How to handle medical problems, perhaps hospital when agoraphobic?

Hello @faraway53

Agoraphobia is a terrible problem. It certainly is not trivial. I can understand how difficult it must be to even consider a hospitalization. Have you discussed this problem with a doctor to get some input? I'm sure that physicians have encountered this before.

If you care to share more: How long ago did the Agoraphobia start? It is mainly new places or crowded places or all of these? Are you able to leave your house to go shopping, to church, etc.? Do you do better if you have a companion along with you?

Hi. Brainstorming about you. Do you have a friend to accompany you to appointments? Maybe then they would not be so scarey? Fear is disabling you, and you are sick. Fear is standing in the way of choosing responsible behaviors that would help you. Can you talk to your primary doc and start some regular meds that help to relax you? Agoraphobia IS a big thing, but doing nothing is allowing isyour mind to wonder to awfulizing the things that may happen to you. Taking care of yourself is so important. Treat yourself like you would a best friend. If you are sick, handling it would give you courage. Don't neglect. See a cognitive therapist to help you cope. Gotta go now, but God Bless and good luck. Lori Renee

@faraway53 Thank you for trusting us to share what you did. No, agoraphobia can't be pleasant to deal with. Have you told your doctor your concerns? He may have some solutions for you. Have him explain exactly what further examination or testing may be done, to alleviate some of your fears. Not knowing what may be going on can raise concerns to a mega-level, something you definitely don't need! Like others have suggested, do you have a trusted family member or friend who can be your support system and go with you?
Ginger

@faraway53- Welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm impressed that you have had your life under control with agoraphobia. Did you learn this with therapy? I've experienced it as the result of certain medicines that I have taken but not a life time as you have. Life must be a constant struggle. One thing that Agoraphobia has is the fear factor-and it can knock out any self control or power. By asking your doctor for some guidance with this as @gingerw has suggested will give some back to you. This is so because it will you who will be making the final decisions.
Please don't put off being tested for prostate cancer. Caught early enough it doesn't have to be a doomsday ending.
Can you do this?

@lorirenee1- Wonderful point. I love the word awfulizing. Because that's what happens when fear takes over. I have to be aware of it too. Since I have a long history of lung cancer every new thing to me is a new cancer. It's hard to stop. Finding out what it is, allowing tests to be done, helps me calm down. If I know what the results are than know what I'm dealing with.

Hi again, @faraway53, (Does agoraphobia make you feel that way?) I too, have had breast cancer, and I know exactly how you feel about fear. I wait for a mammogram every 6 months, and wait for my surgeon to tell me the news. While we are here, alive, we face love, tragedy, joy, fear.....part of being alive. Bite the bullet!!! Just do it!!!! Inspite of fear, just do it! The courage you develop will make you stronger for the next time. What other choice do you have, anyway? YOU ARE ALIVE. Do what you have to do!!! One step at a time, that you succeed, is an accomplishment. God bless...Lori R.

Hi, just a quick word, I will reply later to you. Thanks for your kind words and advice. I am in a bit of a state right now.. but I will reply in a more decent way later.. sigh..

No problem. Hope you are ok....Lori