Where can I get help for my fear of medical intervention

[BoldJadeGuide]

I have to go for some eye tests as optician found small haemorrhaging to my retinas. I now have an appointment in two weeks time for these diagnostic eye tests. I’m terrified. Absolutely petrified. I’m crying and shaking just writing this.

If I do nothing then I know on the day that I’ll refuse anything that interferes with my eyes. And that’s defeating the purpose and wasting medical staff time.

Does anyone else have this fear and how do you cope please? (I’m a mum of three and grandmother so I feel embarrassed about my cowardice)

Thank you

Is your fear just related to this appointment or a generalized fear of medical stuff?

Can you get some sedatives from your GP? Can anyone go with you for support? You have to bear in mind that if you do nothing it could interfere with your sight.

It’s anything medical. From dentist to flu jabs. Even blood pressure checks. I hyperventilate. It’s embarrassing at my age

Yes I realised when I googled it that if I don’t do anything then I could lose my vision. I’ll go but if any tests are invasive I’ll probably have to rebook and get medication from doctor. I don’t have anyone to go with me. But sometimes someone being sympathetic makes me worse.

If you're unable to keep your eyes open for a certain amount of time the tests will come back inconclusive. And they'll want you to do another test in a different machine. It's very common for anxiety suffered to struggle with anything to do with the eyes. They're very sensitive.
Could you ask your GP for something for short term anxiety? Eg a low dose benzo? Also can you bring someone with you who you trust and can be reassuring? My mum has an issue with eye stuff, but it's really important you try and get it seen to.

I assume you’ve had therapy about it - did you get any tips from them you can apply to this?

What specifically is your fear? It might help to narrow it down.

What do you term invasive? Ime they are much like those the optician does but perhaps with drops to dilate the pupil and a pressure test.

When did it start? These things often begin in childhood, either as a result of a bad experience or as a learned behaviour from a parent or someone else you looked to for how to react.

No I’ve never had therapy. Maybe that’s something that I should do longer term. I’ll mention to GP. Thanks

Your local nhs talking therapist service will probably offer cbt for this. You can self refer, dont need a gp referral

I think it started when girls at school started sharing horrific tales at dentist and doctors. That’s how long I’ve been like it. I had a vivid imagination and took it all in. A bit too well!

Thanks for that. I’ll do this today as it’s affecting my life and now potentially my health/sight.

GPs can and do prescribe sedatives for this kind of thing.

They have prescribed me diazepam in the past.

Thanks - I didn’t know about this before today. I have now self-referred. That helps as it gives me hope I can change this. Thanks

I think it’s two-fold. I seem to find things more painful than others but also when something is causing the pain that’s not a natural cause. So having a headache is bearable but someone causing that headache is not.

I’ve referred now. Thanks!

Yes thats invasive. I just about managed the optomap machine because it was light flashing. But not eye drops. And no pressure, whatever that is. I’ll have to see what they want to do

This is a phobia so therapy can solve it as pp have suggested, but that will take a while and you need to get through the appointment! I would ask the GP for a strong benzo- they should be OK to prescribe it for a one off situation like this (at least based on my experience)

Please see your GP and ask for Diazepam. I have recently had several gynaecology procedures, and without my Diazepam. I potentially may not have attended, due to an awful experience many years ago. The last procedure I had also ordered me has and air. I took 10mg Diazepam beforehand and afterwards could barely remember anything about it. I'm also pleased to say I got the all clear for worrying symptoms so I'm glad I went through with it.

its good the diazepam worked so well for you. It’s something I’m going to ask GP for as a one-off. You say that it settled your nervousness but did it help with the pain of what you had done too?

I would suggest contacting whoever is doing the tests to explain so that they are prepared. They can tell you in advance what’s involved. They can also help you feel in control, which reduces your pain and fear.

That’s a good idea. I have a phone number for the department. I’ll ring them Monday - thank you for that