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Medical Anxiety
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11-08-2020
09:24 PM
I have been aware for several years that I have a crippling anxiety around medical tests, to the point where I basically don't have them done.
So I was born with a genetic condition inherited from my father. The syndrome has various symptoms, all of which are present at birth.
His major symptom was huge trouble with his eyes from childhood , resulting in him being legally blind at around 59 yrs old.
I did not have eye trouble to his extent at all. I am now 51
When I was 19, in 1988 I accompanied him to an eye specialist. Even though I did not have an appointment they put me in the chair. They saw some vascularization on my eyes and said basically quit your life you will be blind in 10 yrs.
I have been to numerous eye doctors since then who have said your corneas are fine, you are no tf going tyo go blind. Probably 5 different eye doctors have said that.
Well I took that 30 yr old report to an eye specialist 2 weeks ago because of some dry eye symptoms and he said your eyes have not changed , and in fact my visual acuity test was 6/5 (excellent)
But the last 3 week's waiting for this appointment has been a nightmare. I can't forget that original diagnosis and I feel like maybe all these other doctors were wrong and the first diagnosis was right? I have no issues with my vision and I know it's illogical but the trauma of that diagnosis of blindness, even though I didnt believe it at the time has haunted me. I can't get rid of it
I have an appointment on Monday with a dry eye specialist and waiting for this appt has caused me such severe anxiety to panic attack mode. I've been going through this this for 3 weeks since I booked it
I never ever EVER book medical appts. Dental ones are fine, but anything else no way. I wil never forgive that eye specialist 32 yrs ago for what he has done to me
So I was born with a genetic condition inherited from my father. The syndrome has various symptoms, all of which are present at birth.
His major symptom was huge trouble with his eyes from childhood , resulting in him being legally blind at around 59 yrs old.
I did not have eye trouble to his extent at all. I am now 51
When I was 19, in 1988 I accompanied him to an eye specialist. Even though I did not have an appointment they put me in the chair. They saw some vascularization on my eyes and said basically quit your life you will be blind in 10 yrs.
I have been to numerous eye doctors since then who have said your corneas are fine, you are no tf going tyo go blind. Probably 5 different eye doctors have said that.
Well I took that 30 yr old report to an eye specialist 2 weeks ago because of some dry eye symptoms and he said your eyes have not changed , and in fact my visual acuity test was 6/5 (excellent)
But the last 3 week's waiting for this appointment has been a nightmare. I can't forget that original diagnosis and I feel like maybe all these other doctors were wrong and the first diagnosis was right? I have no issues with my vision and I know it's illogical but the trauma of that diagnosis of blindness, even though I didnt believe it at the time has haunted me. I can't get rid of it
I have an appointment on Monday with a dry eye specialist and waiting for this appt has caused me such severe anxiety to panic attack mode. I've been going through this this for 3 weeks since I booked it
I never ever EVER book medical appts. Dental ones are fine, but anything else no way. I wil never forgive that eye specialist 32 yrs ago for what he has done to me
31 Replies 31
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12-08-2020
01:56 PM
I understand with the waiting.... you answer will still be the same even though you have waited for your appointment 😀 do something you enjoy go out for a coffee with a friend, go get you hair or nails done or cook your favourite meal and try to be present while doing those things.... enjoy them 😀😀 be mindful... let me know how you go on Monday but I’m here if you want to chat.. 😀
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12-08-2020
02:02 PM
Petal you're amazing, Thank you so much for being here
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12-08-2020
02:09 PM
Thank you BananaMuffin 😀 I’m so happy to help you 😀 I believe I went through my illness to come out the other side to help others with theirs...
I needed to be challenged before I could transform from a caterpillar to a butterfly 😀 and you CAN too 😀
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14-08-2020
12:01 PM
Had a couple of good days but now Mondays edging closer I'm back into panic mode. I guess I am fearful that this eye doctor is as ignorant on this syndrome as the one in 1988 and will just say something similar that will devastate my life.
There nothing wrong with my eyesight. I had it tested 3 weeks ago . Corneas clear with some old blood essels around the edge tgat gave probably been tgerecsince birth.
I cannot believe how much his prognosis has affected me. Its not even true
There nothing wrong with my eyesight. I had it tested 3 weeks ago . Corneas clear with some old blood essels around the edge tgat gave probably been tgerecsince birth.
I cannot believe how much his prognosis has affected me. Its not even true
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14-08-2020
03:38 PM
Hello, sorry to hear you are feeling this way... anxiety needs to be managed... have you thought about talking to a caring Gp with what you are feeling? your gp may talk to you about medication or other ways of helping with it.... medication helps....
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14-08-2020
04:14 PM
Its a public holiday here and then just 2 days til the appt.
I've talked myself out of it a bit, it's a Dr that knew nothing and it was 32 yrs ago
I've talked myself out of it a bit, it's a Dr that knew nothing and it was 32 yrs ago
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14-08-2020
04:21 PM
A lot of people with this syndrome do go blind but they tend to be people who have eye issues from birth. Like my dad. It takes a long time for it to develop. So at 51 , with only dry eye at night and only in one eye and no corneal scarring, hopefully I've escaped or it won't happen til I'm old.
That man gave me my prognosis based on my dad
Criminal
That man gave me my prognosis based on my dad
Criminal
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14-08-2020
05:01 PM
Oh ok.... I was referring to you to see your gp for anxiety.... it is treatable
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14-08-2020
05:07 PM
I will, but cant do it before monday
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14-08-2020
05:19 PM
Ok... I think going to your gp would be a great start to getting you on the road to recovery for anxiety 😊