I need to go for a medical examination. Major Anxiety!

Bless you. Good luck x

Also, been there with MH services. Do they know you are autistic? 

Disappointingly, - 'cos they are the people who are supposed to get it - often they don't. Their training is sometimes very poor and our relationship with them can go downhill fast because they don't understand what we are so clearly talking about.

CBT will be useless for this particular problem because you aren't catastrophising over the sensory stuff. It's real! You need people working with you to help minimise the overload. And it won't help with communication problems and shut/meltdowns in there, because we don't choose them and aren't based in anything we think.

What we do need is to be allowed to use other communication channels and to try to mitigate the factors which increase anxiety and the likelihood of overwhelm.

Medical stuff will always be hard for us, but it could be made easier by them working with us.

I’ll do that. I need to just go and lie down for a while, mentally I’m exhausted and I don’t want to be out of action all day. Thank you!

I also had CBT, nope didn’t work for me either, my local mental health services (and I do have additional MH needs, although I’m starting to question if these aren’t in fact part of my autism) have black-listed me I think. When, and that’s not often, I do have contact with them they always say ‘we’ll you seem to be doing really well’, this is at the end of the appointment once I’ve rocked, paced, stimmed, not talked then shouted etc. etc.

I so hope this locum is open to some co-operation, that would really help. I’m going to write a letter to this new locum and just try and explain my needs a little further. I’ll have done all that I can do then. I’m still going to look into the advocate possibilities. It might be too short notice for this visit but it would be worth knowing what is available for future appointments.

You are writing very well and totally get it. I've been in just thoes situations too.

If you call Mind, they will tell you which advocacy agency serve your area. Call them and tell them it's urgent because you have an up coming appointment.

Hi Singsong, I’m sorry your also have a massive medical phobia and that you’re constantly having to go through it all so often! I think sending another letter in advance is an excellent one. Now I have the name of the GP (locum) I’ll be seeing I can write it directly to her and explain a little further of the communication and sensory issues I have. I’m also going to look into the use of an advocate.

I have found in the past that where I haven’t been able to articulate myself properly to a medical professional they’ve taken it that I have agreed to everything they can do to me. It took me going into complete meltdown and shouting to stop a procedure that wasn’t needed or related for them to actually stop. It was very scary and I actually felt violated. I think they would have just carried on had I not been screaming the hospital down. Sorry, information you didn’t need, but I think it highlights that there aren’t enough medical staff with some understanding of autism and how these sorts of appointments can affect some of us.

Sorry all written very badly, my brain is very tired. Thank you for your response and I’m glad you’ve found some support within your practice.

Yes, it's been a relief to know other people experience this. Mental Health blamed me when CBT didn't work. For this, it won't. The problem is in the neurology, not the psychology and the only answer lies in the co-operation and understanding of those treating us. If we get that, and know we are going to get that, the anxiety starts to climb down.

It's so wrong that we have to fight anew everytime for that understanding just at the moment we are most vulnerable and need someone to fight for us. The very fact of having to self-advocate in those moments is anxiety inducing.

Thanks Dawn. It does help just to know that you’re not the only one…although I wouldn’t want anyone else to endure the anxieties etc! Both you and Singsong have given me some great advice. It’s a very small practice and none of the staff have any clue about autism, sad . I don’t think our local NHS can keep GP’s at the moment, from what I’ve learnt today, so they’re all locums. Our practice doesn’t even have an email address! I shall look into the suggestion of an advocate but will also use some of Singsong advice. Thanks for replying!

I understand this. I have huge medical phobia and that induces massive anxiety, burnout and shutdown. I have huge fears with appointments and actually seeing medical professionals. Unfortunately I have to confront these fears all the time because my health problems send me in and out of hospital. 

What you could do is call or write to them ahead of time and share your feelings and see if they can do anything to help ease them. Like Dawn said you can always ask about who has most knowledge and understanding of autism. I did that with my new GP practice when I moved to England and they were really supportive.

I'm sorry I can't be more help. Try to keep calm and keep busy. You'll be absolutely fine.

Yep! Big medical phobe here recognises all of that. And a lot of GPs just don't get it. But some will.

You could e-mail the practice ahead of time and tell them, what you just told us. I'd ask to see whoever at the practice knows most about autism, either by training or personal experience.

You might also want to investigate whether an advocate might be able to come with you and help the communication process.

I did manage to get one appointment recently with an advocate and a GP who did have personal experience of the issues. It made a big difference. Sadly, she is no longer at the practice. It doesn't help when the personnel keep changing, does it? It means we have to through that confidence building all over again.

Thank you Catlover. My cat has just come in and sat by me purring which he always does when he knows I'm stressed and he's always also a really good indicator in showing me that I am close to shutdown. I will try some body relaxation over the coming period. Sorry I can't quite respond properly now. Off to my dark room with my cat.

I just wanted to say I can empathise. I don’t want to make this about me, but in a nut shell,  I’ve had 2 in person GP appointments, a blood test appointment, and 2 hospital appointments this fortnight, including 2 hour long important telephone appointments and it’s been hellish. I can’t even put into words how I feel.

I would suggest you write down what you need to say, if that’s how you will be able to articulate yourself best. I don’t think the new Dr will mind.
You should try and burn some of that nervous energy, as the build up is going to be huge and you don’t want it to tip into a meltdown or shutdown.. Try and distract yourself. Use some calming techniques or exercise, and practice relaxing your body at regular intervals.