Fear of doctors

[Manda85ballarat]

Hi I'm new to this forum, I have a totally irrational fear of going to the doctors. I have a phobia of needles due to a fainting incident 15 years ago. I have a spot I need to get checked and of course I am now jumping to the worst possible scenario. I guess I am just wondering how to get myself there as I am so scared not even my husband can get me there.

what do I do?

[Zeal]

Hi Manda,

This is tough, and the only constructive option is to face your fear. It is very likely that your spot won't need any special treatment or attention, but it's important you get it checked by your GP in case. If you monitor your health by seeing your doctor, you'll be less likely to have a health complaint which goes unchecked and needs treatment (which could involve needles).

How about you ask your husband to ring the GP and explain the situation. Perhaps the doctor can prepare for your visit, by ensuring no needles are visible in the clinic room, and by having an assurance that this first appointment is just to examine the spot. Again, there is a good chance that your spot will not need invasive treatment.

I used to be afraid of needles, but I developed coping strategies, and now I don't fear injections or blood tests at all. For a few years, I would lie on the doctor's bed while having an injection or blood test, so I didn't need to worry about feeling light-headed. Also, I never watch the needle being inserted, and I don't look at the test tubes of blood afterwards. Talking to your doctor while a needle is penetrating is a helpful distraction.

Good luck with overcoming this fear.

Best wishes,

SM

[Mummybee]

Hi Manda,

i am a health anxiety sufferer, I kind of crave Doctors to reassure me and tell me I'm not dying of a horrible disease, but I imagine the fear feels the same. 

In your case, I think facing it is the only way. Do you have a good GP that you trust? I think that helps. Perhaps try and think of the worst possible scenario- which I'm sure your brain is doing anyway, then break it down.

your GP might want to get the spot checked (not likely but we are talking worst case here) and he wants to have it removed to do so. This causes extreme fear and you do pass out. You're at the Doctor so if you're going to pass out that's the best place. Hopefully when you come around its all over 🙂

seriously though, he will probably just dismiss it and send you on your way so just go in and get it over with so you can move past this fear and enjoy your Christmas 

mummybee 

[geoff]

dear Manda, I'm sorry for how you have a fear for this, but not only this, it could be something else instead, but there are so many uncertainties in our life that we hope would never happen, in other words, because of previous occasions, but what this means is that PTSD has now come to your attention, and there are two issues here, fear of seeing your doctor, and then a fear of having needles.

Just let the doctor feel as though he/her is just a friend, as they greet you by saying 'hi Manda' no different than a close friend would say to you, and just as you would say to a friend 'hi Sally', just as an example.

Sally doesn't work in an office, because you see her at home, but then your doctor doesn't work at home but in a room, one of these people can help and support you, while the other person is there to help you in a medical sense. Geoff. x

[Manda85ballarat]

Thank you for all of your responses and most of them pretty much sum up what my brain is thinking. I am also aware it's something I need to face I am more annoyed at myself for letting things get this bad.

 I am going to ring on Monday morning just to get it looked at and then get an accurate assessment as well as to talk about my anxiety around the issue if I start there then I can look at ways to cope with the needle issue.

Thanks for all of your support and responses I think even the thought of writing it down has made a difference.