Coming clean to my doctor for the first time
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 262
Coming clean to my doctor for the first time
I've known for quite some time that I have a problem with alcohol. I've regularly cancelled annual physicals, mammograms, flu shots- you name it - all in favor of keeping my addiction secret.
I scheduled an appt with my GP for Monday and was so embarrassed to admit the reason when the receptionist asked... I simply stated " alcohol issue". She hesitated, but scheduled the meeting for next week.
I am 12 hours clean today.
Thank you for this outlet.
I scheduled an appt with my GP for Monday and was so embarrassed to admit the reason when the receptionist asked... I simply stated " alcohol issue". She hesitated, but scheduled the meeting for next week.
I am 12 hours clean today.
Thank you for this outlet.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ireland
Posts: 25,826
Great stuff Chrissy!! 
It always amazes me that in some parts of the world receptionists ask the reason for an appointment, I always say "to see a Dr" and then after that "it's between me and him", just to make things easier in the future!!
It always amazes me that in some parts of the world receptionists ask the reason for an appointment, I always say "to see a Dr" and then after that "it's between me and him", just to make things easier in the future!!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: C.C. Ma.
Posts: 3,697
Congratulations. That’s a big step, now try to be totally honest with your GP as it’s to your advantage. You may be told things for you to take action on, better now than when it’s too late.
BE WELL
BE WELL
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoCal, California
Posts: 990
Congratulations! Most likely they've heard it all before.
"Alcohol issue"... I bet the receptionist was just figuring how to classify the appointment and how much time to schedule. doctors often charge according to the type of appointment it is. Follow-up vs. a physical for example.
They also have to figure out how much time to schedule for each type of patient.
I remembering scheduling an appointment with my doctor for an embarrassing problem and I just told the receptionist I had a sore shoulder. As soon as my doctor walked in I told her it wasn't my shoulder after all.
"Alcohol issue"... I bet the receptionist was just figuring how to classify the appointment and how much time to schedule. doctors often charge according to the type of appointment it is. Follow-up vs. a physical for example.
They also have to figure out how much time to schedule for each type of patient.
I remembering scheduling an appointment with my doctor for an embarrassing problem and I just told the receptionist I had a sore shoulder. As soon as my doctor walked in I told her it wasn't my shoulder after all.
Self recovered Self discovered
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Toronto Canada
Posts: 5,148
A big benefit for me when I did this, was that my decision took on a whole nother layer of reality. It really helped me solidify my resolve and reaffirm my decision to get sober. It wasn't just a wish or a hope, it now had a plan, and telling my Dr was a very important and rational part of that plan.
You won't regret it. My Dr didn't even raise an eyebrow when she learned I was consuming twice the weekly allowance every single day. We can fix that she said. We did.
You won't regret it. My Dr didn't even raise an eyebrow when she learned I was consuming twice the weekly allowance every single day. We can fix that she said. We did.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 262
Follow up - my doctor was incredibly supportive. Told me I was brave for "coming out of the shadows". My blood tests all came back in the normal range. I have appointments scheduled for a full physical and mammogram in the next 2 weeks along with a meeting with a therapist. Still alcohol free. I'm going to check out a newcomers AA meeting on Tuesday. Appreciate everyone's 0.02
Sent from my iPad using SoberRecovery
Sent from my iPad using SoberRecovery
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
