Doctor panic attack
 

In a few days I'm going in for my annual physical. Even when I was drinking and using drugs I'd always keep my medical appointments. For the most part they really didn't bother me. I knew my blood work would be all messed up because of my drinking but it just didn't bother me. I told my doctor I probably drank too much but I never mentioned my drug use. Now I'm going in after being totally sober for 7 weeks and I'm really nervous. Nervous as in a full blown panic attack! Has anyone else experienced this? Why am I so nervous now that I have nothing to hide?

:gaah

Hi, Bruce.

I always have somewhat panic attack before going to medical appointment. It's some kind of illogical fear to me.

Panic will not guarantee good test results but will still our peace of mind. Try to distract yourself with something. When this panic thought pops up, let it go, don't overthink it.

Take a deep breath, relax. Focus on today. Say yourself that you'll panic on the day of appointment if you feel like then, but today is today, and you are not at the doctor's office yet.

Best wishes to you. Let us know when the tests are done.

Oh yes, I sure did get so nervous at drs appointments for a long time. I think for me, it was just learning to live life sober. Dealing with the feelings of panic at the drs office was one of the hardest things for me to get through. Hopefully you will get some good news.

Try not to let anxiety overwhelm you. Just go and tell your doctor of your seven weeks and that you're anxious over the test results. I'm sure your doctor will be understanding. :hug:

how did things go Bruce?

D

Hey, I get anxious too just sitting next to someone on the train and I get anxious. This is dying down now. If it does come its not intense. I'm doing meditation and I pray and also aa. I'm told a lot our heads are out to get us and that's why we can slip back into alcoholism to comfort us. I'm eleven weeks so not a expert but gd luck.
Peace

The appointment is on Wednesday. It'll be fine. I'm just having a good old run of the mill panic attack :-) Thank you everyone for responding.

not to be taken for granted
 

"Why am I so nervous now that I have nothing to hide?"

We're just readjusting without our normal coping mechanism. On day 20 here; I'm very sensitive the slightest amount or stress. Hills seem like Everest kinda stuff.

This is day 1 for me (again) and I'm feeling irrationally agitated about being alone tonight. Something I saw on tv about ghosts is seriously freaking me out. I know this is run of the mill anxiety related to getting these toxins out of my system, but it sure is WEIRD!

Ostrich...put something comedic on tv! Maybe that will help you forget about the ghost show

I feel very foolish. The visit to the doctor was no big deal. I was up front about my drinking and how long I had been sober. My doctor didn't look at all surprised and told me it's something he hears quite often. My BP was MUCH better this time. I don't know why I got so worked up over all of this. It's like I made a simple visit to the doctor into this HUGE issue in my mind. I've got to keep at the meditation practice I guess. The past doesn't exist, nor does the future, only the now.

Glad everything went well, Bruce)

Great news. With that worry gone, work on staying sober. I expect much, if not all, of your anxiety is due to your drinking.