Posted by coral on October 26, 2000, at 5:23:30
What are others' experiences (if any) with phobias? All of my life, I've been claustrophobic, but with my first depressive episode, that phobia practical disappeared and hasn't returned. However, I did develop a phobia about having my blood pressure taken. I know the genesis of the phobia - a doctor who would NOT listen to me. I was severely clinically depressed, had a history of hypothyroidism, and my BP went from its normal low to high. No matter what I did, I couldn't get it lowered. I KEPT asking the doctor (for one year - dumb me!) to check my thyroid and he said there was no problem (I listened - dumb me again!). Finally, I had my thyroid tested, and it was sky high. When I discussed the test results with the doctor, he said we'd lower my thyroid med (duh...) and I asked if he'd retest in 6 weeks. He said "No. We'll just see how you're feeling. No need to unnecessarily poke you." I left his office and never looked back. I finally found a superior endocrinologist, and my thyroid is fine. I haven't taken any thyroid meds in seven years. However, I'm still stuck with this stupid phobia. My BP now is normal, although I do take Tenormin. The standard treatments for phobias don't work, such as flooding, aversion therapy, hypnosis, behavior mod, and I'm seeking help. It's a perfectly stupid phobia and unfortunately creates the very thing I'm afraid of, elevated BP. There's still some anger at the doc who wouldn't listen and that may be part of maintaining the phobia. I know all of this intellectually, but it's like an imprint occurred on my brain, during the depression, that I haven't been able to erase. Any thoughts? Ideas? Help?
poster:coral
thread:1623
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001011/msgs/1623.html