Fear of doctors!

heartbreak_star

I used to be a bit nervy that I was weak if I admitted feeling ill, or that little things "could be something serious".

Then I thought about it properly.

If, say, I found a lump...why on EARTH would I put off going to the docs? I'd WANT to know if it was serious so they could help me...the longer it got put off, the higher the chance of serious illness!

Same with the dentist. Would I rather have someone poke about in my mouth every so often, or lose my teeth?

And the optician. 10 minutes of discomfort, or lose my sight.

And I will happily say that to anyone. I rarely catastrophise, but sometimes it can be helpful I was terrified of having LLETZ to the point of crying, but it was that or develop cancer. No-brainer.

I really hope you find a good doc, hazyjo. No matter how scared you are, they are there to help.

*hugs*

HBS x

hazyjo

lostinrates wrote: »

This I strongly identify with.

But your body is NOT coping if you fall ill! and a refusal to deal with it isn't coping, its a failure to cope.

If someone appeared depressed or whatever, I am with you all the way. I would be the first one saying to them that asking for help is being STRONG not a weakness (in fact, have said to several friends). I know it all in logic, I'm great with other people lol - but I just don't see that I need it in myself. In that, I am absolutely rubbish!

heartbreak_star wrote: »

I used to be a bit nervy that I was weak if I admitted feeling ill, or that little things "could be something serious".

Then I thought about it properly.

If, say, I found a lump...why on EARTH would I put off going to the docs? I'd WANT to know if it was serious so they could help me...the longer it got put off, the higher the chance of serious illness!

Same with the dentist. Would I rather have someone poke about in my mouth every so often, or lose my teeth?

And the optician. 10 minutes of discomfort, or lose my sight.

And I will happily say that to anyone. I rarely catastrophise, but sometimes it can be helpful I was terrified of having LLETZ to the point of crying, but it was that or develop cancer. No-brainer.

I really hope you find a good doc, hazyjo. No matter how scared you are, they are there to help.

*hugs*

HBS x

If I found a lump in most places, I'd go see a doctor (actually I'd go to the hospital). I have had two chest xrays in the last 15 years due to horrendous chest infections. Thought I was a goner! Thankfully nowt (obviously) wrong.

Often it's the receptionists that I find difficult (hear that a lot). They just seem to have this 'attitude'. I'm civil, polite, clear, non-demanding - and yet they still talk to me like I've asked for the moon on a stick. They just put my back up to start with.

Anyway, will give the new one a try.

Might even look into a clinic for a smear. Would much prefer that!

Jx

heartbreak_star

Admittedly, I go to a local clinic for my smears and contraception - their opening times are FAR more convenient!

Receptionists can be very curt. Do agree there!

HBS x

Sandhy

A lot of the anxiety is due to the making the appointment waiting for the appointment. A clinic where you can pop in would suit me better for all things medical. I can see it being a nightmare for their system and paperwork though.

Goldiegirl

hazyjo wrote: »

Goldiegirl

My sis has NEVER had an eye test, despite my dad having had glaucoma. I lecture her, and get my mum to lecture her, but she's still not been. Maybe it's a bit of a trait (although I was adopted) where we have this fear. Maybe my mum took us somewhere as kids that put the fear of god into us lol! Who knows. READ MY THING ABOUT VERTIGO ABOVE! Please never put off anything with your ears. Don't end up with what I had. Whoah I wouldn't even wish that on my line manager lol (well, maybe!). Always go to the hospital for things like that. There'll be a doctor you can see. It's less scary for some strange reason! I bypassed the doc completely (until follow up appt after). They suspected Meniere's when I first went, so get that checked out. Might not be wax - mine wasn't really, more of the tiny ear 'hairs' lying flat instead of upright or something like that and something to do with fluid. No offence to doctors, but I don't trust them with the complicated stuff. Hospitals IMO are far better cos they can look and then can refer you or call an expert in.

Now that I've seen the doctor, I am going to see it through.


I must admit, as yet, I'm not totally confident that my GP was thorough enough. I explained my symptoms, but I'm not sure he really listened properly - sort of just hearing what he thought he needed to hear, if you know what I mean.


He looked in my ear for wax, (which there wasn't any) then told me to do steam inhalation for three weeks. And that was about it, only in the surgery for a few minutes.


I was so gobsmacked that there was no wax in my ears, I didn't think to ask what he thought the problem was.


I've been doing some reading, and it sounds like Eustachian tube dysfunction... a middle ear thing.


This is what causes pain when flying, and I'm due to fly at the end of June. So I feel I need to keep on the right side of the GP, as I might need him if I have to cancel the holiday and claim on the travel insurance.


I don't have vertigo, the worse thing is the tinnitus. I had another really bad tinnitus episode this afternoon, although it has started to quieten now.


I'm just going to carry on with my steam inhalation as directed, and see what happens next. But if there were new developments, I think I'd go to the hospital, rather than back to the GP

Georgiegirl256

hazyjo wrote: »

I'm sure we said we were sisters before. I'm starting to believe it lol.

I am the same (yes, even the donkey ads). But I did cry at both my weddings. Was covered in blotches (lovely) and cried buckets. Could just about get the words out. Completely traumatic both times (never again!).

I hate attention on me. I make the odd little quip and am fine with that, but when I realise I'm more than a couple of lines into a story in a group, I get a bit flustered and start feeling extremely self aware. I think that plays a part in the docs too. Lots of contributing factors. Also, because I'm a coper generally, the thought of saying in front of a doctor 'I'm not coping' or 'I don't feel well' is totally alien to me. I'm not very good at asking for help. I will defend myself to the hilt, but I'm very much of the 'get on with it' brigade. I can analyse it, but I can't change it.

Jx

Yes, we sound so alike, I'm starting to believe it too lol! :rotfl:

Hope you manage to get yourself sorted regarding the doctor. Just remember, your not alone in feeling how you do.

hazyjo

I finally went for a smear test yesterday. RELIEVED. Just hoping they don't have to redo it or anything


I was a very brave girlie. Signed up at new doctors and saw the doctor yesterday and managed NOT to cry (felt a slight wobble, but was okay). Had taken the PM off work so I didn't have to go in after, and could go home first and have a bath.


She came back in the room with her 'kit' and said 'you certainly don't look as old as you are!' which I said I'd take as a compliment Think that put me at ease a bit. She's quite overweight herself so that made me feel much better! Nothing worse than having your weight pointed out or lectured about by someone who's thin, even if they are a doctor.


Hopefully all will be okay. Will try not to worry about results or a recall


Thanks all. You helped. Got there eventually


Jx

Georgiegirl256

Yay! Well done! :T Glad it went ok and the nurse managed to put you at ease.

hazyjo

Thanks 'sis'


Was actually the doctor not nurse, maybe that reassured me, I'm not sure.




Jx

Gigervamp

I'm so glad Hazyjo. Well done! You don't want to end up like me.