Scared of Doctors Appointment

Hello everyone

I am a 27 year old male. 175 lbs. I am changing doctors and have my first appointment in two weeks. I am going to have my first physical I have had in a few yearsz

I do a lot of cardio-running 3-4 times a week. I try to eat a lot of fish, vegetables, fruits(especially blueberries). I abhor red meat and pork and will only eat chicken if it is grilled. My diet isn’t perfect but I would say it’s better than most Americans. I also

I don’t have any health problems other than some hypochondria. I am scared that they will find a bad illness and it will be too late. This is what scares me most about my doctors appointment coming up.

Any thoughts?.

TMo,

I understand your fears as I struggle with the same issue of medical appointment phobia.

Do you have a friend/loved one who can go with you to help keep you distracted and calm?

Being honest with your new doctor about your feelings is also a good idea, so he/she can reassure you and put you at ease as much as possible.

Using Positive Mantras will help combat the negative/fearful thoughts as well. We have a link for practicing these in our Resources at the top of the main forum page...so be sure and check that out.

Wishing you the best...you can do this!!

S.C.

TMo.

In our Resources (top of the main forum page) we have links and book recommendation specifically for help with Health Anxiety. These could really help you, so be sure to check them out.


Worrying about a catastrophic outcome/worst case scenario with medical tests is common with H/A...so know that what you are experiencing is not unusual...and very likely everything is going to be absolutely fine!

S.C.

I checked my blood pressure yesterday and it was 115/72 with a pulse of 68 which is good. At the doctors, it way higher than that. My previous doctor tried to put me on bp meds just based off of those reasons.

Will an EKG be affected by HA?

TMo,

I agree with everything that has already been said. I have/had the same issues. There are a few cliches out there in regard to worry and one is in my signature.

1. Worrying will keep you from enjoying the good.
2. Worrying is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but really doesn't get you anywhere.
3. Don't worry about what you cannot change.

This is easier said than done... I get that. This is something I want you to audibly say to yourself for forty days multiple times a day:
I am healthy.

You CAN reprogram your brain to not automatically go to the negative, but it takes work. Would you like 40 days of work or years of dismay? It's ultimately up to you. I can't make you do it, nor can anyone else.

I am saddened to hear about your mother and most certainly understand your thought pattern and why you feel the way you do.

In regard to having your blood pressure taken .... you can try these two things:
(1) Have a soft conversation with the nurse to forget you're having it taken
(2) Go to your happy place

Best,
John

Thank you all for your comments.

My appointment is Tuesday. The closer it gets the more nervous I feel. I am worried about the blood work, x-rays and EKGs. Not the procedures themselves but the unknown or the what-if is lingering with me.

No I don't have anybody available to go.

I am really nervous now as it is less than 24 hours from now. I am fighting thoughts that they will find something via an EKG or blood test that is bad

I figure if I had something bad then I would know about it.

Other than some on and off again gastritis. I feel fine.

How's it going? Are you getting ready...or there yet?

We are here cheering you on...and with you in spirit!

S.C.

TMo,

Remember these good results for the future and hopefully you can avoid some, if not all, the anxiety again. Glad things went well!

Best,
John

TMo said...
Hello

It went great. All of my vitals were good. I am still awaiting blood test results but It was a breeze.

I wasn’t really that nervous at all. It was a great experience. I like this new doctor

Awesome news on your vitals. I'm certain your blood work will come back fine. Pat yourself on the back for going through with everything.

TMo,

Heredity is DEFINITELY part of it. For example, my boss' son has high blood pressure but takes wonderful care of himself. Apparently, it doesn't matter what he does because his mom's is so high, but it just is what it is.

I sound like a broken record when I say easier said than done, but you are doing all you can to be healthy. Do not worry about what you cannot change. Stress and anxiety can be hard on the body.

From Healthline:
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a form of inherited high cholesterol. People with this condition generally have higher cholesterol levels than people without this condition, despite lifestyle choices. ... Having a genetic risk for high cholesterol doesn't guarantee that you'll have high cholesterol.

Best,
John

TMo said...
So I received a call from the Doctors office and it turns out I have elevated cholesterol. I don't understand this as I do a lot of running and try to eat fruits and veggies. My dad takes cholesterol medicine so I guess it can be hereditary. The doctor gave me some medicine so we'll see when that helps.

For most people, elevated LDL doesn't mean that much. If anything, inflammation is the real culprit. If covered by your insurance, ask your doctor to run a VAP test to determine the particle size of of your cholesterol. I have nice, fluffy particles so they do not stick to my arterial walls. If you have jagged ones, then there is a potential issue.