Fear of medical professionals

[Moinnz007]

Hi,
In advance I would like to thank everyone on here for your help. I have been a member for a week or so now and have gained a lot of insight into PTSD.

I have a huge fear of medical professionals and a fear of dying. I have started therapy and have finally managed to understand why this is. I had a rather traumatic experience as a young child which required medical procedures to seek evidence and to fit damage done. Even though I logically know that the procedures were done for my health and safety the whole experience is like another form of trauma.

My problem at the moment is I am feeling rather unwell and have a doctor's appointment in a few days. This is causing huge amounts of anxiety as I am so afraid. I keep thinking the worst. It is so hard to know what is real and what is not within my own body. I am trying distraction techniques and have taken medication for when the anxiety is at this scary level.

Thanks for listening and take care

 

[ladee]

Would you like some suggestions on how to deal with being with the Dr??? Sorry this will be so difficult for you.... didn't want to bombard you with suggestions as you really didn't ask for any.... so if nothing else, supporting you to go to the dr and be ok.

 

[Moinnz007]

Hi Iadee,
Thank you for your support and any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[ladee]

Sure, many here have the same issue... so maybe more will come in and share.... if your Dr doesn't know you have PTSD , tell him or her... and depending on the exam, you can ask him/her to let you know each thing they are going to do.... and give you a few seconds to be ok with it... if you come up against something you can not do... then tell them... it can wait until next time.... go in knowing you are in control of your own body.... that you can say NO to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.... if they are going to do certain things, ask them to explain what it is.... if you already know, then simply let them know, again, if need be.... that giving you a few seconds to think and center yourself... it would really help you...

And you can make, " my body my choice" your mantra !!!! I really feel more dr's would be more patient with us if they knew we were scared and that , for me, for instance, touching me at the back of my neck... makes me feel like I want to vomit... pretty sure they would like to be warned first...

Nothing to be embarrassed about, but owning it empowers you.... if it takes you ten visits to get it all done... then fine... you were in control.... you don't have to give any details as to why you have PTSD.... not needed.... unless of course it is GYN procedure.... and you still don't have to give details... just let them know what you can handle and what you can't... and if your Dr isn't patient and understanding about this, find one who will be....

Wishing you well tomorrow... it is your body, you are in control... gentle hugs if you accept.... you will do ok...

 

[Moinnz007]

Thank you very much Iadee for your advice. It is my body and I am in control! I will keep telling myself this to try and gain some control and strength over my emotions. Logically I understand but emotionally in some ways I'm still that young girl. Thanks again. Take care

 

[ladee]

So reassure that little girl, that you are an adult and will make sure that nothing happens that either of you don't want.... that this time is different... and she doesn't need to be too afraid because you are not going to leave her.... when you feel 'the little girl ' fear coming up... reassure her as many times as you need to.... you will still be nervous... but keep reminding yourself,,, you are in control.... and silently tell your little one as each thing is happening.... you are ok and you will make sure she is...

Hope that helps....

 

[Quarantine Queen]

Healthcare is scary. I work as a health care provider and I have issues with it as well. I also had a procedure as a child for a reoccurring issue that added to my trauma. I can relate to that. There have been times that I just start crying for no reason when in front of a healthcare provider. I have also been on the other side of that table as well. I think it is helpful for any healthcare provider to know about a PTSD diagnosis. They don't have to know why just the fact that it exists. Ladee above is right as well. You are in control and you do not have to do anything you do not want to. Even if its letting a provider listen to your lungs. You can stop a visit at anytime. If the provider is decent they will understand.

 

[Moinnz007]

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for your kind advice. Sorry I have not been on in a bit, I have been in my own little bubble where I withdraw for a bit. The doctors went really well. I told him that I suffer from PTSD and acked him to explain everything he was doing. He was very supportive and professional. Your advice and support is so appreciated. Thanks again. Take care.