I have not had a full physical since I was 11 or so, and avoid it like the plague, due to my past trauma from molestation and my own personal qualms with my body and gender dysphoria. I've been without any anxiety medications for a few months and I feel like I'm going insane. I'm always tired, my stomach feels like someone's dropped a bag of rocks in it, I can't work a job for more than 5 hours a day due to fatigue and joint pain, I have memory issues, depression, and either sleep too little or too much. I've been to two primary care doctors in the past couple years, who insist on doing the triage and telling me I have high blood pressure WHEN I HAVE PANIC ATTACKS IN THEIR OFFICE. I always have sky high heart rates due to the stress of being touched by doctors, and they simply do not understand this phenomenon.
I've been thinking about trying to find a new doctor in my area, but research has shown me that most doctors charge a new patient fee and require a full physical. Now, I understand them sending me for bloodwork, an mri, or doing a joint exam, very standard things for my symptoms, but I really do not want to be forced into a physical. Especially not a pap smear or a breast exam, when I have no gynecological issues, and am already uncomfortable trapped in this female body as it is. I've found that doctors here are really sneaky and will not be upfront about these things until you are already in the office, then guilt you into things that you aren't comfortable with. I've had some doctors and nurses who spoke to me in the most rude and condescending manner.
Is it possible to find a primary care doctor who won't make me do a full physical and will focus on my concerns/symptoms?
21 Mar 2018, 7:36 pm
