I hate Dr's appts

MoonlitPlumeria

I really do suffer from chronic "white coat hypertension". I have an appt in an hour and I now feel completely nervous. Its ridiculous. I am worried because of my last appt where I had protein in my urine and high BP and now I am past 20 weeks so if I get the same results this time, there could be a problem. But all I am doing is raising my BP by worrying. But I can't seem to calm down... grr. I hate my worrying ways! 

Does anyone have some tips to help me calm down? 

tokenhoser

Have you ever done any yoga or relaxation breathing? Even "square breathing" might be a good place to start:

Square Breathing:

Square breathing produces amazing positve results whenever you are feeling anxious, nervous, excited or fearful and you would like to calm your self.

• Breathe in to a count of four.
• Hold to a count of four.
• Breathe out to a count of four.
• Again hold to a count of four.

Then repeat the same process over until you reach a calm state.

It?s simple, easy and very effective.

ETA: And bring a distraction for the waiting room. A good book, music to listen to, something so you don't just sit there worrying.

MoonlitPlumeria

Ah thank you. That breathing technique has helped! And I'm going to bring my ipod for the waiting room. 

allisonhart10

I have the same problem.  My doctor has me checking mine at home weekly, and every week it is normal blood pressure. 

I have no techniques But good luck at your appointment!

loanbpham

I just hate that I am in the waiting room for about 20 min, when the appointment takes less than 5 min.

 

cyprissa

Try asking if a nurse can take your BP right away when you arrive so that you don't have time to think about it and before you see the doctor. It might help. My midwives office has a machine in the waiting room and I take my own right when I get there. It has been lower since they implemented that practice.

Heather & Nayt

cyprissa:

Try asking if a nurse can take your BP right away when you arrive so that you don't have time to think about it and before you see the doctor. It might help. My midwives office has a machine in the waiting room and I take my own right when I get there. It has been lower since they implemented that practice.

Try this. I know that I check my BP daily at home, and it helps knowing a head of time what is going on.

I use to be terrified of the doctor's office, I had to remind myself that they are just trying to help. An ipod may help, and i bring my phone and text a friend the whole time if someone can't go with me (now it is out of boredom because I am every other week its old hat, but before it was for keeping me calm) And finally tell you doctor about your anxiety, I am sure the wait between seeing the nurse in the room and seeing the doctor doesn't help. Maybe they can bring you back moments before the doctor is ready to see you, it may not be possible but its worth the asking.