Questions about a visit with the Doctor!!!

O.K. guys, here's the deal.  I know I need to get to a doctor.  Nobody needs to tell me that twice.  I am wodering though since I haven't been to the doctor about this whole anxiety thing since I was first diagnosed 8 years ago, what can I expect?

I am dealing with severe panic attacks, and anxiety all day, everyday, and some chest pressure, that is almost constant, but not very severe...meaning it doesn't feel too bad.  I am also dealing with some clearing of my throat, which I find myself having to do quite frequently.  I am also feeling pretty tired.  The chest issues are spread out all across my chest. I am also dealing with agoraphobia, which is one of the 3 reasons I haven't made it to the doctor yet.  Also because I am uninusred and was trying to wait til July to go, and also because I have SEVERE health anxiety and am scared out of my mind to even THINK about doctors.  I have also noticed a lot that if I push on my chest, the pain is worse. 

What can I expect to happen when I do go to the doctor?  Anyone have any ideas if this is all related to my anxiety?  (I have become more stressed in the past couple months)  I will also probably tell my doctor that I feel tense almost all the time.  My shoulders are always real tight, and sometimes my chest feels like it needs to be cracked...if anyone understands that.  Ha ha.

I am just so scared to go, so I was hoping some of you can ease my mind and tell me what to expect.  Maybe tell me the different things the doctor will be looking for.  Ya know?

Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.  As always, I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say!!!

 

Hey there Tammy,

You definitely can't meet with the psychiatrist first.  Your doctor has to rule out any medical causes for your conditions.  It would be extremely irresponsible for him not to.  I get very nervous when I see the doctor.  And it's worse when I am waiting for test results LIKE RIGHT NOW!  (I am awaiting blood results). 

However, it's important to be calm.  Be honest and tell the doctor EVERYTHING.  Don't leave anything out.  You should write down all your questions and concerns if you feel you have to.  Often times, I get nervous and I leave things out.  At the end of the appointment, take a moment to think if you have all your questions answered.  I always leave the doctor's office forgetting to ask this and that. 

The will ask for your medical history and your family's medical history.  The doctor is probably gonna run some routine tests, blood pressure, take your height and weight, temperature, blood tests, maybe chest x-ray and whatever he feels necessary.  You will have to wait for the results of the tests.  If they all come back normal and the doctor thinks that you are suffering from anxiety then at that point, he will refer you to a psychiatrist. 

This is very basic.  I don't know what exactly you will encounter.  Hope that helps you out a little.  Best of luck to you.  You will be just fine!!

Hi Tammy,
Just checking in and caught your message. I agree you need to see a doctor even just to answer your health questions. Is there a person you feel safe with? Maye he or she could go with you. I promise you you will be safe gouing there. Its thoughts. Only thoughts that get in your way. Think of something funny to occupy your time. I kow its expensive to see the er doctor but that way they can bill you later. Once they answer your questions the sooner you will recover, thus gettting you back to work. You have to start some where. Just dont google. lol. I feel for you. Stress has you to tight that you just cant get your body to relax. There are relaxation techniques you need to try. Im sure this will ease some of your symptoms. I suffered from anxiety for over 10 years. I still have dp/dr alot. I havent figured out how to beat that yet but Im working on it. It affects my work alot but i have a wonderful job that I can work around my anxiety problems. I hope I can bring some comfort to you with what knowledge I have. Myles

Tammy,

I agree with happypills.  Write down everything that has been bothering you as far as the anxiety symptoms goes.  (Make your list - and check it twice! ).  Seriously though, I make a list, this way when I get to the Dr. I remember to tell her everything that has been bothering me - even if it seems stupid or unrelated.  This way, when you leave the Dr's office, you don't kick yourself for fogetting to tell them one of the most important things that have been bothering you!  It truly does help...start you list and you can always add to it as you think of what bothers you as far as anxiety and also questions that you would like to ask your Dr. as well!  I hope your parents Dr. is willing to take payments so you can get underway!  Good luck!  I will see you in the chat room, I am sure!!

Sylkn

Hi Tammy,

I too was scared to go to the Dr.   I thought I had every life threatening disease you could think of.  I am not a doc, but everything you are describing is exactly what I had.  Most likely it is anxiety. 

I told my doc everything.  He immediately said, "it sounds like anxiety".  He took my blood pressure, temp, height, weight and did a complete set of blood work.  He started me on Cymbalta as I waited for the test results to come back.  He also sent me to a cardiologist to make sure it was not cardiac related. 

I know this is a big step.  Glad to hear your calling the doc tomorrow.  Hope he is able to work with you.  Trust me, you will feel better after your check-up.  I'am sure all your test will be fine.  It will be a weight off your shoulders!  Good Luck with everything dear.

Hugs,

Mary 

Hi Tammy,

I agree with the others, you would be wise to see your family practice physician so you can receive an indepth medical screening exam to make sure your problems are not from a medical condition.

The list idea is excellent. Yes you will be nervous until the physician comes into the room then you usual feel better. It is the waiting that is tough.

A nurse will check you in so do not be afraid to tell her how scared you feel.

Good luck and gentle hugs.