Dr. Avoider - Please Help!!!

lin14534

New Member

Joined : Aug 2012

Posts : 13

Posted 8/15/2012 9:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone - I am a 60 yr old female that started down this health anxiety highway when I had my second child at age 40. When she was about 8 months old, out of the blue, I started feeling like I had everything wrong with me. It was overwhelming and took over my life. Went on Paxil for several years and switched to Effexor because of weight gain and loss of libido. My problem is I CAN'T get myself to go to the dr. I don't have anything wrong right now, but I have to go for periodic blood tests because I'm on high blood pressure and cholesterol meds and also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (no meds). My issue is I can't go for the blood tests because I'm so afraid they're going to find something wrong in them. Had a friend who went for her routine blood test, one liver enzyme was a bit elevated, and before you know it, she's have liver scans, pancreas scans, more intricate blood work, etc. I would just about freak out if that happened to me. I'm a dr avoider at all costs. I need some words of encouragement of how I can get myself to get this blood work done. I'm running out of my meds and can't get them renewed unless I do the blood work. When you go into your dr after having blood work done, aren't you nervous and scared they're going to tell you that something is wrong? I hate myself for feeling this way...going through this for 20 years now is so tiring!!!

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 8/15/2012 9:46 PM (GMT 0)

Hi and welcome!

You are in good company here! Many of us have health anxiety and major white coat syndrome.

The longer you put off making an appointment, the harder it becomes. This year it took me about 3 months to work up to going in to do my yearly tests.

Take it in stages. First think about it, and try to envision a positive outcome for the whole procedure...from the examination and blood draw...right down to receiveing the results.

Then make your appointment and keep this in mind: This is a choice that you are making for yourself and your family. No one can force you to do it...and only you can make it happen. It is the responsible choice...and it is your responsibility to go and do it!:)

Take someone with you for accountability and comfort. I often take my husband or mom...but have also enlisted my sister and daughter in the past! Make an event out of it and go to lunch afterward to reward yourself.

When you get your results, have someone there with you for support when you open the envelope...or if the doctor's office calls, if you need to, ask to call back when you have your supporter with you.

Most of the time our worry is all for naught...and we can't control whatever outcome we are going to get anyway...so try your best to just go get it done, and then put it out of your mind until you get your results.

Keep posting here with us as well. We will support you through the whole process if you like!:)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

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