Conquering fear of blood pressure machines?

[Autumnx1003]

I know I am not the only one who absolutely freaks out when having my blood pressure taken.  Every time I go to the Dr's office, they always comment on how high my pulse and blood pressure are (last week when I went it was 127/92 and pulse of 133!)  Ha...and those numbers arent even unusual for me!  I know the pulse is high, but I don't worry about it as much just because I take it frequently at home now, and know that it is usually in the 80's when I'm at home.  But the blood pressure...ugh!  I am just convinced that I am going to have a really high reading sometime and that I'm going to just kill over.  And the docs and nurses make it worse by always saying "well, your numbers are a little too high for your age, even though you are nervous" (I just turned 30).  

So...has anyone successfully conquered their fear of having their blood pressure taken?  How did you do it?  I really want to get over this. I mean, I feel like i try to do everything right...I eat fairly well, I'm definitely not overweight, dont smoke or drink, somewhat active...the only thing I have trouble with is my anxiety.  Ugh...this is frustrating!

[Kattlyne]

Hi there, everyone...I found this site about a week ago. I've been struggling with this problem for the last month...ever since I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I had gone to the doctor...first time in years...and was nervous (because doctors make me nervous), my heart was pounding and they took my bp. It was 190/104 and pulse was 120! The nurse said I've got to go tell the doctor and ran out of the room! She returned immediately with a pink pill (clonidine) which I took. Meanwhile, the doctor came in and said I need to find out why your blood pressure is so high. My heart was still pounding and I was very scared. She sent me next door to have an EKG done. My heart was racing but the EKG was normal. I have suffered from anxiety off and on for years...I sometimes have panic attacks, which are severe. Now I'm on blood pressure meds and am supposed to be monitoring my readings everyday before my next doctor appointment. Alas, I have developed an intense fear of checking my blood pressure. I have managed to take a few readings...they were under 140/90...but one reading was 162/95 and it scared the crap out of me and ever since I cant bring myself to check it. Im also terrified of my up and coming doc apt. because I know they're going to check my blood pressure. I'm taking clonidine .1mg twice every 12 hours. This has caused me depression and anxiety for the past few weeks and its affecting my life! I don't know what I'm going to do. Thanks for listening.

[DebbieL201]

I am so happy for you!  Thank you for letting me know that my recommendation helped you!  

[Aniaz]

When my blood pressure shot, the only thing that calmed it down was BreatheEasy. I'd listen to the lovely music - Indian & western classical and breathe in and out as the wave-like sounds of the music dictated. Trust me, my BP came under control and life since then has been beautiful. I also listen to the music while doing my Physical Therapy exercises … it is like doing yoga including the way I breathe. I strongly suggest to anyone who has lost hope of getting over the 'white coat' syndrome that we call when you go to the doctor and your BP soars, the best antidote for the white coat fear is
to practice breathing while listening to the music and monitoring one's own BP on a home machine. My doctor accepted my 2-week BP readings that showed normal range in my BP taken twice daily. I found out about this wonderful program from Debbie on this website, she suggested BreatheEasy, vouching that it had helped her. I ordered online and voila from that day I am a different person free from fear

[Sofia37]

I have the same issue. I m pregnant with  my second child and I thought the same before, I did not want to have kids just because of this fear and have to go to the doctor that often....but you know what? somehow I was able to make it and it was not as bad as I thought! I got help from a Reiki practitioner through both pregnancies and everything went well. I can not lie to you but I still have that fear sometimes it is better and others gets worse ...but if I did it you can do it!!

[Sofia37]

I know how you feel. Same here it gets so overwhelming ....I tried few things to overcome this fear  but the it is still here....however, while pregnant I've been able to handle it very well which I thought it would never happen....I'm still trying to figure out how to get over this fear.

[Sofia37]

Hi,
I don't know if you still check your post, but I am going through the same problem. And I am also going to take a CNA class and I have been thinking about the BP situation.....Fist I thought was silly but I have learned that is an irrational fear. It happens to many people but they  just do not say it because it is embarrassing. Have you tried Reiki? it did help me through my 2 pregnancies , however I still have the fear but it is much better that it was before and I can definitely tell that.