I had an eye specialist appointment a week ago. I was anxious about going to the doctor to begin with and then the waiting did not help. After waiting in a small dark room, which at least had windows, for my eyes to dilate, I was moved to an even smaller examination room without windows and the door was closed. I had been waiting about an hour prior to the move to the small exam room. I decided to open the door despite being told it was closed for patient privacy. I did remember to do some deep breathing exercises and right as I was ready to call it quits as the anxiety was getting to be too much, the doctor walked in. He asked how I was doing and he ended up getting a lesson about PTSD and how waiting may not seem like a big deal to some, it would be nice if people were informed about wait times. I mentioned being shut in a small exam room without windows can be a major trigger for some. The doctor hadn't even thought about the complications PTSD may have on patients there to get eyes checked. His assistant set me up for a followup appointment, which would be the first one of the day. She said perhaps it would shorten any waits and make my visits less stressful.
I now know I am going to be more upfront and unashamed to mention the PTSD to places which may be a trigger. I am accepting of the fact I have PTSD and maybe with educating others, they will realize how difficult dealing with PTSD can be and learn to assist.
I now know I am going to be more upfront and unashamed to mention the PTSD to places which may be a trigger. I am accepting of the fact I have PTSD and maybe with educating others, they will realize how difficult dealing with PTSD can be and learn to assist.