I need medical care and I'm too ashamed to go to the doctor.

[ehh22]

How do I make myself get medical attention when I can barely acknowledge the problem to myself, let alone discuss it with the receptionist, write it out on the medical forms, talk to the doctor, undress and let them see my humiliating problem? I need to go, but I just can't. Please help me get past this, it's making my life miserable.

[Agora1]

ehh22, a physician's oath is to respect your privacy and to heal and do no harm. There is nothing a doctor hasn't seen or heard of from a patient. We are never judged for what we come in for. I would suggest bringing a female with you if that would make you more comfortable. The medical staff is trained to make the patient as comfortable and at ease as possible. You need to be seen so that the issue doesn't get worse. Your welfare is all important. I hope you will rethink this and get the help you so need since it is now becoming an emotional issue as well. You will get through this. You may need to swallow your pride and put your trust in the doctor. Good Luck xx

[Hidden]

Exactly what Agora said! The medical field has seen it all, and, they have to keep your information private! If you want, pm me with your issue and I’ll tell you that it’s nothing to be ashamed of, because there is no issue that we need to be ashamed of!

[melbrown]

Just agreeing with Agora1 & Lynnalice, doctors want to heal you. They've seen a lot & will protect your privacy. I struggle going to see doctors, I've had to learn to go. Take a friend/family member for support. Be up front with them, if you are anxious, scared tell them... it'll help you & them. Treat yourself afterwards, give yourself something to look forward to. There's a bakery near mine, I always go there at least for a cookie. Please go though... you don't want it to get worse. Here is you need to talk & cheer you on.

[ehh22 in reply to melbrown]

Thanks.

[NoirLioness]

I too had a lot of shame and guilt with going to the doctor for my mental health concerns. But try to think of it this way if you can: you can’t go with a broken ankle untreated. Mental health is no different. It has stigma attached to it but we have to self advocate and advocate for one another to end the stigma. Don’t be ashamed. It doesn’t define you.

[KayKay76]

IDK what the problem is, but 1000% sure that whatever it is, the doctors and nurses have seen it as they have seen just about anything under the sun. There is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed. Go and have yourself checked out, it could save your life!!

[maggief9812]

I have worked in various medical support roles for the past 15 years and I can promise you, healthcare professionals genuinely do not feel judgment for your condition. A good practitioner understands many situations can lead to letting a problem go too long and we only want what’s best for the patient. I can’t promise I can answer all your questions because I don’t know your problem, but if it would set your mind at ease you are free to send me a private message to talk about what’s going on with you.

[dee_bells]

Ehh22,

I’ll share an example with you — something that embarrassed my husband a zillion years ago.

He would not purchase or carry underwear through the store even though he was going to purchase them, wear them or every person wears them. I’m sure some don’t wear them. Lol

But he was so embarrassed that he couldn’t carry them through the store. And eventually he got over it because the people who he paid to get the underwear didn’t laugh or judge him.

It’s almost the same as you going to the doctor. I’m sure the doctor has dealt with whatever you’re going through before. They take an oath and they have what is called a “bedside manner.”

They’re not there to judge you, they’re there to help you and treat you.

Take deep breaths, please don’t make yourself sick over this and please see the doctor. You will be so happy you did. You’re running every scenario of whom or where you have to explain it through your head.

Start with the receptionist. Generalize the area or why you need to be seen. Then just say I’m uncomfortable or embarrassed to say it out loud. And ask if you can just tell the doctor. Same with writing it down, generalize on the form but with the doctor—tell him/her specifics.

And tell him you’re uncomfortable. They will understand. You’ve got this and I know you can do this! I want you to get better!

Take care and sending you a big hug!!

🌸🌸🌸🌸

[shoppaholicsue]

Your doctor will have seen it all before. What is an embarrassment to us is an everyday occurrence to them! I overcome hurdles by telling myself this is just 20 minutes of my life and I will be out the other side before I know it.

Health professionals are all subject to a strict code of conduct too don't forget. They will NOT be discussing things other than with appropriate health professionals.

Sue

[sandphoenix80]

I was very ashamed to go myself a few years ago and even more ashamed because I am putting this out there to help you but I was raped. It is a very difficult thing to do but you need medical attention to get treatment and I had the worst things to have. Bring someone you can confide in with you or listen to music with your ear buds in the waiting room. There is nothing they haven't seen and have prob seen worse. You will feel much better after you go, I did.

[Hidden]

Hey Ehh,

I totally get what you're saying. My only advice is to think of it like this...If you don't schedule the appt to allow yourself to break down, the breakdown will do it for you, and most times it's at the worst time because breakdowns are horrible at scheduling. You know what I mean?

With Love Always...AU

[AlsoStonesFreak]

No shame in seeking medical care. As others have said, they have a patient confidentiality.