I’m not 100% sure what I’m looking for with this post, but maybe just to feel like I’m not totally alone. 

I have generalized anxiety but I also have panic attacks/near panic attacks in almost any medical setting (doctor, dentist, etc) - typical white coat syndrome, but very intense, and it seems to be getting worse as I get older. 

Yesterday, I went to the dentist after neglecting for a long while…I was feeling positive for making myself actually go and confront my fear. 

All morning before the appointment my FitBit was congratulating me on the workout. Once I actually got there and got into the exam room I tried to focus on my breathing, but I could feel my adrenaline surging. 

They took my temperature due to COVID protocols and as it turns out I was registering with a fever (it kept bouncing between 99-101 F, the poor hygienist was running around the office trying all of the different forehead thermometers.) 

I thought it was super strange as I didn’t feel ill at all or have any other symptoms, but I seriously think it was my anxiety. I unfortunately couldn’t continue with my appointment because of their fever policy but as soon as I got home and checked myself with an oral thermometer I was at 98.7. I vaguely remember another doctor appointment a few years back where the nurse had remarked on my low grade fever (was also panicky at the time) and sure enough, when I pulled my online records I showed a 100.7 fever at that appointment, too. 

I know I need to go to a new primary care doctor for a checkup now as I’m long overdue, but I’m afraid with COVID protocols and my apparent anxiety-induced fever spikes that I’m not even going to be able actually get to keep my appointments. 

Just frustrated, and feeling a little defeated about how to work past this. I don’t currently have any medications prescribed to me (but I plan to talk to my new doctor about it. If I can ever get there, lol.)