Fear of going to the doctors?

[Robin1995]

Hi folks,

So I've decided I really need to go speak to my doctor about the stuff that's happening with me. I know that going and speaking to a professional is the best option, but I'm worried about going and just wasting time because all I really want to do is talk?

I'm also terrified of going. Not the actual going part, it's more a case of I don't want them to do any tests and find something wrong with me.

I want to go and talk to someone, but I'm scared about being given a diagnosis.

Any help, please? How do I get over this barrier?

[elle95]

Hi Robin, I'm sorry to hear how you're feeling now :( Im going through a similar thing with ovarian cancer and bowel cancer. I feel like rushing to the nearest hospital but I'm so scared they will confirm my fears. I'm trying to get an ultrasound but I'm imagining the moment the doctor who'll be perforning it, will put a serious face and tell there is something really wrong.

I'm very scared, I've been crying a lot, but I feel like whatever will be will be, although we might think that knowing a possible diagnosis would be the worst, I think living with uncertainty would be even worse.

If whatever you're experiencing has been persistent like for weeks/months then you must go to the doctor. I hope that everything turns out well, and when get reassured you'll learn how to deal with it. Best wishes x.

[ErinKC]

Hi Robin, I just read your other posts to see what issue you were thinking of seeing a doctor about. I think it's pretty normal for your period to be wonky after getting off the bill, and anxiety/stress can also mess with it. But, if your mom also had PCOS that's also a possibility and something that can be managed and treated. PCOS can also cause or heighten anxiety since it messes with your hormones. If you were diagnosed with this, treating it may really help you out both physically and mentally.

If you make an appointment with your OBGYN I would think the only thing they'd do is a pelvic exam to start and then talk with you about your symptoms (which seem like just a missed period). If they suspect PCOS they'd probably do an ultrasound to determine. I don't think there are many (or any?) serious illnesses that cause you to miss a period. It's usually hormonal or stress related. So, other than PCOS maybe thyroid, which is also not serious and easily treatable (and can also cause anxiety!)

I think seeing your doctor could do a world of good for you! Be honest with the doctor about your anxiety. They see people with anxiety every single day. My primary care doctor told me that 80% of her patients are there for mental health treatment.

Good luck! I hope you can get some relief soon!

[lblove]

I feel your pain! I have been having recurrent armpit pain that comes and goes for 3 years and lately its been more noticeable. I am worrying like crazy over it but super scared to go to the doctor because like you said what if they order more tests and what if they confirm something bad. My other brain says just go and save yourself all of this unnecessary worry and if it is something then get it taken care of. Easier said than done I know! I am hoping it will right itself.

[coastgirl]

Yes I have the same thing :( I have to go to the doctor tomorrow because I have an unusual pain in my left side that just isn't getting better and I am extremely anxious about it. It's been following me around like a cloud for a couple weeks, this feeling of dread and if I go to the doctor I'm doomed but also if I don't go to the doctor I'm doomed. It really sucks. The only thing I can do is take a xanax when anxiety gets crazy. Still trying to find a long term medication that won't give me unbearable side effects.

[lucymarie]

Hi Robin.

I have PCOS and a few other endocrine conditions so if you have any questions I'm happy to try and help In terms of the PCOS diagnosis it's fairly simple - the doctor will ask you about your history i.e. any issues with your periods etc. Then it can be confirmed/ruled out with a simple ultrasound and some routine blood tests. In terms of treatment it's very dependant on the individual and what symptoms you have, it can't be cured so to speak but it can be easily managed and sometimes no treatment is necessary if it isn't causing you any significant issues. A missed period can be caused by so many things it's impossible to list and the *very* vast majority are minor. Stress is a huge factor and can really mess things up. Generally the doctors will only investigate missed periods if you miss more than 3 in a row or if you have other symptoms. If your GP has any concerns they may run a hormone blood panel or refer you to a specialist. I never had a pelvic exam only the tests I mentioned above but that might vary between doctors and your individual situation.

Hugs x

[Robin1995]

Thank you all, it's been reassuring to read some of these messages!

I can't decide if I'm more worried at the thought of going to the docs and finding something wrong or walking away being told that it's nothing!! I feel like I'm in a lose-lose situation.

I'm also concerned about going and bing a bit of a waste of time if there's nothing they can do at this point :(

Thank you all again though!

[lucymarie]

Thank you all, it's been reassuring to read some of these messages!

I can't decide if I'm more worried at the thought of going to the docs and finding something wrong or walking away being told that it's nothing!! I feel like I'm in a lose-lose situation.

I'm also concerned about going and bing a bit of a waste of time if there's nothing they can do at this point :(

Thank you all again though!

In all three scenarios more will be lost by not going, it's the nature of our anxiety to overthink everything but if they find something wrong it will most likely be minor and it will help improve your life quality by addressing it. If on the very small chance it was anything more serious, ignoring it would only make things worse. But I stress - this is the least likely scenario anyway! If you walk away and are told it's nothing then you have peace of mind. No good doctor will consider you a time waster, it is sensible to check things out when you have a concern x

[ErinKC]

I agree with Im48. I think it's actually a win-win, not a lose-lose. You either find a sensible reason for the issue you're having and treat it, or you find nothing is wrong and you can relax. Not going is a lose-lose, since you'll either continue not treating a legitimate issue or you'll continue worrying about it!

[julieta79]

I tried to have a fear and NOT go to the dr, because every time I have a health scare (which is often!), I end up visiting the head of that department (like if I fear ovarian cancer, I don't just go to OB, I go to the head of ovarian cancer surgery, otherwise I can't get calm) OR I get a CT scan.
So I wanted to break the pattern and go to just one very well trained ENT for my last fear of oral cancer. After 24 hours, I started to panic again, unable to get reassurance from him. So I wanted to try to get used with the uncertainty, etc.


It absolutely did not work. I made an appt with the head of head and neck oncology, then cancelled it, then made it again...total wack job.
On the end, I went, I was so scared that I was worried that I felt I will die form heart attack, but the dr was very nice, reassured me and I am back to normal life (for now).


I am also very scared of tests...mostly the wait for results is close to death for me.
But the only way to stop the worry is to go to your doctor. Go to well trained one with great credentials. If he says you are good (and you ARE FINE!!!!), then life can start again.