ams0602

I am not sure why but I am terrified to see a doctor. My heavy and frequent drinking has been cut back within the past year. And 6 months ago, all my blood work from a Complete Blood Count came up fine.

I'm just having some pretty crazy gastrointestinal issues and I'm so scared that my drinking did really crazy damage - even though my test results came back normal, I have read that you can have normal results even with a bum liver.

I'm terrified that the doctor will judge me or that I'll break down into a panic attack or tears in the office.

I have a G.I. Appt in a month but I am just freaking out. I've spent every free moment of the past two days looking up the symptoms I'm having (pretty sure it's some sort of intestinal infection).

I have intense health anxieties and That actually makes my stomach worse. I dunno. I guess I just want someone to tell me that it's gonna be ok.

Dee74

I think everyone here has been terrified of seeing a Dr - but if you have issues, or pain, it's best to do just that.

If a Dr ever did judge or belittle me, I'd walk right out and find another

D

Midlifecrisis

I can definitely relate to the fear/shame about seeing doctors. It took me along time to go and see one about depression (a whole other story as to where that lead). I didn't ever have shame when I was gojng in every couple of days with excuses as to why I needed my scripts early aGAIN. Weird.

I agree with Dee. If a doctor made me feel this way, I would find another. Also, there's nothing wrong with crying or breaking down. Best of luck.

sparky78

No need to worry, doctors have seen it all and deal with this stuff on a daily basis. Stay away from Dr. google, I've worried way too many times over things that I researched that didn't even end up applying to me.

Waterforme

I can definitely relate. I hadn't been to a doctor in about 6 years before i went in for a full checkup last year. I was terrified, but the peace of mind I felt after getting checked out was fantastic!

Elisabeth888

I am an optimist, so I think you are going to find a caring doctor that is going to attend to your needs and address your anxieties.

I am so glad you are going to the doctor

Deckard

You will not be the first or the last person to admit their alcohol use to your particular doctor. For any MD, especially those in the primary care "front lines" setting, this is an almost everyday occurrence. It really is just a routine part of the job.

Now, there are jacka$$ MDs just as there are in every walk of life, but the *overwhelming* likelihood is that the discussion you want to have will not faze your doctor at all.

Also, withholding this info can make it harder to diagnose problems. Most doctors want to find the right diagnosis and really appreciate any information that permits this.

In addition to your GI issue, this could be an opportunity for referrals to counseling, addiction specialists, etc.

So I really think you should go for it!

CharlieNoogan

I know why I'm afraid of doctors: needles. Any kind of blood draw or IV almost knocks me unconscious. Shots are no problem. I know the fear is irrational and is traced back to a horrible experience as a child, but it's still there nonetheless. Damn anxiety...

ams0602

Thanks everyone! My stomach is starting to feel better but I still have a GI appt in a couple of weeks.

I found that my stressing out was making everything worse. As soon as I got to my boyfriend's place and calmed down (I do poorly alone - my anxiety snowballs in my head), everything immediately calmed down.