Facing My Fears Part II

[DebDeb]

Hi Everyone

If you all don't know already, I have a huge
fear of doctors & avoid them like the plague.
In my quest to face my fears, I have survived thru a Physical Exam & I did feel enpowered doing it. But..........
>>>>Now for Part II ........
I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon for the
ob/gyn for a pap test & exam
I am overdue for these tests too and I KNOW I SHOULD go but I am getting scared and nervous
I should follow thru & go to my appointment, shouldn't I? This is like pulling teeth to me!

[nobledancer]

Hi DeDeb,
Speaking of pulling teeth, I will be having that done soon, if I don't stop avoiding the necesssary work I need at the dentist! I have "chickened out" twice after having made it all the way to the dental chair before telling my long-suffering dentist I just could not go through with it (the fillings). I guarantee,, the feelings I have had after doing this hurt much worse than the anxiety I would have faced had I just gone through with the procedure.
I also felt terribly anxious about my gyne exam up until last year, and I overcame it by distraction---mainly in the form of talking candidly to my doctor and telling her I was terrified and that I would greatly appreciate her helping me by keeping the conversation going while she performed the exam. I know some doctors prefer not to chit-chat while they work, but they also understand all about patients' anxiety, as there are far more anxious patients than calm ones when it comes to doctors! While waiting for my exam, I pick up some frothy periodical in the waiting room such as "People" magazine, and leaf through that while I concentrate on slowing my breathing. That helps, too. I like to observe the other patients and particularly like to zero in on a mom-to-be, because it is often so uplifting to talk with them about their future baby. One thing I have learned, is that the anxiety WILL absolutely pass if you just stick it out. This is something I know, but that I must also put into practice!

[DebDeb]

Hi Nobledancer

Thank you for the helpful'hints' on how to distract myself I hope I do see a Mom to be that would definitely relax me. I am just going to try to focus on the present moment & try not to anticipate it ( I hope I get to sleep tonight)
That's what I did when I went for my physical. I told my primary doctor that I had anxiety and that I was nervous & both she and the nurse were
very understanding. I just wish I didn't get like this. I want to be calm -I KNOW how to be calm but that fear just takes over and BAM !! the heart starts to thump and I get tense and breathing gets rapid. YUK! I don't want to get like this I am going to just be relaxed but the more I FOCUS on being relaxed the more anxious I get! So I am not going to obsess over it.

This is funny because I don't fear the dentist.
I have a great dentist who -for some reason-doesn't get me nervous -perhaps because I see him more that my other doctors?
Make another appt with the dentist and try to follow thru with the fillings. Don't let it go too long then that could lead to a root canal.
Just close your eyes and try not to focus on the
procedure. Have him take breaks so you can relax
a few times. That always helps for me too. Then I can ask a million questions.LOL My dentist told me that I want to know everything!! Hee hee

[nobledancer]

Hi DebDeb,
Hey! You give yourself much better advice than mine, and I think I learned more from you than you did from me---THANK YOU! I will remember your words of advice, and will try to summon the courage to make yet another appointment with the dentist.
Hope you got a good night's sleep, but if not, your skills will work under any conditions, rested or not. YOU CAN DO THIS, and GOOD LUCK TODAY! Will be thinking very positive thoughts for you. The exam does not take long at all, and will be over before you know it. Maybe you can plan something really yummy for dinner or fun to do tonight as a reward! Be sure and check back!