HI Amy! I can totally understand your post. I am really scared of
doctors and only my sincere desire and wish to become a mother
allowed me to do all the prenatal visits that were required. For
me, I just had to keep reinterating my concerns. I am a spectacular
actress when i go to the doctor. They don't realize how upset I
am. For my 2nd pregnancy, I told the doctor that I wanted "Coward"
stamped all over my chart so that the staff at the hospital would
understand how serious I was about them treating me in a way that
would not increase my fear. It worked pretty well. It was a pretty
good experience considering....that I was in a hospital! (That was
7 years ago!)

Recently I was shocked by my doctor. She insisted I have a stomach
scope. I told her I didn't want to but she told me I had to. I
went home, had massive anxiety, and went back in a week or so. I
told her honestly how hard it is for me to even walk into a doctor's
office. She had no idea and she's been my doctor for 4 years. It
was enlightening. They only know what we choose to tell them. She
was able to help me get through the scope and it wasn't too bad.
Wouldn't care to do it again but I didn't feel or know anything!

Getting ready to have jaw surgery in a month. Hoping I can survive
the fear and anxiety. Any ideas, anyone?




--- In 000-Fear-Of-Doctors@yahoogroups.com, "amymtexas"
<amymtexas@...> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone!
> I'm new to the group. It is such a relief to know that I'm not the
> only one with a fear of doctors.
>
> I avoid going to the doctor. However with my pregnancy, I only go
> for my baby. Before I went to my OB/GYN, I let him know about my
> fears and anxieties. He was willing to work with me. Yet lately, I
> don't feel the understanding or support. I keep being told to
relax
> and that it's not a big deal.
>
> I'm at the point that I want to cry every time I think about the
> next appointment that I have to go to. When I go, I can't talk
> because my throat starts tightening up. I leave feeling like I
waste
> their time even though I don't ask questions or give them any
> information.
>
> This is not giving me alot of confidence in the medical profession
> as I know I have to go to the hospital to give birth. Are they
going
> to treat me the same way? Lately, all these appointments and now
> childbirth classes are causing my acid reflux to start again.
>
> I don't think the doctor or nurse understands how hard it is for
me
> to come. When I do speak up or ask a question, I feel so stupid.
>
> Does anyone have anything that has helped them with the fear and
> anxiety of doctors? What works for you to get through the
> appointments and exams?
>
> Thanks for any tips!
>