Were doctor/dentist appointments a regular part of your childhood?
No. If I needed a doc he came out to our farm. If I saw his car in driveway I hid. My first dentist appt at 12 years old was an omen-horrible, scary and mean.
2. Did you go for well-checks or just when you were ill or in pain?
Neither
3. Were you frightened by the medical professionals? If so, were there specific reasons?
Yes there was always a mean attitude and pain involved.
4. Were your parents afraid of medical professionals?
No.
5. Was waiting in the exam room stressful to you?
There were no waiting rooms. I was jumping on my bed at three years old. A definite no-no and had a concussion but was out until I woke up under a huge X-ray machine.
6. Did your early visits result in your being afraid of needles?
Definitely but they don’t bother me now.
7. Does the sight of your own blood bother you?
No.
8. Did you ever have the need to go to an emergency room?
As a child – the concussion only time.
9. Did your early experiences impact your current attitudes about medical care?
After having a baby it was all good and not fearful. My current experience with doctors now is old hat and nothing really bothers me. I’ve had so many incompetent medical and dental doctors since 16 years of age that anytime I find one who actually knows something and helps, it’s a miracle.
***
The Bag Lady 