Gagging

[juliet]

Does anyone else here have problems with dental procedures? I have a severely overactive gag reflex--of course, it's allpsychological and has everything to do with my emetophobia--that prevents me frombeing able to toleratesuch routine procedures as X-rays and fluoride. During my appointment last year, while they wereattempting toplacethe foam fluoride tray into my mouth, my stomach suddenly heaved and I bolted up almost involuntarily, almost as if I were trying to get away from the sensations in my own body. The dentist thought I was going tovomitand practically shoved my head over the sink where I spat the fluoride out, and as I did so Inoticed my reflection in the mirror. I was paler than death and shaking violently. I passed out in the dentist's chair, but thank God I didn't vomit.


I'm terrified of gagging, terrified of medicalprocedures and terrified of doctor's offices. Just sitting in a waiting room, no matter what the occasion,is enough togive me a severe panic attack. It's gotten to the point where I'll do all I can to avoid doctor's appointments no matter how necessary they might be. Has anyone else ever had this or a similar problem?Edited by: juliet

[alliecat]

I do have a hard time with going to the dentist, and just for that reason. I naturally have a very strong gag reflex, and its not psychological. I ALWAYS have... and its never been any different. I don't have a problem with the doctors, I'm actually kind of obsessed with going because I always want to know what's wrong with me.


xoxo


Allie

[juliet]

I know what you mean...As soon as my emetophobia developed I became a miserable hypochondriac. I started reading medical books all the time in a desperate effort to assure myself that I wouldn't vomit. Now that I've practically memorized the lists of symptoms for the most common vomit-related diseases, I don't really need the medical books anymore. Edited by: juliet

[harmonygirl72]

Yes, I hate the dentist and doctor and have been to both in the last week! Yesterday, I had a wisdom tooth pulled and I was TERRIFIED, but it was really not that bad! I did freak with the x-ray cause of gagging and also the little thing that blows air in your mouth to dry it out. But, I just told them I am afraid of gagging and they did everything possible to help me. It really worked!


Mary

[spilled_milk]

I hate everything to possibly do with gagging. In the dentists they have to paint the fluoride on with a toothbrush. When I had strep throat, they had to do a throat culture and I kept yanking it out of my throat and gagging, and of course the receptionist just kept trying to force it in there! And then, since I have had braces for a long time, we have to get these mold things every time they take them on or off (long story) so every time I gag a lot, and once i really thought i was going to v* and wouldnt let them do it again, i just ran out of the office! So I can completely relate!


<3 Anya--

[donna1216]

I am pregnant and gag every time the toothbrush or toothpaste touch anything but my teeth while in my mouth. My breath has gotten so bad I have to use Listerine after I brush (gross, huh??)

[holly18]

hmmm i dont think we are all hyperchondriacs, i thinkwe are just more aware of our bodies than other people

[rachael_1988]

i love the dentist, this is probs because its always been a positive experience for me. i can totally relate to the person with the brace thing- i had that done a few times, its awful because you feel like its going down your throat- i just close my eyes and breathe through my nose lol.

[raven_moonstone]

I read medical textbooks for fun. I *surprisingly* have not turned into a hypocondriac. I've actually saved a friends life with my medical knowledge. Everyone says I should be a doctor ... but how can you be a doctor when you're an emet ?

RaVeN

[holly18]

you know what, i have always wanted to be a doctor, despite my emet but i know i wouldnt cope. So in september im starting a biomedical science degree which covers all the behind the scenes medical laboratory stuff such as histocompatability, Haematology, medical researchetc so i get to work in medicine, not contact a patient and not even have to wrry about hospital germs because labs are kept sterile.


Maybe you can look into a similar career? if you interested pm me and i can give you some more information about what is involved in this area of research.


PS, i like to read medical journals too, they are so fascinating