Beating anxiety in the moment?

[AlmedaRose]

Hi - I have a huge problem with invasive medical procedures. I have been traumatized by the medical community multiple times.

I will be going for an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia. I've learned that they may not put me under until after I'm in the surgery room. This means I will be exposed to many more triggers than expected.

I have informed them of my past traumas. I have given requests that will help. Most are doable and some are maybes. As I try to find coping techniques, I am having problems finding any that are doable in the hospital. I will have no one with me. Once they start an IV, I won't want to move my arms because seeing it is a trigger. I can try breathing, but in the past it just ended in hyperventilation.

Because of my multiple traumas, my brain sees the hospital as dangerous/unsafe and the staff as untrustworthy. This means no social support while within the walls (thank you COVID19. ) The hospital does not want me to bring anything with me, so no music or means of distraction while they are prepping me.

Any suggestions? I will take xanax before I get there. This only reduces the physical reactions to fear. It does not reduce the terror. Thanks.

 

[Bobnnat]

I was thinking Ativan/Xanax until you mentioned it. Afraid I have no suggestions. It’s simply going to be tough and something to barrel through. This too will pass and you’ll get safely to the other side.

 

[AlmedaRose]

I was thinking Ativan/Xanax until you mentioned it. Afraid I have no suggestions. It’s simply going to be tough and something to barrel through. This too will pass and you’ll get safely to the other side.

Guess I was thinking there must be something as the medical staff was encouraging me to "do my part." I told them I was taking the xanax, but they seemed to think there was more I could do to be in a positive mindset. I couldn't think of anything though ...

 

[Joshua1]

Its good to take some medication that can lower the symptoms of anxiety while you seek more help. Its best to try and do everything you are told. You said some things are doable and some not. Try to do everything.