phobia and anxiety of having my blood pressure taken

[looby123]

i am 30 years old and have suffered anxiety since i was little, my mum suffers it so maybe she passed it on.  my levels of anxiey go up and down depending on levels of stress. i have panic attacks but these r becoming less frequent since i read self help guides and hav learnt to manage them a bit better, but i do still get them about once a month.  the problem is that i get panicky wen goin to the doctors, and especially if i think im goin to hav to have my blood pressure taken. I beleive i hav an ulcer and hav been to docs before but got so worked up that now im embarrased to go.  I have this feeling in my stomach like someone is pouring hot water into my belly. theres no pain but this sensation is getting me down so much as im scared to know wot it is.  I keep telling myself that i must go because i have 3 little children but as much as i need to go, I just cant do it.  I shake and get so worked. Is there anything i can do without goin to my doctors. No one understands me and i just want someone to do it for me. Im desperate, i worry about my health and think im going to die early because of the way i live my life. Iv started to develop social anxiety if out especially with out my kids.  is there any thing i can do with out goin to my doctor, im to nervous to tell him wots happening

[4Maddie44]

I have just noticed this post was in 2008 so I wasted my time answering it.  I should have checked date first.  Silly me!!!

[4Maddie44]

I live in UK too, and in my doctor's surgery patients can take their own blood pressure.  Ask if your doctor has that facility.

I have terrible phobia of having blood taken, and usually pass out.  In the past I have had relatives come with me.  Last time, they didn't come and I passed out, and my son  had to come from work to get me.  I am terrified I will have to have another.

We can't help how we are.

[Smurf456]

I have the same problem I have just changed doctors due to area move and being In a surgery that was alien to me and seeing a nurse I did not know made me so anxious I could feel it my blood pressure reading was of course high and now have to go back next week and also have blood tests for cholesterol but worst have my bp checked again then if it's still high will have to have one on me for twenty four hours I'm terrified of this tried to explain my phobia to the nurse who laughed and said if I'm scared now I will be scared or cured after 24 hours wearing it asked if I could take it at home but she said no people cheat and take it After they have been relaxing so it's not a true reading she had me feeling like my life's over and I may keel over any second can't stop thinking about it and have been feeling highly anxious since :(

[Autumnx1003]

I have EXACTLY the same problem!  Go to my profile and read some of my posts and the responses from others in this communty--they have helped me a lot ☺  

Please take care and know that we are all here for you!

[kb413]

I get upset about my blood pressure being taken too. It's called "white coat syndrome".  Your blood pressure is going to be high anyway...since you are anxious.  Be kind to yourself.  Easier said than done, I know. You have a medical condition, just like someone that would have diabetes. This is not your fault.  You know that though.
I have been having problems lately...and it is hard to practice and be kind to ourselves.
Anyway, your stomach problem may be constipation. I have stomach problems too. I know it's so scary to go to the dr. It is for me too. I wanted to go...before this past weekend...and now I am scared to death, although I do have so many questions to ask. I just want to bolt out of there though. It does seem like no one else understands.
Try to stay in the present. If you go to the dr's and have to bolt out of there...then so be it.  No matter what does happen, you will handle it.
Anyway..about the bp...what about it scares you..that it will be too high or too low?