Posted by Racer on April 22, 2006, at 1:18:31
In reply to Re: Doctor's appt - strong CSA trigger - need help, posted by Veracity on April 21, 2006, at 19:57:35
That sounds so awful, Madeline. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
I have two different suggestions to offer, which you can look at according to your needs: if you just need to get through it, just grit your teeth, close your eyes, and put yourself on that lovely island somewhere, with beach boys bringing you mimosas and peeling your grapes.
And then go home, pull the covers over your head, and sleep it off.
What I've done, in similar circumstances, is to concentrate on every sensation. Just explore every feeling, good, bad, painful, whatever. EXACTLY what is it feeling like? If it hurts, is the pain sharp? Burning? Dull? Describe the pain in words, every step of the way. Are your muscles tense? Which muscles? Where can you feel the tension? Describe, in words, to yourself every sensation you experience. Concentrate all your attention on the feelings of the exam. If the doctor tries to carry on a conversation with you, ask her/him not to until the exam is over. "Doc, this exam is triggering CSA issues for me, and I need to be quiet to get through it."
I know that sounds so counterintuitive, but it really has made me feel better when I've done it. For some reason, which might just be that I'm bizarrely weird, it makes me feel more powerful -- it feels like taking back control, somehow. And that gets me through it.
I use that at the dentist, too -- although I also carry on conversations with my dentist, or ask him to tell me stories while he works. (I've been going to him for 23 years now -- and I trust him.)
I'm so sorry, that experience sounds terrible to me. I think you're right, though, to consider how you're going to get through your next exam -- if you have a plan of action, you're much more likely to get over the fear before it gets any worse than it is now.
Good luck, and be well.
poster:Racer
thread:635625
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060406/msgs/635742.html