How to deal with a hypochondriac?!
Question: Let's say I believe my boyfriend's mother is certaintly a hypochrondriac. She had part of her leg amputated year's ago due to a blood clot and since I have been with my boyfriend, she has gone to the ER at least 5-6 times in a year and a half span. She complains about muscle spasms and the last time I went to the ER with her, the doctor prescibed her medication, told her she should see a specialist, sent her on her way and pretty much informed her that it was normal and pretty much something she will have to deal with the rest of her life. The last (2) times I went with her, her plans was to actually be admitted into the hospital. If you want my honest opinion, I think she is seeking attention. I am not trying to be selfish or cold-hearted, but it happens way too often and its gotten to the point that it doesn't surprise me anymore. Has anyone else had to deal with someone like this? If so, how do you help them and what were your feelings? How do you help someone like this?
Answers: Let's say I believe my boyfriend's mother is certaintly a hypochrondriac. She had part of her leg amputated year's ago due to a blood clot and since I have been with my boyfriend, she has gone to the ER at least 5-6 times in a year and a half span. She complains about muscle spasms and the last time I went to the ER with her, the doctor prescibed her medication, told her she should see a specialist, sent her on her way and pretty much informed her that it was normal and pretty much something she will have to deal with the rest of her life. The last (2) times I went with her, her plans was to actually be admitted into the hospital. If you want my honest opinion, I think she is seeking attention. I am not trying to be selfish or cold-hearted, but it happens way too often and its gotten to the point that it doesn't surprise me anymore. Has anyone else had to deal with someone like this? If so, how do you help them and what were your feelings? How do you help someone like this?
if it doesnt affect u and ur boyfriend, dont worry too much. if it does, then i guess the best thing is to first explain to her that it seems to everyone else that shes exaggerating a little. in general, just try to keep the attention u give her to a minimum - lyk a kid, she'll probably realise that over reacting is getting her attention. don't let it get you down - she shouldnt make u feel in any way responsible. if it gets really bad then maybe a trip to a psyhologist would help her to understand that she might just be imagining half of the pain.
Try not to aid her in any doctor visits, etc. which are unnecessary. This will reduce the attention she receives.
Set up a webcam beside her bed, in her living room, in the kitchen, and wherever else in the house she likes to hang out. Connect these to the Internet, and start a website which will monitor and track her movements. Promote the website relentlessly, and have her start her own blog. When the site gets popular enough, someone somewhere will always be watching her, day or night. That should help with her attention-cravings.