Anxiety agoraphobia need to attend breast check

Hello, nice to meet you here, appreciate talking here with everyone.  I am experiencing  of anxiety presently, over a few weeks upon checking breasts, in my right nipple , in one singular duct, a brown sticky type secretion has formed in this area,only when squeezed, I have consulted with my GP, whom feels requires further investigation at breast clinic at my local hospital.  This is were my issues to attend are causing the most anxiety.  I have been housebound for over two years, due to crippling agoraphobia, panic disorder. I am only just started CBT counselling on video call due to COVID, but unfortunately as yet not been able to leave my home to take any journey   or walk into a large hospital environment. It's not that I do not see the seriousness of the importance to get my breast checked, but the overwhelming anxiety of my agoraphobia is controlling my decision, I have spoke to the staff at the breast unit, due to the two week fast track, the appointment has been cancelled, I have been asked to speak with my GP, be referred again, but have support and medication to calm me to attend this important check up for my breast concern. I did speak with a breast nurse, who feels it could be a blocked duct, but would like me to get checked at clinic for peace of mind. I am hoping this week to work very hard to leave my home, sit in a car and get to hospital and see the importance of getting checked in case of concern, Has anyone here, experience crippling anxiety and panic disorder to overcome and attend crucial health appointments, thankyou 

.

  • Hello Mic20, 

    A warm welcome to you! I am sorry to hear about these extreme anxiety issues you have been dealing with. The crippling agoraphobia and panic disorder you describe must be really hard to live with every day. It's good you have taken the right steps though to overcome this and I hope that the CBT counselling sessions prove useful. It's very important indeed that you attend this breast clinic appointment even though the prospect probably feels really daunting for you at the moment.   

    It sounds like you are determined to work hard to manage this though and I hope it won't be too hard on the day. You seem to have the right strategy though with the right support and medication at hand to help you get through that important day. 

    I hope that you will meet others here who have faced similar anxiety issues when attending important health appointments and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    Best of luck for your appointment and don't hesitate to reach out and talk to your doctor if you feel you need extra support before the big day. I know you can do it!

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator