Deep Breaths. I don't know what else to tell you. Just keep saying to yourself "It's not happening again" "It's okay" etc.

*HUGS*

I went to my GP a few days ago and had a breast exam. I was ok at the time, but a complete wreck the rest of the day. She even knew I had PTSD. I wish doctors were more considerate. I felt cheap and dirty the rest if the day. Needless to say I am not looking forward to getting my womens exam in order to get birth control. I think I'll take a few Ativan before hand just to stay calm.

my doctor know about my PYSD. I always toke Ativan befor my exam. Sometimes, itf I bring a driver, the doctor will give me valuim too. That because one time during the exam I disassociated. And I really like my Dr. She is caring and compassionate. She doesn't start until I am ready. Kinda like she gives me back the power over what happens. Talk to you dr. about how this might help you. feel less helpless. It still always bothers me, but not as much as past dr.s.

my therapist is going to call my gyno...my gyno is a woman so thats good

I get anxiety when I go as well. I deal with it by trying my best to relax, take deep breaths, and think of something else. Like go over my shopping list in my head or think about getting coffee with friends or something, anything, that is completely unrelated to anything going on down there. It does get easier, and while at first it always hurt because I would tense up everything freaking out with anxiety, now I have learned to kind of disassociate myself with the experience and relax myself enough so that it doesn't hurt or bother me as much. I still dread and hate it, but it doesn't affect me nearly as much as it did a few years ago. It takes time, but it will get better and it is good that you are having your therapist give your new doctor a heads up on the situation.

If it's any consolation I am male and I have the same sorts of issues with doctors. I have to get a physical every 6 months because my job involves working with chemicals. For me it's the humiliation and the exam has a lot in common with some of what happened to me so it's traumatizing.

Yes this is a huge trigger for me....
I always bring someone, take something to calm me before hand. Take an ipod and listen to some enjoyable music or read a book.
I have found its easier to tell them before hand rather than triggering and breaking down in the midst of the exam. If your muscles clench up it only takes longer to get thru it.
Good luck! You can do it!...

I told mine what had happen to me before hand so she knew what to expect and said that she actually specialized in treating women who had been raped at some point during their life. The practice I go to is all female staff so that helps me. They also allow me to request a person in addition to the doctor to stay with me and they hold my hand and talk to me the whole time to try to detract me.

Can there be a male perspective ?
My GP no longer says anything about an annual prostate exam out of fear of having to call security.

Tom S. in Tn.

Tom, can you talk about the prostate exam and how you react because that's what bothers me too and I thought I was the only one who reacts the way I do.

#10;
Sorry Spencer. Take a moment and think about the estrogenic environment we are in presently.
Keep all posts concise and linked to the main focus.
They can spook and jump for your jugular without warning or provocation.
Tom S. in Tn.

thank you so muchh for replying guys...i went today and luckily she said she wasnt going to exam me because im too young ...yay...but i brought my ipod with me. the dr is very nice too....and tom and spencer thank you for being conscious of my post and im glad u guys can help each other

I know you are talking about Gyno exams, but many of us have issues with the dentist for similar reasons. Gas helps a lot. I can practically fall asleep.

Spencer,
You''re fine. Don't let someone scare you away because you are a male on this board. You will get just as much support as anyone else.
Hugs,
Sunny