If you had a phobia of doctors what would you do if you had serious symptoms?

Question

Seriously,.....I have a phobia of doctors. And I have several serious symptoms. I know I need to see a doctor. But am scared to death. I keep telling myself that it is all normal to have glands that swell often and large for 12 years and problems with legs (paralisis that occurs occassionally),etc. I know that sounds crazy. But I can't bring myself to go. Please no insults as this is hard for me to ask. Anyone have any suggestions?
The reason I have phobia is because of several family members died to being wrongly treated by them. I know this doesn't happen to everyone. But I lost 4 people in my family that were wrongly treated or the treatment caused their death.

No malpractice suits. We felt that it would not be worth reliving the horrible events. And it wouldn't bring them back. However I wonder if it was the right decision,...due to the fact there are no telling how many others that have been misdiagnosed,etc by theses doctors.
Thank you all for your help. It was really hard for me to do this question. In fear that people wouldn't understand and would laugh. Thanx again you all are great and have some good suggestions.

Answer 1

I feel your pain as I too do not like to go to doctors, however; it is important that you do go. Look to a friend that has a doctor that they trust and go see that one, when you first see the doctor tell him/her how you feel.

Answer 2

I am so sorry about your loses. You do need to see a doctor. Try reseaching the doctor before seeing him/her. Have family or friend go with you when visiting the doctor...You have the right to second opinion. I understand your phobia but I believe there are some good doctors out there that still believe in the oath they took. Good Luck and I hope I helped you in some way.

Answer 3

Prayer works wonders. My father in law, major dr. phobia, had finally broken down to see a dr. for a double hernia. He had them for well or 10 years and wore out the truses that help support. With much trepidation he finally went. At first he had worked himself up over the tests, that he had to go to the e.r. for aniexty attacks. Once the surgery was over, he made every point to tell everyone, and I mean everyone he came into contact, how well his experience was. He also had past problems with dr. misdiagnosis, which eventually took the life of his first wife. I am only telling you that because God already knows what is going to happen to us. All we need to do is trust him and know that He is walking through this problem with us as long as we ask Him to come along.

Answer 4

No such pill has been invented my friend. Although if you have a competent psychiatrist, getting off an SSRI after taking it for awhile won't be too difficult (assuming a proper weening schedule is used). Try Zoloft. I've heard it's pretty good for Social anxiety. Weight gain is a potential side effect for most SSRIs so it's unavoidable. You COULD try benzodiazepines but those run a HIGH risk for addiction and HORRIBLE withdrawal effects which rules out your second condition. It's your choice buddy.

Answer 5

Your family must be pretty rich from the malpractice lawsuits...

My wife has a fear of dentists; fortunately, they are accomodating and prescribe her sedatives for visits. Perhaps you can work out something similar with your physician.

If you can rationalize your fear and understand that it's a phobia, you can de-sensitize yourself by accompanying others to the office and acclimate yourself by sitting in the waiting room for several visits, then perhaps sit through someone else's visit...working yourself up to a regular checkup on your own with an escort.