Published on 12, July, 2020
Good evening,
I'm looking for advice on how to survive a visit to the doctor. I don't like to be touched and have real problems when it comes to verbalising my needs and fears when talking to people, especially doctors whom I try and avoid as much as possible. My old GP has left the practice (not that I went and saw her much) and now I am faced with meeting a new doctor. I have severe anxiety and my mental health is not great at the moment.
I always find it difficult to verbalise, articulate and express my wishes when it comes to appointments such as these. I'm unable to make phone calls and so a few weeks ago I wrote a letter to my GP (my old one). I wrote to her about 6 months ago detailing what the problem was (she was very understanding, knowing my dislike of touch and prescribed me what she could on the information I had detailed). Fast forward and my problem has worsened, so a couple of weeks ago I wrote to her again saying this and that I felt I had no option but to be seen.
Today I received a text from the medical centre with an appointment. I know nothing about the new doctor and I'm not sure if she will understand how I communicate and what a massive deal this is for me, and I mean massive! I thought I would write a brief list of my concerns about the examination and how I need information explained to me. Does that sound reasonable? I fear greatly that she will not be nice and open to my needs.
Just going out is a major problem at the moment. I had to attend a psychiatrist appointment about a month ago and my anxiety was immense, I did get through it (and psychiatrist are used to anxious people) but when I came out I think I went into shock. I just stood outside shaking for about 30 minutes and then when I finally got home just went into shutdown. I haven't the words for how bad my anxiety is.
This post doesn't really express all my fears but even here on the forum I can't articulate everything that is going on inside my head. It's a week and a half away and as every day passes I know that my anxiety will heighten. What if I burn out before then and just can't even keep the appointment?
Any advice would be really welcomed.
Thanks.
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.
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!