Do you experience 'White-coat syndrome' when visiting the doctors?

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   Alastar Packerposted 10 years ago

   Do you experience 'White-coat syndrome' when visiting the doctors?
   
   

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   innerspinposted 10 years ago

   I do sometimes, and am not sure why. I don't get overly nervous about most visits, but the old blood pressure often seems to be higher with the doc. If it happens on a few visits, I'm sent to see the practice nurse, and my blood pressure is usually lower then. I did have a 24 hour blood pressure check a while ago as the doc wanted to be careful, the results were absolutely fine.

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer innerspin. I didn't know this was a n actual condition until just the other day when a RN told me . She called it White coat syndrome but on the net one place called it White coat hypertension.

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   Motown2Chitownposted 10 years ago

   I do, for certain.  My blood-pressure tends to be lower than normal 99% of the time.  But when I go into the doctor's office, particularly if it's a new doctor, it's always elevated.  I find it odd, because I don't generally fear doctors or other clinical settings.

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Same here Mo and thats what got me to ask the nurse if everybody's BP was up during a visit. You can imagine I was a nd wasn't all that surprised. Despite the nature of the Drs visit, my BP shoots up as much as 20 times normal!

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   Hyphenbirdposted 10 years ago

   Oh yes. I rarely go to a doctor so when I do my nerves are on edge. I get cold,shiver and shake. Sometimes I even stutter!

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's right Hyph, you don't go to the doctors much. Thank goodness for that. When I asked my M.D. about it, he said he gets it too when visiting his Dr.!

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   duffsmomposted 10 years ago

   Yes I absolutely do. My blood pressure at home is normal. I go in for whatever, even something very simple and my blood pressure is slightly high every time. I hate going to the doctor so much that I avoid going - even when I should.

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's the interesting thing about it duffsmom: even when we know it's just a routine visit the BP shoots up. What are we so worried about lol!

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   Jackie Lynnleyposted 10 years ago

   I did at one time being a teen before I ever really had a regular doctor and I didn't like many of them either in early years but I guess age has changed me and I see them as friends and someone to confide in to see what is the best things I can do to have good health and enjoy life to the fullest. I see ones at Wake Forest and those are the most wonderful doctors there are. So helpful and friendly and if you have more than one doctor they talk to each other about your health. Having the hospital and doctors combined I think just makes it so professional. I see three different doctors there. If not for them maybe I would still experience White-coat syndrome. lol If you ever need one I highly recommend them.

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Well then Jackie, you may well be an exception to the syndrome! Your right about Wake Forest and its exceptional medical folks. Knew a patient up there one time and was most impressed by everything. Great answer my friend and so glad for you!

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   Becky Katzposted 10 years ago

   If it is my regular Dr., I am fine. We have been going to her for about 10 years and are friends by now. I have felt the same way about a couple of other Dr. too. If mine is on vacation or sick though, I am a nervous wreck and my BP goes way up. I also chatter. It is a pure nervous reaction and they act like it is a normal thing. I just tell them it is nerves and they laugh. I really chatter a lot when I am nervous.

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Chattering when nervous is perfectly alright and a natural reaction when first meeting strange doctors, Becky! Its good to hear you are alright and comfortable with your present MD of 10 years. The right Doc is so very important. Good n Becky!

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   fpherj48posted 10 years ago

   I'm going to have to say that going to a Dr. does not frighten or upset me.   I may be a bit nervous, IF I am expecting results from a particular test, but I'm fairly calm for a simple visit.  I've been with my PCP for quite a few years and I love and trust her.  In addition to that, she's very personable and easy to talk to.......nothing to worry about.  My BP is normal to a tad low, 98% of the time....
   I honestly think that I am so focused on what I want to say or to ask a Dr....I don't give myself the time or opportunity to become anxious.   This being said, I may not feel so calm and relaxed if I was terribly sick with catastrophic illness.
   BTW., Alastar...If your question includes Dentists......Forget everything I just said!!   LOL!

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Well hello Ms Effer! That is so good to hear you have the question before us well in hand! A tad low BP is pretty good and as far as the Dentist, well, I get  the Green syndrome- which is a fear of money flying out the door!

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Effer, your second comment is under moderation for what reason I know not. And it has you on HP for 43 years- how did you do it!

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   Sarra Garrettposted 10 years ago

   Heck no, they are people just like their patients.  I have learned that if you call your doctor an @$$ hole you get labled as a trouble maker.  lol But if the shoe fits.... Doctors, some of them, think they are God and have all the answers when in reality they are scientist and are constantly learning.  I can't stand doctors and it is so hard to find good ones anymore.  I recently have had a medical issue wherein I need to see a pulmonologist and have been in the hospital twice over the past month.  I love my pulmonologist, but he has a bad job---telling people about their mortality.  He's kind, sweet, and explains everything.  Now that is a doctor.  As for the rest of them, I very rarely have seen doctors over my lifetime unless I've broken a bone in my leg or arm.  I have set all of my broken fingers and toes myself.  Colds and flu they go away and I just work through it.  I use the VA healthcare system which has to be the worst healthcare in the world.  However, I have found one caring doctor in my pulmonologist and I certainly hopes he doesn't leave me.

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      Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi there Sarra. Can unfortunately only agree with you as one scoundrel calling himself an MD almost cost my mother her life and other senior citizen patients untold probs as he high-tailed it out west. But there are good ones out there thank goodness

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    ParadigmEnactedposted 10 years ago

    Yes. I experienced it just recently. I don't know if it's because I have this syndrome or it it's because of unpleasant experiences I've had with loved ones in hospitals, but I definitely don't care for being poked, prodded, scrutinized, or how the human body operates. Frickin heartbeat and stuff. Gah!

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       Alastar Packerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Those kind of things happening  can certainly cause white-coat syndrome, PE. How about being stuck 15 times with a 20 gauge needle and then have the "nurse" just stick it in the flesh to engorge the tissues!

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