@Shazerac and @*Laurie* Thank you both for the comments...OK, So, Benzos, Right. I pop a Xanax before every Dr.s appt. It has to help to some extent, but I doubt it lowers my numbers much. Probably helps more leading up to appt and what not. I always schedule anything in the morning to get it over with. If it's in the afternoon, I freak over the appt all day. I've found that just telling whomever is taking the BP measurement that I have terrible White Coat seems to let me relax a little bit. I would assume that outwardly, I might even appear calm, so letting them know I'm in a panic takes some of the surprise from tech or whomever. Of course I might look like I'm being led to the gallows as well. At my PCP, they all of course know the deal. I'm getting older and seeing a Dr., rather NOT seeing one is more difficult than when one is in their 20's say. Things start to not work right. I'm sorry, I blather on and on....A sheer panic. That's what it is. I can't think of anything in daily life that makes me feel that sick, wretched inside. Fight or Flight, and neither is really an option. Public speaking, which I hate, elicits a similar response. Nothing else really does. Nothing else comes close.
OK, so, the dentist. I can only surmise this is the damn insurance companies handy work. Figure another way to get everyones numbers as often as possible. Convince dentist they are setting themselves up for lawsuit if they don't. I read that in the U.K., they want you to get your BP checked at every checkout line in the grocery. It feels like they are starting to chase me. Ha. Kidding of course. Kinda
If I'm just there for a cleaning, which sadly, I probably won't be for.....Ever maybe? I would have no trouble telling hygienist "No thanks." It would still make me nervous being there though. I find the condition somewhat embarrassing as well? How crazy is that? Telling hygienist about my embarrassing condition would make me nervous anyway. The real problem is this....Ive read on several different occasions from different people that dentists are refusing care if your BP is too high for their liking. Apparently even an IM shot of novocaine can raise BP, the stress of having a filling, crown, whatever can and does raise BP. So, BP too high, no filling. Some Dr.s are understanding of White Coat. Some act as though we make it up. Like there hasn't been literally 100's of studies done on it. I can only assume dentists would feel the same. Thought being, if it's 170/100 now, whats it going to be when I start drilling?
I have always been an every 6 months teeth cleaning guy. Now, the stupid BP Cuff has robbed me off that fresh clean feeling. I have started taking my BP at drug stores and stuff whereas few years ago I wouldn't have dreamt of sitting down at that ridiculous machine. Hope being that it will condition me to some extent. So far, when I walk through the door and in my head think "Do it. Take your BP." My heart starts pounding. It's not working thus far. As I age, the trips to Dr. are only going to increase. Ughhh. I apologize for the length of this post. Just ranting. Feels good to spit it all out as well. So, thank you for listening, or not. Ha...Thank you for the responses previous anyway
My sweet wife is only person I now that can take my BP and get an honest value. Even when I try and take it, I know it's elevated. You can feel that kinda stress in your chest. A lightness or something. If I try and take it, I feel that panic creeping in.
OK, that's all. Thanks ladies. I can go on and on with this subject, so feel free to respond, ask a question, whatever.
Have a great day!