A
female
age
51-59,
anonymous
writes:I really need help. I don't know how I am ever going to do this?I do blood work every year as part of an annual physical. It has been awhile since I've done it. I have been putting it off since last August because I am deathly afraid there is something wrong and that they will call me.I do not want to live in panic waiting for that phone call. So, I avoid doing the test.I have PTSD so I have a difficult time with many things, always panicking that it will be the worst possible outcome.Any ache or pain, I think it is terminal. And the anxiety and stress of not doing this test and worrying about the worst case about my health has been crippling and has been destroying me emotionally. I cannot function anymore. I just wish I had PEACE OF MIND. That is all I want.Can anyone help me? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (24 January 2017):
 I think you need to go and get help for your anxiety. I am sure that it is your anxiety that is bringing out the fear off being ill and becoming unwell. Anxiety is more common than you think and it is a mental health issue that does need to be addressed by professionals. There are always people there to listen. Yes your fear may sound funny in your head and irrational but they work with you so that you learn to deal and cope with your anxiety. CBT (therapy) is a great thing for anxiety and would benefit you. It really is no life living in fear so please reach out and speak to a therapist soon or your GP.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (23 January 2017): As a former medical healthcare professional, I can tell you that your anxiety about blood-work and the outcome of test results is pretty common. We all, including the people running your tests, have a fear of anything being found; or positive test results for some disease. Especially as we grow older, or if we have family-histories of certain medical disorders.
It really helps when you go in for your test with someone else to calm you and give you reassurance. Always talk to your doctor regarding your fears and anxieties. Consult with your therapist whenever your anxieties are on overload.
Before even sending you for blood-work; during the physical examination, the doctor checks your lymph-nodes, blood-pressure, heart-rate, temperature, eyes, and breathing to catch tell-tale signs of disease. They test reflexes, search for lumps, swelling, discoloration, and tenderness all over your body.
Talking to the doctor alleviates a lot of fear. It also helps to listen to what he or she says. Unfortunately; in patients with PTSD or anxiety disorders, your unsubstantiated fears and elevated anxiety-levels are symptomatic. Talk just isn't enough. However; being over 40 and avoiding regular health checkups places your health at serious risk, and you're more likely to get bad news. The point is prevention and early diagnosis.
To be blunt, it is foolish to avoid your regular health checkups. People in general are scared of going to the doctor. Especially men, who consider illness to be weakness. They're also afraid of probing and needles, but don't like admitting it. Waiting until you're rolled into an emergency room on a gurney is stupid. All anxiety disorders aside!
If your doctor is aware of your anxiety, it is certain your results will be sent to you without unnecessary delay. Your anticipation of bad news can be distracted if you keep busy. Treat yourself to things that make you feel good and raise the production of dopamine; and hanging out with close friends or relatives you love keeps your mind occupied and stimulated. You can only focus on a few things at a time. If you don't look for other distractions and stimulation; your idle-mind will find the wrong things to worry about.
It's what you don't know that hurts you, my dear! So have a chat with your therapist for better advice than ours.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (23 January 2017):
 I agree with Tisha,
Get some therapy on top of doing the annual visit.
I'm due for a mammogram, pelvic exam, and swabs, flu and pneumonia shots, blood tests etc. - tomorrow and I have a HUGE fear of not only germs but doctor's offices and waiting room it makes me ILL just to go there, but...... I still go EVERY year.
The longer you WAIT, the longer you will feel so out of control and anxious. GET IT DONE.
And once you have the annual done, find a really good counselor and DEAL with PTSD with a counselor, therapist, professional.
I know it's easier said than done, but the ONLY one who can DO it..... is you.
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A
male
reader, N91  +, writes (23 January 2017):
 So instead of getting checked as soon as possible you're putting it off and just hoping there's not a problem there?
Say there is a problem and you're putting it off repeatedly, you're wasting valuable time that you could be getting treated.
This is VERY important when you get older to make sure everything is as it should be. You really need to stop putting it off and just go for it. If everything is fine, fantastic, if not, by catching it at the earliest possibility gives you a higher chance of treating it successfully.
If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your family to make sure your health is as it should be!
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A
male
reader, BrownWolf +, writes (23 January 2017):
Question...isn't getting the test done, and have a good result gives you a peace of mind?? Even if they found something, and it can be treated...also a peace of mind.
Your fear should be based on waiting so long, that something does develop, and doctors cannot save you, because of how long you waited.
In your case...your PTSD should stand for ....(P)reventing (T)he (S)ymptoms from (D)eveloping. The only way to do that is to get checked out, to make sure nothing is wrong, and therefore, you have a peace of mind.
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (23 January 2017):
 Yes! A medical health professional with an emphasis on mental health should be consulted as soon as possible!
You've used words that indicate you need really qualified help. You've reached out to a forum of amateur agony aunts -- now make the next reach out to someone local who can actually help you!
Best wishes and just know you don't have to continue to suffer--get qualified help!
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