I'm Terrified of Doctors but I have A Lot Of Problems?!
Question: I'm completely terrified of all doctors, any kind, but I have a lot of problems with my sight, I need to get checked for asthma and diabetes, I just have lots of fun health problems. My doctor is pretty nice but she's from India and I don't know if this is just something they do, but she talks really fast and doesn't let me get a word in, and my mom is always bugging her to tell her whats up and that makes me uncomfortable (but I'm 17 so she can do it). I don't know how I should do about telling her my problems and I'm afraid of tests. I have a fear of hospitals (my dad died of lung caner almost four years ago so I was there a lot). I know with my family history I need to go, but I'm so completely afraid of it. I'm even afraid of my eye doctor. What should I do? besides, you know, getting over it.
Answers: I'm completely terrified of all doctors, any kind, but I have a lot of problems with my sight, I need to get checked for asthma and diabetes, I just have lots of fun health problems. My doctor is pretty nice but she's from India and I don't know if this is just something they do, but she talks really fast and doesn't let me get a word in, and my mom is always bugging her to tell her whats up and that makes me uncomfortable (but I'm 17 so she can do it). I don't know how I should do about telling her my problems and I'm afraid of tests. I have a fear of hospitals (my dad died of lung caner almost four years ago so I was there a lot). I know with my family history I need to go, but I'm so completely afraid of it. I'm even afraid of my eye doctor. What should I do? besides, you know, getting over it.
Start by changing your Doctor. You need to see someone who makes you feel safe and not rushed. You need to be able to discuss your health with them without feeling pushed or stressed.
Sometimes you just don't 'gel' with a certain Doctor - it may take a couple of tries to find someone you are comfortable talking to - thats normal.
Its hard talking to a stranger abour medical stuff at any age but at 17 you are even more uncertain about it.
Shop around for another Doctor - someone who doesn't maek you feel uncomfortable.
PS you don't need your Mums permission to change Doctors and you don't have to have your Mum present during the appointment if you feel she is being over bearing. It is importnat to be able to discuss things with your mum though so talk about what is worrying you with her.
If you could try & explain to your mom what you have explained here AND see if she'd be OK with a referral from say a local eye doctor... that might help. If not... maybe you could see if your school has a health staff person who could suggest some alternatives here. Good luck. Dr Steve
I think you should try and tell the doctors about your fear so that they can try to make the experience alot better for you I know what you mean about hospitals my mother died almost two years ago in a hospital and I did not like going in them after that and still do not but I am getting better about it, because I have let the doctors now how I felt about it, and they have done alot to help me over my fears. SO let the doctors know and I am sure they will do their best to help you with your fear. Well good luck. I hope you get over your fears. Because doctors can truely help with seriouse helth problems.