Struggling

[Manda85ballarat]

I posted the other day about my anxiety about doctors. I went in yesterday (was proud of myself for actually going as I actually cancelled one appointment and then made another). The GP suggested I get the spot on my arm removed (for most people this isn't a big deal).

Now I am having small panic attacks and stressing about the procedure. I guess it doesn't help I haven't had to have any procedures done since I got my braces as a teen. My husband is happy to come with me which is great but he's not on holidays until Thursday. I am well aware it is something I need to face but the stress of it all is getting to me. 

I guess a couple of things are bothering me:

the possibility of the spot on my arm being serious ( I know it's highly unlikely but still a possibility).

whilst getting a spot removed isn't a big deal I am struggling with the thought of the procedure I know it's quick but it's a big deal to me.

lastly the fact that I will faint as soon as the injection is put into my arm I am aware there is a medical reason for this but still doesn't make the whole thing any less confronting.

Whilst I am definitely not after sympathy as there are people much worse off than me. The anxiety about it all is really getting to me at the moment. I know there are lots of strategies I can use but none of the relaxation strategies I use seem to be working. It's worse because I am holidays at the moment so I have lots more time to think about it which doesn't help and I feel trapped in my own thoughts which feels terrible. I really needed to rant.

 Thamks for listening!

Manda

[Paul]

Oh hey Manda,

Sorry to hear about the struggle you're having at the moment. Battling anything like this is really tough and what makes it worse it is can't be reasoned away or reassured. It can only be managed.

There's something that I do when I have disturbing thoughts or feelings that might help.

When I have a thought enter my mind, I capture it and look at it like a curious kid. Just let it hang there a bit then I give it a name for example "That's a thought about having an injection" I keep just looking at the thought without living it. I have a special orange pouch that I use to pop these thoughts in once I am finished looking at them. While I look at the thought, a feeling might emerge. I simply look at it as well and give it a name eg "That's fear" then I pop that in my orange pouch as well.

I've found the important thing is to keep them at a short distance so that I can analyse them, but it's important that I do examine and important that I name them then pop them in the orange pouch.

This works for me because I'm not ignoring what's happening and at the same time, I'm looking at things from a slight distance.

It takes a bit of practice.

I hope you feel better soon. Let us know how things go.

Paul

[Girlbond_007]

Hi Manda,

Can I start by saying a huge well done for getting to the GP! It is important not to avoid situations which may trigger our anxieties or fear no matter how scary they feel. 

Do you have any hobbies or anything you enjoy doing so you can try to keep your mind on other things for a while? I like to just get out and water my plants some times or try and have a warm bath and close my eyes. Even add some Epsom salts which I have been told magnesium is very good for anxiety. Can you burn some lavender oil around the house to help you relax. 

Give yourself lots of praise on the day to try and get some positive thoughts happening. Try to reassure yourself that everything is going to be fine, you will come out fine at the other end and that it is just your illness putting these thoughts in your head. I know sometimes easier said than done but just try and do somethings for yourself and be kind to yourself in the coming days.

 i hope I have been helpful.

best wishes

[Lori]

Hey Manda85ballarat,

I am also proud of you for going to see your GP and how you made another one after cancelling one that is great! Good work.

Procedures like that can be scary and daunting at times but it will really be ok i know you are probably hearing that alot but i truly believe you will be alright. 

I understand that you have tried relaxation straigies and other straigies but they didn't work, if those stragies aren't working maybe try something different. You could try that once you get in the room look for something to focus on or just look at all the different things they have in there small things like that to take your mind off of what's actually happening?  

You can do this i have all faith in you!! Be strong!! 

- Lori 🙂

[Manda85ballarat]

Hi Lats,

Thanks so much for your comment I like the idea of analysing the problem closely. I am also seeing a different GP tomorrow and my husband is coming with me too.

thanks again for your support 

Amanda

[Manda85ballarat]

Hi Girlbon 007,

My husband has been fantastic at trying to redirect me and when that fails he has picked me up so I can keep going.

thanks for your response.

Manda

[Manda85ballarat]

Hi Lori,

Thanks for your encouragement I am off to the GP tomorrow hopefully this one is a little more supportive.

Take care

Manda

[Manda85ballarat]

Hi just thought I'd post a am update. I went to a different GP and he has provided me with a referral to a dermatologist he didn't see the lesion as urgent but I said I would like it removed. I nearly burst into tears at the GP's office and he took one look at me and asked if I have anxiety (I was also shaking like a leaf) he put me on a mental health plan. I am glad I went and saw someone else he was so supportive and now I am feeling much more positive I have a long way to go but it's a step in the right direction.

My lovely husband also took me out for some retail therapy afterwards!

Thanks again to everyone that has taken the time to comment it means so much to me.

Manda

[Paul]

I love it when you have a GP that notices things 🙂

AWESOME!

Glad things are a bit more hopeful and you have a plan in place. Your husband sounds amazing and supportive!

Stay in touch and let us know how things are going.

Paul

[geoff]

dear Manda, it is so good that your doctor new or old that understands how you feel, only by how you react to being told, so that's a doctor you want to keep on board to help you, and that's a real bonus.

Your husband obviously loves you and wants to help in his own way, and again that's a real bonus, once again.

For your doctor to realise that you could benefit from being put onto a mental health plan, is once again another positive that he/she is in dire straights of wanting to help, sorry for using the same word over and over again,but to have a supportive doctor is something we all wish for.

I am lucky as well as my doctor is also fantastic, because he tells me what is going wrong with his problems, but he charges and I can't. Geoff. x