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Two days and counting til eye appt.

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/28/2014 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
Well I've done ALOT of self therapy, talking to myself about how ridiculous it is to panic so much about this darn eye doctor appt. Im pretty sure I have at least one cataract but of course thinking its something much more serious...and afraid of all the tests they do. I thought I was doing pretty well with this self therapy....bo the worst thing I did was talk to my girlfriend who does NOT have anxiety but loves, loves, loves to talk about all her legitimate medical issues and she scared me to death today....telling me about her recent trip to the ophthamologist and all the "tortuous" eye tests they gave her. She may have had more than I will go through because she has Lupus and they have to test her for alot more stuff than the normal person might have but it left me in a complete state of panic. Wrong person to talk with two days before my appointment. I hope I can get through it with some sense of dignity and not go running out of the office or fainting right there in the chair when they put those darn drops in my eyes. I have always found that I HATE not being in control of what's going on around me or to me. Any calming suggestions?
Posted 10/28/2014 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
I hate going to the eye doctor. I have always had the fear of going blind, for some ungodly reason. But it's always alright after I'm done with the exam. But I always make sure the technician knows that I am nervous. Letting her know I'm nervous somehow lessens my nervousness. Good luck!
Posted 10/28/2014 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
i know all about the eye doc. surgery (vitrectomy) 2 years of laser. (both eyes) and intra ocular injections. the eye exam, you will be fine. yes tell them that you are anxious. wishing you peace.
Posted 10/28/2014 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Andwes-

Is someone going with you? Do you have a trusted friend or family member that understands your fear and anxiety that could take you? That always helped with getting through appts that stirred up my anxiety.

Definitely tell them you are anxious. Holding it in, makes it worse.

Here's the relieving news, that appt will be here then over before you know it... The anticipation is ridiculous, I know all too well abt anticipatory anxiety. Just know the anticipation you're having now is far worse than the appt. It needs to be done and will literally be done before you know it.

No matter how anxious you get now or then, I can assure you that you're going to be a-ok.

Sending peace-
Lisa
Posted 10/28/2014 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
I agree, you really should tell them that you are anxious, Andwes. So that they can treat you and check up gently. You will be fine I promise, and don't think about possible conditions. Let the dr give the dx :)

Once I was having excessive amount of tearing in my left eye and I even went further thinking I have a closed tear duct and I need operation or something. Dr told me there are many conditions which can happen in tear duct but mine is nothing mechanical and I don't need any procedure. It's just how my eye is. So I got relieved. Please don't try to diagnose yourself :)

Hope everything goes well, we will be there with you <3
Posted 10/28/2014 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
A.,

Your son is still going with you, yes? Have you tried doing a 'dry run'?...simply going to the office beforehand, so that you are familiar with the place? The more you know about your appointment, the more in control you will feel.

I know how you feel...I don't have an issue with the eye doctor...but any other medical appointment has me feeling very anxious beforehand.

Remember...baby steps. You simply go and do this one appointment first. Eye exams are pretty non-invasive. You get through it, and see where you go from there.

The quote I love to remember when I am leaning towards catastophic thinking is:

"Almost nothing I've ever worried about has actually happened."

Don't anticipate anything but good news.;)  GREAT job on the positive self-talk...keep it up!

We 'go along' with you in spirit and support!! (they better have a BIG waiting room!!)

S.C.
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