Medical anxiety

[Trying-not-to-cry]

Anyone have any tips for doctor's visits. My blood pressure skyrockets and I spin out of control, usually end up crying. I feel like there is no empathy in healthcare and doctors are not willing to listen or to answer any questions.

[RS1974]

Have someone go with you,take and hold a small stuffed animal in your purse or pocket and squeeze when you get nervous.🧸

[CalicoKi]

I have severe white coat syndrome and health anxiety.I have high blood pressure anyway, been on BP meds for years. Just the sight of the monitor sets me off.

Try to do some deep diaphragm breathing, inhale for 4 breaths from your belly, hold for 2 and exhale for 7, and if you're really anxious on verge of panic, take a paper brown lunch bag and breath in and out of it for a few minutes, either of these should help.

Take someone with you if you can for support and to note what the dr. is telling you, I tend to get so anxious that I can't think straight and remember what the dr. is telling me, if someone is with you they can take note of the discussion in case you don't absorb it.

Also, when they take your blood pressure, ask the nurse to let you sit quietly for a few minutes with your eyes closed for a few minutes before taking it and not take it the minute you enter the room and sit down. If its high, have them take it again further into the appointment and see if its lower, oftentimes it will be.

[zeezou]

I totally love the tips CalicoKi gave and I hope you'll be better next time after taking their advice. White Coat Syndrome is real and I hope it gets easier for you.

[Haribo58]

I remember being like that many years ago when anxiety had me in its grips...I was so bad at one point I wrote everything down before a doctors appointment and on entering his room I just handed him the letter...the letter started with "I know this maybe strange but my anxiety is so bad I can't even speak to you without becoming completely overwhelmed"The letter went on explaining everything I wanted to him....i sat shaking and crying while he read that letter....that doctor became my go to doctor from then on...he understood how bad my anxiety was from that day forward.

During those times I was terrified of most things and triggered by everything...couldn't even shower or leave the house without becoming a complete wreck...my life is so different now but its taken alot of work and more importantly alot of patience on my part.

A better life is possible so don't loose hope 🙏

[designguy]

Mine goes up too when i go to the doctor, my dad had white coat syndrome and I think I inherited it. I got a home bp monitor and take my own readings and bring those to my doctors. Most doctor offices don't take bp readings correctly, you are supposed to sit calmly for at least five minutes and have your arm level with your heart when they do the reading.

[Agora1 in reply to designguy]

Hi designguy, oh boy do I agree with you. As one who use to monitor the community

blood pressure at the fire station, I disagree with many of the healthcare professionals

who take b/p wrong.

Everything you said is important in getting a proper reading.

As well as never crossing your legs or your ankles but having feet

planted on the ground. I do the same as you at times by bringing my

own readings from home. After all we have to be our own Advocates

Always good to see you on the forum xx

[designguy in reply to Agora1]

Thanks Agora, i've been busy but it's always nice to check in here and offer what help I can.

[Agora1 in reply to designguy]

Busy is Good...With thanks always for your input xx

[designguy in reply to Agora1]

Likewise, you're a comforting presence here and always have wise advice.

[Weatherwoman in reply to designguy]

Me, too! I can't even look at that "Monster" blood pressure machine w/o becoming VERY Anxious. My doctor seems to understand, and has be take my blood p. at home for ten days straight, and then I email in the results to her. I do have high B/P & have had it for years, and take two blood pressure meds. Even taking my B/P at home causes me Much anxiety, and if it's high, I can "freak out!" This is AWFUL, I know as me & my doctor needs to know what my B/P is in order to keep me on the correct dose. But, I have been able to bring in my B/P monitor just to make sure it was working right --that's was awhile ago. I do diag. breathing, and try & calm myself the best I can before I take my B/P at home, but I just can't seem to have my B/P taken in my doctor's office. You are Not alone!

[designguy in reply to Weatherwoman]

Thanks and good for you for being your own best advocate.

[Weatherwoman in reply to designguy]

Yeah, I have learned in my older age that we have to be our own best advocate for our physical & mental health. Too bad that I didn't know Years ago else I wouldn't be on All the meds. that I am now on!