I am in week 2 but have not made a doctors appointment yet. I went to the ER last year on New Years Day. I thought I was having a heart attack when I got to the ER All my signs went back to normal and Doctor said I had an anxiety attack. Since then I have had several of the attacks with the same feelings I still feel like I have a heart condition but I am afraid of going back. There is also an added stress of not having insurance the program set me back $400. I couldn't even afford that. ER is $700 a pop what should I do.

Hi matlock,

I'm working on week three for the third week. LOL Seems I just can't wait to complete this course!

Anyway, my point is, I haven't made a dr's appointment and currently am not even considering it. They terrify me. Am I going to skip it altogether? No way! I plan on making one as soon as I've developed better coping skills (ones that will allow me to actually get thru a scheduled appointment!). When I feel a bit more comfortable with understanding and controlling my fear, I'll be on the phone making that appointment. A few extra weeks isn't going to matter to me. I've already been there several times because of this condiiton and know that my health is generally O.K. I think that is a part of why they want us to have a check up, to put our mind at rest that this is not a physical illness. Many people with anxiety feel that they have a heart condition, a terminal disease, ect. It's also a precaution, we all need to have regular checkups, anxiety or not.

Basically, don't feel you can't continue on with the program because of this. Just don't ignore having a checkup either.

Best wishes,
New Hope

P.S. Around here we have what is called a walk-in clinic. It's where we go if we have non-emergency type problems-strepp throat, broken arm, bad cuts. It's alot cheaper than the emergency room and no appointment is required.




[This message has been edited by New Hope (edited 02-27-2001).]

Hi Matlock,
Put your faith in the program and you will not have to worry about paying for anymore visits to the ER! There is nothing wrong with making an appointment to see your doctor for peace of mind and that expense will be much cheaper than the Emergency Room.
I am not sure of your specific symptoms, but I can guarantee you that utilizing the skills in the program will lead to a reduction in your obesessive thinking over a medical condition. All of us here obsess over one thing or another, only you can choose to gain control of the thought instead of letting it control you. Take care and write to us more about your situation.
-Ben

I don't know for sure, but I suspect Midwest Center is covering their butts by telling us to get a checkup. It probably doesn't matter whether we go now or six months from now. We've waited this long.

I have gone to the doctor four times in the last 9 months; not counting the shrink for Xanax (that's an entirely different story re: games doctors play to get insurance to pay). My blood pressure sky rockets while waiting and I stay very high stress even though I am able to communicate to the doctor and let them know that I have "white coat syndrome" and panic attacks.

I have enough meds for three months so I decided to sit back and relax and I am starting the program over again since I mostly listened to tapes and when I started feeling better in the beginning forgot about the relaxation tapes and I never did the spiral notebook thing. I'm gonna get it right this time as I am sure this is going to work.

I've gone to Applebees, Chilis, Roadhouse Grill, Sweet Tomatoes, and shopping without panicking. Of course I over did it and finally got panicky at a pizza place one night. I was on a roll and didn't listen to my inner voice that told me to take a break. I was just so excited that I was out.

GOOD LUCK FOLKS!


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Always Hopeful, Betsy H.
Marietta, GA (East Cobb)
Happily Married Walton High (Volunteer) Mom.
Anyone from this area (females only), I would like to find a support person, and be a support person. Maybe meet and walk at school or the park or the Avenue. I get around, not housebound, but I still keep my problem a secret. You know, I look "IN CONTROL" but inside feel far from it.