Hi, I'm back. This phobia brought here before because a doctor was trying to talk me into getting series of injections. It brought up a few unpleasant memories from childhood that frustrated me because I thought I was past it by then. I wasn't able to go through with it or even let them take a blood sample at the time. The doc. asked if I had panic attacks (I do!) and if I had injections as a child why would there be a problem now?

My employer changed our insurance provider so I'll start looking for a new doc. who can help me get through this. Meanwhile I have to see a dentist, but have made some progress in dealing with those phobias. I asked for a valium beforehand and if I can use nitrous oxide at the same time. Knowing I have both may help me enough to get it through the next appt. Still if I have to go to a specialist you may see me here again.

By the way you parents trying to do right by your kids rock!!! Keep researching your options; there are ways to prevent fear and anxiety of doctors for life. If you promise they'll get a treat afterward please follow through no matter what. Oh, and they have numbing patches and creams that will help. Please take advantage of what's available and save them what so many of us are going though now.

I know you posted this a while ago, but I would still like to chime in.

Your doctor proves how little he knows about phobias and/or psychological issues when he ignorantly commented that having injections as a child should eliminate any problems now.

That would be like you telling him that he didn't overcharge people for medical care when he was younger....so why would he do such a thing now? lol

I think a lot of doctors develop such a God complex that they quit listening to anything that is not pressed against a stethoscope, which is why they give ridiculous comments about things they know little about.(I once had a doctor try to tell me about the specifics of my job, when he had never done my job a day in his life)

Maybe he was just trying to say something to calm you down, but if he had any experience in dealing with phobic people before, he would know that logic never is a cure for illogical fear of anything.

I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone in rolling your eyes at self appointed experts!!!

The key is definitely to speak out against healthcare providers who are insensitive to our specific needs. The other end of the argument is to speak up in favor of specific doctors who are sensitive to these needs. There are millions of people with this problem who have gone unheard for decades. Thank you for speaking up!