doctor's appointments

[amyrunk]

As a survivor of ptsd due to a medical trauma, I now struggle when anyone in my family tells me they are having medical testing. It takes me right back to the moment of terror when my world started to fall apart. Does anyone else struggle with this and do you have suggestions for overcoming it?

[Hidden]

I don't have quite the same thing, but the same result. When I was 8, my grandmother, a nurse, told me the doctor she worked for, a super scary guy, could have me committed to an insane asylum if I grew up and was a writer. Now I have "white fever," which I heard to as fear of the white coats of doctors. Going to the doctor always triggers me. Having a safe and supportive doctor has been very healing for me.

[amyrunk in reply to Hidden]

I already see a naturopathic physician who is the safest person I have ever met in the medical field. I am in the process of thinking of changing my primary care physician to someone who is safer for me. I would go only to my naturopath, but for insurance reasons I need a primary care physician. Thanks for your reply.

[Bluejay77]

Yes i struggle with anything medical. Anything with my heart freaks me out. Heart monitor sounds (beeping) triggers me. My heart palputations have my anxiety up constantly. Hate it! i think i will heart will stop everyday. I am sure this is how i will die. Have had test done ( heart cath, monitors, ultra sounds)and all they say is i have too much anxiety and extra heart beats. Wish us both peace

[amyrunk in reply to Bluejay77]

Bluejay77 thank for replying. I know exactly what you are feeling. One thing that has helped me personally as a patient is that I started to see a naturopathic physician. She sees me as a whole person if that makes sense. She sees that the anxiety is the root cause of many of my issues. I chose that route because anxiety meds from the MD never agreed with me. Most times, I felt worse.

[Hidden]

Hi , Yes !

I had a very severe medical trauma six months ago and can completely relate to this.

( been diagnosed with PTSD)

I really can't talk about it, hate attending medical appointments and can't bear it when well meaning relatives and friends start talking about their own medical problems( and I am a nurse!) I feel as if I might faint and feel sick.

I am having EMDR therapy which forces you to revisit the trauma , in a safe environment .

The idea is to process the" stuck" memory as the avoidance behaviour around it means it stays in the area of the brain which relates to the horrible physical reminders - maybe you should research this , unless you are having it too.

Hope you feel better soon x

[amyrunk in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Kath555. I will research it and talk to my therapist about it. It does bring me some peace to know that I am not the only who struggles with this. Sometimes the trap of PTSD is that you feel so alone which is why I choose to talk about it. That in itself is a step in the healing process.