Please help- terrified of the GP

[Theonlyway1]

Fully aware I’m a coward but please hear me out

i need to go to the gp- I’ve got an appointment later on today. It’s for something that absolutely needs a doctor and is getting worse and I delayed going because I was frightened and I kept saying to myself it’s fine, it will sort itself, the doctors is really busy, you get the jist. I was just making excuses to myself though because deep down I’m scared to go. I called today after looking at the problem and realising the problem is much worse and now I’m scared to go the appointment

I don’t know what scares me. It’s not like the dentist where there’s needles etc, and I don’t know which particular bit of going to the doctor worries me but it’s just all of it. I’m fine in every other social setting!

I’ve only ever had one doctor who was horrible, and I only saw him once and never again. But aprt from him every doctor I’ve ever seen has been so nice and helpful so it’s not like I’ve had a bad experience that’s left me scared. I think I’m just a worried person by nature and I get scared people hate me (I’m one of those people that if someone says hi slightly quieter than usual I’m like omg do they hate me ? Did I do something wrong ? And stress for weeks about it!) and I suppose I get myself worried that I’m being a time waster or taking an appointment for someone else or that the doctor will be like pffftt are you here you’re wasting my time (that’s never happened but it’s in my head for some reason!) I can physically see the problem is worse but yet my brain says no no no it’s not, grow up, stop wasting their time etc

all the things on the news about the nhs being overwhelmed atm makes it much easier to convince the ocd side of my brain that I don’t need to go and they’ll be annoyed at me and I’m a time waster

has anyone else experienced this? I just want to be able to go in, say my problem without clamming up and feeling terrified, and leave with the treatment. Thanks if you read this far xx

Write your problem now and hand it over to the GP. I’ve done this with DD when she needed to seen in person but I didn’t want to discuss all the info in front of DD.

I was just about to post exactly the same.

Have a note of the issue.
Explain how long it's been happening.
Ask what doc thinks the problem is.
What is the treatment.
What is the prognosis.
Thank them for their time and say goodbye.

If you go in with a worry and are give them clear details, then there is absolutely no reason on earth why they wouldn't think you are a sensible person for taking care of your health.

Hope it goes well.

Hi Op
I think you need to write on a list all symptoms of health disorders, you been having,
How long, you been having symptoms/described what pain feels like e.g stabbing or dull aches pains,

Also could bring a,good friend or family member who are reliable /trustworthy along too then?
depending how personal intimate your health disorder is,

In the past going to PIP (disability benefits Assessment appointments I have had a local wallich charity support worker come along with me too,

I would do what the others have said and also ask for a referral to mental health services to address your anxiety.

I understand, I am always very anxious before medical appointments. I worry the GP won't take me seriously, or will be annoyed. However I can honestly say that has never happened. I've seen so many GPs in my life (I've moved a lot) and I would say I've never had a truly bad experience. Some GPs are friendlier than others, but I've always found them to be professional and take my problems seriously.

I try to remember that if they are a bit quiet/abrupt with you, it's not personal. They are probably exhausted, stressed, overworked but still desperately trying to do their job and help people! Or maybe they just had a really rude patient just before you. Or maybe they have a headache, or period pain, or any number of other things that is not about you.

You could mention before you explain your problem that you're very nervous. The doctor will understand, I think it's super common to be afraid.

Yes the NHS is overwhelmed but you still need care. You can do it.

Yes good idea writing a list of all problems on a piece of paper to hand over to doctor

Also write down on list or separate list questions you like to ask Doctor too,
to understand your health issue better