GP appointment today for anxiety

[Malibucyprus]

Hi all,

I’ve been suffering with (self diagnosed) anxiety, and health anxiety for a long time now.

The problem is unlike most health anxiety sufferers, I have a huge phobia of anything medical. The thought of having to have blood tests, scans etc petrifies me. I haven’t been to my GP for years. But after a recent suspected gallstones attack I have to go today! I’ve been keeping a log of my symptoms and they vary massively, I’m hoping that they’re anxiety symptoms rather than an illness.

I’m in a bit of a state this morning, stomach cramps, bowel issues, struggling to take a deep breath, can’t think straight. And I know that is the GP visit later today that’s setting me off.

How do I explain myself to the Dr in a 5 minute appointment?

I’m worried she’ll just order blood tests, and I probably do need some as haven’t been for years but in my mind it’ll confirm that I’m seriously ill and dying and I don’t know how I’ll survive the days waiting for the results.

Any advice on how to get through today would be really appreciated.

I would make a list and read it out first.

Then the GP can ask questions to clarify anything if necessary. Make sure you include the frequency of any symptoms and when they started because they always ask that.

Says the person who went to see the GP for anxiety and promptly burst into tears!

Yes make a list. Concentrate on your breathing slow and long. Even if you don't get through the list you can show the GP. Good luck OP you can do this x

I did an over the phone CBT course 6 months ago and they wrote to my GP to say I’d completed it, so that should be on my records shouldn’t it?

I can be symptom free for weeks and then something stressful will come up, I.e someone’s birthday for me to plan, holiday, Christmas and bam stomach cramps for days! It’s crazy!

I carry the mental load of my family, my children, my partner, even my parents and siblings. I have a very stressful job, which I know plays a big part in my issues, but I just cannot leave! I’m worried the Dr will try to sign my off work, which I really cannot deal with. It’s like a viscous cycle I’m in, a break from work would probably help me, but the anxiety around the fact that I’m letting my workplace down will make me feel even worse.

Thank you for the replies. I’ll write everything down as I suspect I’ll burst into tears too.

I have health anxiety. It took me a long time before I would admit that to my GP.
I always think every little symptom is serious and look it up on Google which convinces you that you have a serious illness.
Do write a list of your symptoms to take to the doctor and also tell them that you worry about your health and medical tests.
They may want to do tests to rule anything out as they did with me before diagnosing me with anxiety but if they know how you feel then they will give you support.
Try to focus on other things today, I know it's not easy, believe me but you can't possibly know the outcome until you've been.
I'm now having treatment for my anxiety.

Well, that was a waste of time.

GP not concerned about my stomach issues, I’m not an ideal candidate for gallbladder issues, and the pains aren’t food related so she thinks most likely gastritis.

I explained that stomach/bowel issues happen when stressed. Again said not likely to be IBS.

Prescribed Omeprazole for if it happens again.

Said she didn’t think my anxiety was bad enough to need medication, gave me a leaflet for the primary health team.

Told me to come back if I have stomach cramps again.

It’s my own fault really, I’ve never been able to admit that I’m struggling. None of my friends or family know how I feel. Everyone would think I can cope with everything.

Maybe I didn’t explain myself properly to the Dr

Admittedly I always feel like the GPs aren't really interested and in terms of my anxiety I ended up 'treating' myself. Do you tho k the digestive issues are anxiety related? I suffered terribly when I had anxiety- symptoms very much akin to IBS but once I managed the anxiety those symptoms went away.

I think they are anxiety related tbh.

I have terrible bm’s weekday mornings when I have work, weekends my bowels are fine. I also don’t have stomach cramps when I’m busy, if I sit worrying about it, they get worse.

I don’t have indigestion or heart burn, I get a really painful pulsating feeling sort of right/central in my upper abdomen.

Whilst waiting in the Drs before my appointment I developed an ache in my ribs on the left hand side.

So I’m almost certain it’s my anxiety that’s causing the physical symptoms.

My anxiety causes all sorts of physical symptoms - weird and wonderful pains in all parts of my body. I'm at the stage now when something hurts and I know I haven't done anything to cause it that I automatically go 'yeah, whatever, thank you anxiety' (which is good because the pain goes after a day or so)
You know you're anxious, you know that the symptoms appear when you're stressed and not when you're relaxed, so it's a safe bet that they're caused by anxiety and nothing else. With that in mind you can now tell yourself repeatedly every time you get a symptom that it's just your body pointing out that you're anxious. Literally say it out loud. Talk to your brain & thank it for letting you know! Then tell yourself that the symptom will disappear in a day or two on is own and you need to just allow them to be there without attention. And start focussing on the anxiety itself. Try reading anything by John Sarno - he writes all about this sort of thing and it's made all the difference to me.

I struggle with health anxiety. Digestive issues are very common and I have that exact left rib pain you mentioned when I get really anxious. I see my doctor on average 3-4 times a year when a new symptom pops up. Unlike some people I HAVE to get it checked out.
Hang in there - you are not alone

I’m definitely going to try and talk some sense into myself and tell my anxiety pains to bugger off. Thanks for the tip.

My symptoms always coincide with stressful times, I do try to be less of a stresshead but I can’t change the way I am.