Trip to the ER

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2006
Trip to the ER
3
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 4:24pm

He Everyone,
I had really interesting experience that I wanted to share.

Last week I accidentally put my arm through a window and had to go to the ER for stitches (my first time). Now, my trigger is anything to do with doctors. The thought of going to the hospital absolutely pushes me over the top. Well, my arm was bad enough that those thoughts did not cross my mind immediately.

I started panicking and freaking out as we walked through the ER doors. The triage nurse saw me and I asked for water to take my xanax. He said no. I could not have anything to eat, drink, or meds. Dude... I thought I was going to die. I waited for three hours to be seen. I had panic attacks for the first hour. Then they started to subside. By the time they saw me, I was not having anxiety at all. It was like it burned itself out. (I have read about this). When they took me back for the stitches, it started again. They let me take xanax at that point. The interesting thing is that I am no longer afraid of hospitals. It feels like it worked itself out.

Anyone else have this happen?

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 4:54pm

I took xanax for awhile--I seem to recall it is a small pill?? I think I might have just tried to swallow without water (but maybe that wasn't an option for you). Most ERs have a bathroom somewhere, or water in a sink---could you have tried to get some water there? I know that they don't want you to drink water, but I think they just did not want to be the ones to give it to you---it is your body, after all.

Well, I have a big healthcare anxiety problem, so I can certainly relate to yours. It can be a trigger, esp since hospitals are not associated with pleasant times. Who ever likes to go there?? For anything! Are you getting anything for your anxiety besides Xanax? I hope you are healing well...peace,lyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 8:22pm

(((Laura)))

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 9:13pm

Without going into details(why scare each other;) I faced one of my greatest health fears last year & survived. I think this may be what you experienced, Laura. I never thought I would say this, but I know I will never re-visit that fear again.


You did a great job. Please use this experience as a positive to face other challenges. You can be confident that you are capable. That doesn't mean you will be fearless, but you will not place limits on yourself.


For anyone who might be interested, I would like to add that the reason why you weren't allowed anything by mouth was the possibility that surgical intervention may have been necessary. In the event anesthesia was in your future, having anything in your stomach could pose a fatal complication. I know they weren't being mean to you, Laura. Just a precaution:) GL to you. Always nice to have you on board! (((hugs))) jan

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