shouldn't worry about spotting, I JUST FREAK OUT!

Any type of test, check up and blood works give me extreme anxiety.
It's all because of our catastrophic way of thinking.
Posted 9/9/2015 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
I did tell my doctor that I get very nervous, and I'm especially afraid of medical tests, and she said this, " your so weird, you make me laugh". I know, I need to find a different doctor, and I will. Because writing that really makes me realize how bad that is, that she would make fun of me like that. mad
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