Anxiety over doctor appointment

I've had a sore throat and some lumps under my tongue for almost three months now. I was seen Dec 10th, and Dec 24th. The doctor told me it was nothing and should go away. It hasn't. I had an appointment for follow up for last tuesday, but we got a blizzard that day so I had to cancel, and the rescheduled appointment was 2 more weeks out. I called today to see if there was anything sooner that isn't with my PCP, and they are having me see the allergist.

I am so scared its going to be bad news. I feel nauseous and like crying, but I am trying to hold it together because I have to care for my daughter.

Yes, the appointment is in 5 hours.

Unfortunately I have a medical background and have been googling for months. I have a few worst case ideas of what it could be, and that is why I am panicking.

I try and ask myself this before doctor appointments as well, and sometimes find it somewhat comforting to explore other possibilities.

Hope this helps!

C.S.

I am confident that one of my favorite quotes applies to your situation.

"Almost nothing we fear, ever actually happens."

I am sure you are going to receive news of the benign nature...and be able to come up with a treatment plan today at your appointment.

I know the uncertainty is difficult...but keep your thoughts positive...because otherwise you'll have worried all for nothing. :)

Let us know how it went when you can okay?

S.C.

Countingstars,

Did your sore throat follow a URI or virus? Also, I am wondering if it is possible that you have silent acid reflux?

Also, thanks all of you for your positive words of encouragement. I am keeping busy cleaning and playing with my daughter. I will be sure to update.

No, the allergist I am seeing is just handling the overflow from family med. All specialties are in the same clinic where I am, so maybe I will get a referral. Unfortunately it take about a month/month and a half to get an appointment with a specialist other than allergy in my city

What I got was worse than bad news.

He listened to my symptoms. He said "let me take a look," he looked in my ears and throat, felt where the swelling/lump is, mumbled something and said "What I am going to do is print this paper off, and you can take it to the front desk and they will make you an appointment in ENT."

He then handed me the paper and left.

ENT can't get me in until March 3rd.

It was a referral for "sore throat and hoarseness."

I am terrified. I called ENT back after the receptionist made the appointment, crying. I explained that I had already waited 3 months feeling like this, 3 weeks for today's appointment, and now I have to wait 4 more weeks for ENT and I wish to be seen sooner. She said that the Doctor is out of the office until the 18th, and when he is back the nurses will talk to him and see if he wants to try to fit me into his packed schedule sooner. This clinic is just a small clinic that doesn't handle very complicated issues. So, I also just put in a request to the larger, more competent clinic in town to their ENT department. I fear their wait is just as long if not longer.

C.S.,

I agree. Since he made a referral for for an ENT...

...and the appointment is not set as high priority, this is indicative that you've nothing to worry about.:)

Frustrated, yes...but not scared at least, right? :)

Keep positive, use your coping skills...and keep posting with us. We'll do our best to keep you calm and encouraged.

S.C.

Just got a call from the clinic. They told me that they understand I would like to be seen sooner, but there is absolutely no way that can happen, they are completely booked and are now scheduling out into the end of March (after two hours.) Also told me that if I feel much worse I can just go to the ER.

I think it is going to be very hard for me not to go to the ER now in the next month.

Countingstars,

Just wanted to do a quick check-in with you and see how you are feeling?