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I find the OP's reaction to the thought of a doctor's visit totally bizarre, and I would suggest counseling. However, I wouldn't wait to locate a counselor and start therapy to make the appointment with a doctor. I agree with others that it would be O.K. and even desireable to share your fears with the receptionist when making the appointment. Just say, "I am afraid of doctors but I need to make an appointment anyway". It will be a way of facing your fear and anxiety. Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is doing what needs to be done despite the fear. George Patton said something like that, but it probably didn't orginate with him.
I had that saying or something very similar to it taped over my desk after 9/11. That's the killer--I'm not some wimp. I escaped from the World Trade Center on 9/11/01 (and also on 2/26/93) saw horrible things that you could never even imagine. I had a house fire once. I was married to an alcoholic drug-using abuser. I've supported myself and raised my kid with very little child support from her father, I've moved 60 miles from my family and have to take care of myself alone when things go wrong. Nobody comes to rescue me if I have a flat tire or my car breaks down--I'm on my own. Oh yeah, and YEARS of "counseling", as you so kindly put it. It's called psychotherapy. For depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
But I have a terror of doctors poking and prodding at me. Bizarre, as you pointed out above. It did occur to me to go back to a therapist and talk about this, yeah, but in the end, he or she would just make me go to the doctor!
Anyway, thanks, all. I just have to bite the bullet and do it.
I had that saying or something very similar to it taped over my desk after 9/11. That's the killer--I'm not some wimp. I escaped from the World Trade Center on 9/11/01 (and also on 2/26/93) saw horrible things that you could never even imagine. I had a house fire once. I was married to an alcoholic drug-using abuser. I've supported myself and raised my kid with very little child support from her father, I've moved 60 miles from my family and have to take care of myself alone when things go wrong. Nobody comes to rescue me if I have a flat tire or my car breaks down--I'm on my own. Oh yeah, and YEARS of "counseling", as you so kindly put it. It's called psychotherapy. For depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
But I have a terror of doctors poking and prodding at me. Bizarre, as you pointed out above. It did occur to me to go back to a therapist and talk about this, yeah, but in the end, he or she would just make me go to the doctor!
Anyway, thanks, all. I just have to bite the bullet and do it.
You are a very strong woman - you can do it!!!!
And think of how relieved you'll be to have it behind you
And think of how relieved you'll be to have it behind you
Haha, exactly what I was thinking. There's a woman from work who lives in my county who would be in the same health plan since we have the same employer. I'm going to ask her who she goes to. She's the kind who is always running to a doctor for this that and the other thing.
Awww, a checkup is really nothing. I hadn't been in DECADES how about that? But I knew it was time to go, I was having some health issues and I needed to get to the bottom of it. They really don't do that much "poking and prodding", honestly, it's nothing to fear. Thankfully I went; because it turned out I am a Type 2 diabetic, and probably went undiagnosed for years. I believe it was caught in time for me to avoid neuropathy or other complications and I am doing VERY well on minimal meds.
So don't worry, just find a doctor, make an appointment and GO. You will relax as soon as you are there, I promise!
Awww, a checkup is really nothing. I hadn't been in DECADES how about that? But I knew it was time to go, I was having some health issues and I needed to get to the bottom of it. They really don't do that much "poking and prodding", honestly, it's nothing to fear. Thankfully I went; because it turned out I am a Type 2 diabetic, and probably went undiagnosed for years. I believe it was caught in time for me to avoid neuropathy or other complications and I am doing VERY well on minimal meds.
So don't worry, just find a doctor, make an appointment and GO. You will relax as soon as you are there, I promise!
Oh, thanks for being someone else like me!
It's only been one decade, hehehe. Not even, really. In 2003 I had arthroscopic knee surgery, so at that time they did an EKG.
About three and a half years ago, I was going to a place that did chiropractic with massage. It was completely covered by my insurance, and I guess because I had insurance, they offered some other stuff, too. There were doctors (MDs) who were there a few days a week. So when they offered these other tests, I said sure, I'll do them. I had a lung capacity test, a bone density test, a doppler thing that looked for blockages in my neck and under my arms, and blood pressure testing. Everything was OK.
Obesity is close to an epidemic in this country so doctors wont be surprised or blame you. If they do, find a different doctor who is friendly & helpful. If you make up your mind about making healthy changes, then the doctor could be very helpful in giving you good information about eating healthy & exercising. You dont need to do anything to soften the blow. I am sure they will treat you with respect. They will just run few tests & give you info about eating habits & exercising.
Obesity is close to an epidemic in this country so doctors wont be surprised or blame you. If they do, find a different doctor who is friendly & helpful. If you make up your mind about making healthy changes, then the doctor could be very helpful in giving you good information about eating healthy & exercising. You dont need to do anything to soften the blow. I am sure they will treat you with respect. They will just run few tests & give you info about eating habits & exercising.
I already know what to do. I just have to do it. At least I quit smoking. That would be worse to have to listen to!
Mightyqueen, I feel the exact same way you do. I don't think it's bizarre at all!!
When I was 33, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, I've had a myriad of issues. Every year, I'd go to all my doctors', have everything checked and scanned and then I'd be fine. But as I approached that one year mark to go get everything checked again, I'd get paranoid to the nth degree. Every little thing made me nervous. Then I'd go, anxiety fits and all, they'd check, I'd be fine for about 11 more months. And the cycle would start again...
THEN...I lost my job about two years ago. I couldn't afford to keep my insurance. Couldn't afford the medication to keep my system in check... well, I've been working for over a year now and been eligible with my insurance for a while... but my total fear of going has kept me from going.
My head is saying "you're being an idiot...just go...do what you have to..." But anxiety pulls me back. Part of my problem is that my doctor retired, her nurse practioner left and I'm stuck finding a new one. In Dallas, I have my pick of about 8 MILLION DOCTORS...that's what it feels like. And I hate finding a new one...that's more anxiety than what could possibly be wrong with me.
What I hate is with all these choices, I seriously don't think I'll find someone who takes the time with me. I really need someone who will keep their schedule pretty tight, but has enough time scheduled with me to answer my questions and fears. Someone who will not say that I'm being a paranoid freak... it's not like I don't have reason to be paranoid... getting cancer at a young age did that to me and it hasn't been a pleasure cruise since.
Well, yesterday, I saw a new oncologist - think I'm probably cancer free still and that's a great blessing. However, my blood pressure is off the charts...so, the immediacy is right here in my face. In fact, I'm biting the bullet and making an appointment today because hey, I don't want to croak. My 45th birthday is next week and I'd hate to uh...have a heart attack.
So...hang in there. You're not alone. Feel free to vent anytime because I KNOW what you're going through...
You know you might consider yourself lucky that you are even able to see a doctor some of us are not that lucky . I am disabled and I cannot afford my spenddown on my medicaid so therefore I cannot go to the doctor because I cannot affrod the bill at all . So therefore we (my husband and I have no health care at all ) . You are blessed that you are able to go to the dr . take care and I hope it all works out for you .
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