doctor

[homerbart]

Is it me or is anybody out there simply afraid of going to the doctors for any single thing.

I have to go in two weeks time for a chat and I know right away my blood pressure goes up.

Why dont I be more confident when I go to see her as other patients visit their doctors nearly two or three or four times a month or maybe more

[annie0000]

I used to be like that, but i had to get over it when my husband and I had fertility problems - I think that the desire for a child overcame my other issues. I think that you can only look at it from a positive point of view and think that the outcome is going to be good - Do you have any reason to think that there will be a problem?

[rabbitygirl]

The worse things about going to the docs are trying for an appointment, sitting with the germy ones, and the irritation that your body is playing up. I am fairly lucky. I have just had to go because of tendonitis due to cleaning my house too much prior to moving (new owners did appreciate how sparkling it was). This was my first visit in 3 years. At 52 I am about the only person I know who does not go regularly cause I'm not on reglr meds. What may explain your wobbles is your sex! Men are not conditioned to the doctors whereas us girls (in our youth) go regularly due to girly situations, contraception and pregnancy so we get used to the white coats and being prodded (sorry - examined). Men very rarely see the doc (cant remember the last time my 2 adult sons went) so they get nervous.My hubby (and Dad) used to be like you. Hubbys used to it now he has blood pressure checks and med. So you are quite normal!!! By the way when my husband had a check up years ago his blood pressure was up. The doctor dismissed it then because he said 'I think its due to the readings being taken by the nurse with big breasts!!!' Relax, you will be fine -the doc is your friend. Look after yourself .

[leedsgurl]

I have the same problem - there is a proper name for it! It's called 'white coat syndrome', and its a recognised problem.

My blood pressure is always high when I go to the doctors, even though I know there is nothing to worry about, and I always feel a bit silly that im worrying about nothing.

You'd think I'd be ok since I work at a hospital! lol

[redcrx]

I have white coat syndrome too and it got so bad that I had to prove my BP only went up at the surgery by wearing a monitor at home. My records now say White coat syndrome on them.

Funnily enough, the only time Ive not been scared in a medical environment was when i was actually in hospital to give birth. The thought of it terrified me prior to this

[homerbart]

thanks everybody for taking time to reassure me - by the way I am a woman in spite of the name.

[tiny e.a]

Yep, I too hate going and haven't been for 8 or 9 years. It's not that I'm worried about the outcome, I just used to feel when I was young that the doctors were snobby, judgemental and acted like I was wasting their time. As a result I stopped going as soon as my mum stopped being able to force me to go. It's silly really, I think my doctor was just an ar$ehole and I'm sure other doctors would be different. I love the NHS Walk n centres though, can't get me out of there!

[tiny e.a]

Actually I've just realsied that I'm lyin and I went to the docs about 2 months ago...oops

[homerbart]

I have never heard of these walk in centres -

[tiny e.a]

Do you live in Britain? If so there must be one somewhere near you I'm sure. It's only useful for minor things, they can't give out repeat prescriptions and it's nurses not doctors but they've sorted my tonsillitus a couple of times and are always lovely to me and for that I'm eternally grateful!

[tiggerwoo]

Have you tried getting the local pharmacy to do a BP check for you if the GP makes you anxious. My daughter has this problem and is on meds for raised BP...she definitely has issues with this subject. Trouble is tho' that there are some over zealous doctors who want to get you on meds for everything(more money in their pockets) This is the case with statins (drugs for lowering cholesterol).Everyone and his aunt are taking them and for every prescription written the doc gets paid extra!!!!! The cholesterol levels are set so low that they cannot be achieved naturally.......only by taking statins. Statins cause many unpleasant side effects and I personally would not take them even if the doc says I should.Anyway...I digress.....I sympathise with your problem...but please don't be in awe of doctors...they are people just like you and they make mistakes just like the rest of us. I would say that you should listen to the dvice given....then go home and learn as much about whatever it is you need to know and then make an informed choice with regard to your treatment.
If you are concerned about your BP why don't you purchase a BP monitor...they are available to buy for under �10 from Lloyds Pharmacy I believe and then you will know what your readings are on a daily basis...and keep a record to show your GP.

[homerbart]

thanks tiggerwoo