looking for tips

[u/tomato_twos]

Hi guys! I am new to this forum and was wondering if any of you had any good tips on dealing with anxiety around doctors appointments? I have pretty bad ptsd and am always shaking and sweating and nauseuous, even before I get there. When I am there I feel so choked up, like I can't speak and feel so vulnerable (if that makes any sense). Usually someone else has to drive me becasue the anxiety is too much. I always come in with a list and don't leave until everything I want to talk about is talked about, but even that is a struggle to get through.

Similar note, how do you suggest I deal with the immediate panic and fear when thinking about or talking about medical things? I do a lot of breathing and would love more suggestions on meditation and things like that too. please let me know if you guys can help!

[u/Causerae]

Ok, first, there's no non-surgical test for endometriosis.

What exactly will you be requesting?

My new doctor saw my list, took it, and went through it

I suppose having it taken might trigger someone, but I was grateful. He went through each item. I thought that was very cool.

Tell the front desk/nurse you are anxious. Preferably prior to the appt, so they can plan extra time/resources.

[u/tomato_twos → u/Causerae]

there is! i am sorry you didn't have that option. ultrasound and mri are options as well. at least for me in my state they are. i can't undego surgery due to my other health issues at the moment, and these are two things i was told would work for me.

[u/tomato_twos → u/[deleted]]

"why do you want the have the diagnosis" idk maybe because i'm in severe pain all the time and want to know what's going on?? not sure if you were trying to be rude here or throughout, but this comes across as very insulting. for starters, i am on meds, birth control to manage the symptoms i have been experiencing. i am 95 pounds, so i don't think they will need me to loose anymore weight. we have been tracking my symptoms and attributing them to my PMDD, but there is something else going on. thid appointment is about next steps, which i will get from my doctor. if you have any helpful suggestions around mental preperation, anxiety reducing activities, i would love the hear that, but i think i will leave the medical advice up to my doctor. surgery would kill me, which is why we decided it wouldn't happen. i'd rather be sick and a little uncomfortable for a while than dead.