[Monarch Butterfly]

I had surgery three weeks ago for my upper limb. I haven't been eating or sleeping well due to family turmoil. I saw the surgeon, actually resident who operated for a follow up last week. I told the resident who saw me that I have trouble sleeping and eating since surgery due to family stress. She asked if I have seen family doctor about it and I said no waiting it out. She told me to see your family doctor or to a walk-in clinic to get some sleeping pills. I did get the pills yesterday.

Last night I fainted. I planned on taking the sleeping pill just before this happened. I wasn't feeling sick before it happened but I was feeling really tired, anxious and stressed which I think cause me to faint. I woke up on the floor and probably was out for only few seconds. My limb where I had surgery is now even more painful. I have extra pain and now tingling and burning. I phoned the nurse hotline in our city to ask questions. She suggested if anything increases for the worse to go to the hospital. If not contact the surgeons office tomorrow.

Even though the surgeon secretary seems really nice I'm still anxious to make that phone call. Anxious thoughts go through my head. Is she going to say sorry you can't come in.

What should I say to her? I fainted, fell and now my limb that was operated on feels worse from the fall.Could I please book an appointment for this week?

I feel embarrass this happened. I hope they won't think I'm stupid for my stress , fainting etc.

[Yzen]

Doctors and nurses won't feel less of you because you fainted and hurt your arm. I have fainted too. I was feeling overly stressed and blacked out. I told my doctor about it and she told me that she has a number of patients have fainted due to anxiety.

Don't feel ashamed that you are stressed. Anxiety is part of us. We didn't choose it. It is like having vision or hearing problems. Doctors and nurses see patients that have anxiety all the time and they see hundreds of patients. Most of them will treat you kindly.

[Monarch Butterfly]

Thanks Yzen Im trying to figure out what to say to the secretary over the phone to book an appointment? I passed out, the arm operated on has increasing pain from the fall and I would like to book an appt for this week? Or should I say the above and ask could I see him?
I'm not sure how to phrase it?

I have a high pain tolerance and try to hide my nervousness, pain verbally and body language. So I may not come across as upset, in pain when speaking.

[BrazenApogee]

I have phone problems too, especially with doctors whom I fear.

You don't have to tell the secretary or nurse anything you don't want to.

Write it all out on a piece of paper and read off the paper when you call to make it easier.

Good luck and I hope you feel better.

They will understand about the fainting, they see this kind of thing all the time, they will only be interested in making sure your arm is okay and maybe checking blood sugars/blood pressure to see why you fainted.

What you have written sounds fine by me, you could ask if you could see someone as soon as possible, the worst that can happen is they'll possibly say no and give you a later appointment. Remember this is all very routine for them, they won't be fazed by it.

(((hugs)))

Let us know how it goes.

[Monarch Butterfly]

I phoned this morning. Told secretary when my surgery was and I'm in in a lot of pain. I fainted, fell. Any openings this week? She mentioned you already had a follow up last week...I said yes. She asked if I have been seen by someone ( I guess she meant ER) I said no. She asked if I thought surgery area was injured. I said possibly, but doubt nothing broken. She said only times available Wednesday. I booked it. She said if things get worse the only other choice is emergency. Said she will write I fell on my file.

She normally is pleasant person. Today she sounded offish or something which of course I take personally and assume to do with me. It's Monday morning, they could be busy

Yes you are right to remind yourself it's Monday morning and they are busy, well done for taking that step back and not self blaming.

Well done for making that call!

[Yzen]

I'm glad you made the call. You did great! I hope your arm feels better soon.

[Monarch Butterfly]

Thanks prefabsprout and Yzen. The receptionist wasn't really cranky, bit offish. I tend to be sensitive to people's moods, tone of voice. Automatically assume it's something to do with me.

I have issues with delaying seeing doctors because of past judgment. One time I broke my wrist, hairline fracture, and didn't see a doctor for two days. I know a lot of it is to do with my past abuse. My abuser rarely or never allowed me treatment. Often delayed. Plus with few doctors judging me in past it makes it difficult for me. Even if doctor hasn't judged so far I wait for it to happen

I just hope the surgeon doesn't wonder why I waited two days to see him instead of going to urgent care. Thinking I'm foolish. I'm in pain but also have a tolerance to pain too. I doubt anything is broken. I may have inflamed or disrupted the surgery area.

[Monarch Butterfly]

My appointment is Wednesday. Stupid anxiety rising. What will the surgeon be thinking? Will he be upset with me? I have no idea if I will see the female resident who is assisting him. She spoke to me last week at follow up, she and head doctor sharing clinic space. He popped in briefly afterwards. It's bad enough learning to feel comfy with one doc but now another added on.

Originally Posted by Monarch Butterfly

My appointment is Wednesday. Stupid anxiety rising. What will the surgeon be thinking? Will he be upset with me? I have no idea if I will see the female resident who is assisting him. She spoke to me last week at follow up, she and head doctor sharing clinic space. He popped in briefly afterwards. It's bad enough learning to feel comfy with one doc but now another added on.

You are right, it's anxiety talking, keep reminding yourself that.

If you have calming strategies it might be helpful to use them tonight and tomorrow, slowing your breathing, maybe visualisation, relaxation videos on youtube.