WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for December, 1999: Re: eed help bad - Infections, bleeding, fear of doctors.

Re: eed help bad - Infections, bleeding, fear of doctors.

From: det. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 14 Dec 1999 20:18:52 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Nikole: "eed help bad - Infections, bleeding, fear of doctors."
Next in thread: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: eed help bad - Infections, bleeding, fear of doctors."

Dear Nikole,

I understand about being afraid of going to the doctor. I am terrified due to being abused as a child, but I have found some things that help. Maybe some of them will help you.

1. Carefully select the practicioner you will see. Get recommendations from friends. You can call a women's resource center or rape crisis center and ask if they have recommendations for women who have a hard time with medical care (it doesn't matter what your bad experience was, you are just looking for doctors who are sensitive and patient when patients are scared). Insist on a doctor of the sex you will feel more comfortable with. Schedule an appointment to interview the doctor to see if you feel comfortable.

2. Make sure you understand what will happen. There are some websites that explain things well (Gyn101, etc.). You'll feel more in control if you know what will happen and understand why. Even though you've been through this before, the information may help.

3. Consider taking someone with you for support and to help with clarifying of information. When I am that scared it is hard for me to think or remember what I've been told. And having a hand to hold can be comforting. When this was first suggested to me, I thought it was an INSANE idea...one person (the Dr.) was overwhelming enough....but, having tried it, it really did help.

4. Write down your symptoms, questions, and concerns ahead of time....that way you don't have to remember everything under stress.

5. Tell the Dr. you are scared. If there are specific things that you are scared of/worried about, consider writing those down too....the more you tell them, the more they can help you. You may even want to talk to the doctor about medication to help with the anxiety.

I hope something in here helps. Good luck!

Next message: Rebecca: "Pregnancy after a D&E"
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: pubic hair loss"
In reply to: Nikole: "eed help bad - Infections, bleeding, fear of doctors."
Next in thread: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: eed help bad - Infections, bleeding, fear of doctors."

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