Scared of blood pressure being taken!

[Chellebells]

I can't stand going to the doctors or hospital, I panic just at the thought of it. Now I need to have my blood pressure being taken, to be able to get more birth control pills. And I'm panicking at the thought of this. I can't stand having my blood pressure being taken, I don't like how tight it feels, that I can feel my heartbeat and that I may feel dizzy or faint. I dislike blood tests too.

I also have agoraphobia, and I really don't like being too far from home. The doctor's isn't far, but it's at a time that I don't usually go out. Close to 5pm, when I usually only go out between 8-11am due to not many people and I feel less anxiety in the morning. I'm panicking also at the thought of not being able to cope with the amount fear.. my social anxiety (especially around official people), health anxiety and my general anxiety. And lastly, it'll be near to my period and my anxiety gets worse near to my period/during. Arrghh!

[Hidden]

Same here with blood pressure

Tell them your fear

My GP always knows mine will be high first time , so she takes it , then gets me talking to calm me down & its always fine

I no how hard it is to get out as well , but just focus on getting there , knowing you will soon be home

Tell them though how anxious you are , they will put you at ease

Good luck , you can do this

Love

whywhy

xxx

[miroslav in reply to Hidden]

my suggestion for everyone having phobia from taking blood pressure is to use Omron wrist monitor HEM-6221 (AROUND $150 AUD)

I WAS ALWAYS HAVING H B PRESSURE WITH TRADITIONAL MONITOR UNTIL I BOUGHT WI ST MONITOR, ITS COMPLETELY SILENT WHERE YOU CANT HEAR THE HEART PULSE WHICH CAUSES HIGH READINGS BY PEOPLE WHOSE BP IS NORMAL. IT IS A VERY ACCURATE DEVICE.

[Moop]

I have high blood pressure and really don't like getting it checked, if you are feeling dizzy ask them if you can lay down to have it done, hopefully this will help you relax a little. Try not to talk during the test as it can raise your blood pressure. I know what you mean though... it's such a tight squeeze, I am claustrophobic and the squeeze aggravates it for me. It's a good thing hat they check it three times, although it's not nice the third reading is usually the lowest, and that's the one they record. Gentle hugs, Moop x

[Chellebells]

Thank you for your replies. I'm so glad that I'm not alone! I have this blood pressure test at home, that I'll buck up the courage to use it a few times so it may make it a bit easier when I do go. All these tests that we have to have in life, can be quite worrying! xxx

[loosentheglue]

Hi Chellebells, I work for the NHS as a CBT therapist and I found this page because I was searching for information about blood pressure phobia to write a case report about I client I have recently treated for this phobia and thought I'd pipe in and offer some advice.

Avoidance or "endurance" of anxiety and fear only makes it worse over time, and it can spread to other areas of your life too. I won't go in to a deep scientific explanation of why this is so here, but CBT is available free on the NHS through your local IAPT service, usually accessible via your local GP. My BP phobia client has gone from being unable to taking her BP to someone who can take it every day in about 8 50-minute sessions. This is especially important if measuring your BP is essential for health monitoring, such as with hypertension.

My advice is to address is ASAP. If you need help locating a therapist let me know and I'll try help. Good luck x

[southernlady1968 in reply to loosentheglue]

Do you know anyone in the San Diego area who does this type of therapy?

My gp does not know anyone. I appreciate your help.