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Drs Don't Understand

Beatrix

I have autism, severe anxiety and both tie in with iatrophobia that's the fear of anything medical like doctors, hospitals, tests everything to do with them. All three cripple me and always lead to meltdown/shutdown it's so embarrassing when it happens because everyone stares and the doctors don't understand it at all. One receptionist even told me I was causing a scene in the middle of my meltdown. The doctors were the same, so mean. I always end up fainting. Sometimes I'm sick after. I end up crying on the floor, hide my head and can't talk to anybody. I've been poorly with this cold bug thing and a doctor wanted to see me today I didn't want to because of my fears but she wouldn't come to me and as I knew it would I went into a meltdown all because she didn't understand and wouldn't believe my fears. It happened in the waiting room and the doctor told me off after.

I'm so tired of people not understanding me. My parents are the exact same. I'm alone in this world pretty much. I'm just glad communities exist like this so we can all talk and understand each other.

  • Iatrophobia - thanks for the new word in my vocabulary.

    I have the same and also awareness of my own body terrifies me. I have been more inclined to shut down and melt down historically in medical environments, but over the past few years, since they tooth my teeth there have been some whoppers of melt downs too, and no GPs have not understood, neither have mental health and indeed they made it worse.

    You might try changing GP. I just have for logistical reasons as they are building a new medical centre opposite my house. Before I registered, I e-mailed them asking whether they had a doctor with some understanding of autism, explaining how my autism affects me in medical situations and acknowledging that while that kind of makes me the nightmare patient, also explained that this is nothing I want to happen and isn't intentional.

    They could not possibly have been nicer. The lady who registered me genuinely wanted to know about my journey toward a diagnosis and arranged a double phone appointment to explain all that to the doctor and for him to introduce himself. He said they obviously needed a plan to help me access health care and I feel this practice will be open to any reasonable adjustments I need.

    Better care is possible but it depends on their readiness to understand. You could also request an autism advocate. You can google which agency serves your area. They are independant of the NHS and free. A good advocate will kick a reluctant practice into getting some adjustments in place and can come with you to appointments. They will explain to them that however difficult you are to treat, it's even more difficult for you to go through the treatment and nothing you are doing is on purpose to give them a bad day.

    Just having a few of those things in place might naturally bring some of the anxiety and therefore the likelihood of melt down and shut down down a bit.

    I'm sad to hear you aren't getting any support from family.

    Bless you.

  • Well I’ve learnt something from you today - I have the same fear you have but I didn’t know it was called Iatrophobia. 
    im sorry you’re struggling so much with this. 
    i don’t have any answers really (I’m still trying to get help with this myself) but I just wanted to express solidarity and wish you luck x 

  • in reply to Billy87

    Too many Jobsworths, and not enough Servants. 

  • Hi Beatrix, so sorry to hear youre going through that. That's awful that the doctors receptionist said that to you, it doesnt surprise me

    cos doctors receptionists can be very heartless. They really should be a bit more caring and understanding

    Im sorry your parents dont understand you. That must be tough
    You are welcome and understood here. Always here if you need to talk