Fighting urge to go to ER. Struggling

[AuntieDee]

I'm really struggling with the urge to go to hospital, the what ifs are out of control but the fear of drs and the whole hypochondriac label is making it so so much worse. It's really hitting me hard right now and I can't seem to find what triggered it. Does any one else have this mental argument going on in their head all the time

 

[Jonathan123]

I'm really struggling with the urge to go to hospital, the what ifs are out of control but the fear of drs and the whole hypochondriac label is making it so so much worse. It's really hitting me hard right now and I can't seem to find what triggered it. Does any one else have this mental argument going on in their head all the time

I am afraid that is what anxiety is. Mental confusion! Is it right, is it wrong? Should I shouldn't I? Can I do this or that?
There is no stability in the mind and making even simple decisions can be difficult. If you are really concerned then you should see your doctor. Now I know how the very thought of that can be upsetting in HA, but you do need reassurance that there is nothing physically wrong. Mild medication can help a lot because it gives us that space to be able to think reasonably. It would be best to pluck up courage and go to your GP. After all, if it is something wrong, which I very much doubt, then it can be dealt with medically. Why suffer when help is at hand.

 

[AuntieDee]

I wish going to my GP was helpful, she either doesn’t believe me or doesn’t listen to what I tell her. And unfortunately the chances of getting a new GP is at least a 2 to 5 year wait list, if you’re lucky enough to get one at all. Basically I keep her just to get the meds I do take renewed. So I need to rely on the ER for most of my immediate reassurances or tests that don’t take a year to book into, because given enough time, I will chicken out and cancel the tests, the anxiety is too much

 

[Seryn]

I understand. I absolutely hate going to the drs because I'm petrified of absolutely everything test which is probably the base of my anxiety. I'm working through a book right now called "mind over mood" and it's really good at teaching CBT which is giving me some relief.

 

[AuntieDee]

I understand. I absolutely hate going to the drs because I'm petrified of absolutely everything test which is probably the base of my anxiety. I'm working through a book right now called "mind over mood" and it's really good at teaching CBT which is giving me some relief.

I’m glad to hear you are getting some relief from the methods in the book

 

[restlessduck]

The one thing that relieves me when deciding if I should go to ER, is "I would have died already if I had (insert illness here)". I've had times when my gas is so bad I think it's appendicitis but I just count back the days or hours I've had it and remind myself that if I did have appendicitis, I would have already died or would have more symptoms, with more severity.

 

[AuntieDee]

The one thing that relieves me when deciding if I should go to ER, is "I would have died already if I had (insert illness here)". I've had times when my gas is so bad I think it's appendicitis but I just count back the days or hours I've had it and remind myself that if I did have appendicitis, I would have already died or would have more symptoms, with more severity.

That works sometimes for me as well, until my brain starts manifesting other symptoms, it can be exhausting sometimes.

 

[E.B]

A story that may help...I don't do docs and haven't had a physical or been under doctor care since I was about 16 and I'm 43 now... besides a accident in ,07. I had a near fatal weight lifting accident in 07 and after I was unconscious I awoke knowing something bad had happened. I crawled to the door walked in and called for my stepdad, and first thing he said was "do you want me to call the ambulance,"?...he knows how I am about docs. I said yes because I knew something bad happened...point being is even through all the anxiety you will know if a trip to the ER is deemed necessary.

:not proud of happy about fear of docs, just tying it in,:::

 

[restlessduck]

That works sometimes for me as well, until my brain starts manifesting other symptoms, it can be exhausting sometimes.

I understand :/ I can't even think of a way to help really. The only thing that calms me down for a few weeks or months is taking tests. I have a glucometer, blood pressure measuring device, oxygen measuring device at home just to calm my nerves in case I really freak out and can't go without testing. A lot of people advocate against it but I'm not ashamed to say that I do it. It really is the only thing that I, myself can do to lessen my health anxiety attacks.

 

[shay1988]

I've had appendicitis and had to have emergency surgery, the pain was so bad I just knew that it wasn't normal. It is very very painful, but yes I have fear about going to Dr's as well, I am always trying to talk my way out of going, like when I think I'm having a heart attack I will say well, if i was it would be more severe and more side effects then just a racing heart! And this has happened many times before and I've been ok. It is definitely a struggle!