Maria
#228855 - 12/02/05 02:28 PM
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It does sounds like fibro *gentle hugs* How are you, today?
Sending loads of love and PAIN-FREE days/momnets your way
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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The best advice I can give you is to tell you that you should at least get in to see your regular doctor, if going to a GI doc makes you so anxious. I can't diagnose your symptoms, of course, but since they've suddenly started in the past two weeks I think seeing a doctor wouldn't hurt. I think any change in your health status (phsyical or mental) warrants a visit to the doc. I'm not saying there's anything seriously wrong with you, because maybe you're just suffering the stress of the holidays, the change in the weather. Still, for peace of mind, it's better to get checked out.
I just saw my regular PCP in November and have been seeing her regularly since dealing with the IBS flare-up in July/Aug 04 and anixety. I go back in January or February for my physical and at that time I'm going to talk to her about the possiblity of having fibromyalgia. I think one of my fears of seeing a doctor is that they'll dismiss me as a "hysterical woman." Fortunately, I've had more good doctors, who listen and care, than bad.
What exactly is your fear when related to doctors? I know it's really hard to take that first step, but the doctor is there to listen and consult with and offer a solution or a way to manage whatever is bothering you. When you make an appointment let whoever's making your appointment know that you have a real fear of doctors and let your doctor know once you get in to meet him/her. Prepare yourself for how the visit will go: you'll talk about what's wrong, you and the doc will discuss possible causes. They may ask for bloodwork and some other tests. If you're like me, when I get nervous I forget half of what I want to say; so write down your symptoms and questions on a piece of paper that you can refer to during the consultation. Also, it doesn't hurt if you can get a friend or family member to come along with you for support. Let them know ahead of time what you want to talk to the doctor about so if you freeze up in the dr's office, they can jump in and get you back on track.
I don't know if I've been much help here, Marci, but I truly hope you start feeling better. Have you ever been diagnosed with or treated for an anxiety or panic disorder? That's a hard place to start, but I know you can make to the doctor's office!  C'mon, if you were working out at 4 or 5 am  - you can do anything! 
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I'm sorry you are going through this and I feel your pain. I was like this in 2003. I knew I was sick and I wouldn't go to the doctor for nothin'!!! My husband came in the door one day and picked me up off the couch and took me to the walk-in clinic. I hate doctors and I can't stand going to my appts, either. I have major anxiety attacks when I get in there and have to pop imodium/pepto/anti-nausea stuff. All of it!!! I always freak out when I go to the doctor, too. It's hard.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you have to go to a doctor. You have to make that decision on your own based on whether or not you can deal with the pain or HOW MUCH LONGER you can deal with the pain, rather. My mom kept telling me that I had to go and I wouldn't listen to her, either. I would have rather died, too. But, my husband wouldn't have it. He made me go and as much as I hated it.....I'm glad that I did it and got it over with. Now, at least I know exactly what I'm dealing with instead of just sitting here worrying and wondering if I had IBS or cancer.....
I did alot of praying, too. I told my family, friends, everyone that I was just going to continue to pray and if it was in His will to heal me than He would!! "Until then, I will just lay here, read my bible and pray." I don't know why I'm soo terrified of doctors. I cancelled my appt last week, too. I don't need to go back, anymore. They're done trying to help me anyway. They want to do that hida scan on my gallbladder, which sounds like the test that made you pass out, and I don't want to do it. I am afraid to do it and I don't think it's my gallbaldder, anyway. My husband, of course, is fixin' to force me though. He got mad at me today about it.....CRAP!!!
Good Luck to you and I will pray for you, regardless of what you decide to do!
Hope you get to feeling better soon!!
Michelle 
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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That's a good first step! But if I were as scared as doctors are you are, I would take it even slower. First, I would go in for a consultation only and during that time talk about my fears/concerns/questions. Then talk about testing and the specifics of diagnostic tests. That's why I suggested a regular doctor first, because they would be able to do a general assessment of your health (physical, mental, and emotional) before having to do any invasive testing.
Have you thought about going to a counselor first, to deal with your fear of doctors, so that you can eventually be able to see a doctor without feeling panic?
With a GI, you would only be discussing your guts, your IBS, etc, and it seems to me that what you're going through lately doesn't only have to do with your gut. But that's only my opinion, of course! You should only do what you're comfortable with, ready for, and able to push yourself to do.
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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Your mom sounds just like my parents when I was around 19. "Everything can be handled within the family" is a mantra I grew up with and I remember feeling guilty just talking to my friends about things going on in my family. Well, if you're not able to see a counselor right now, how about a clergyman? If you and your family are religious, perhaps your mom would feel more comfortable if you spoke with a priest or minister. They're free and you could also talk to them without your mom knowing if you'd feel she'd be against that as well.
Are you able to leave the house and go out? If you can make it to the library, there's a couple of books I'd recommend you check out that might help you understand your fear of doctors (I'll provide links to the books on Amazon so you can read their descriptions): Fear & Other Uninvited Guests and The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook.
I hope I'm not going too far in suggesting these alternatives to you, but I think I understand how you're feeling. When you decide it's time to see a doctor let us know or if you have anymore questions just post them. Please know you're not alone and, as you said, just talking about the IBS and anxiety can alleviate some of that stress. Take care!
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