Iatrophobia

August 15, 2012 — Dr Fulford, fear, health, Iatrophobia, mental-health

Dr Robert Fulford, DO, my primary care physician for years

I am openly afraid of doctors.  I avoid contact with them, except in social settings, where I am fine with them.  I know they don’t want to practice medicine during social times, and I certainly don’t want to talk about the way they practice.  I go to the dermatologist, the dentist, and the optometrist.  I have no issues with those office visits.  I am fond of teeth cleaning, and go 4  times a year.  If I wonder about a symptom in my own body, however, a medical doctor would be the very last person I would ask.  I have relied on my friend who is a chiropractor to diagnose, treat, and advise me for the last 20 years or so, since Dr Fulford retired.  Now Dr. Sue, my chiropractor friend,  is leaving to go to work for the VA in Las Vegas.

While dog walking with my neighbor a couple of days ago we discussed the state of medicine and how things have changed so drastically.  I told her I was fine with Dr. Sue leaving because she has introduced me to a very cool MD who practices emergency medicine and acupuncture near my home.  I walked home and promptly created a mini medical emergency by chopping off the tip of my index finger while cutting a watermelon.  Dr. Eric was already on my mind, having been so recently mentioned as medical savior, so I called him.   I found some Neosporin and bandages, did some first aid, then finished making melon juice.  Things looked bad to me initially, but when I learned Dr Eric was not going to be in his office for another week I had little pain and the bleeding had been stopped.  I said thanks for calling and told him I would come in next week if I have gangrene.  I have met him and taken a young friend to his office for acupuncture in the past.  I had a very good impression of the way he approaches health.  I am satisfied that he will take care of me at the same time I am totally freaked out at the idea of strange doctors in a hospital.  The good news is that my finger is healing well without even an aspirin needed.

Maybe there are people with unreasonable fear of doctors, but I like to think of my own as a practical one.  After having Dr. Fulford as my primary physician, then Dr. Sue, I believe I have learned enough to distinguish dangerous docs from the ones who do no harm.  I feel lucky not only to be healthy, but also to have had the best care in the past.  I hope to need as little as possible in the future.