Throwback Thursday – #38 Visits to Doctors and/or Dentists.

Lauren is choosing our prompt for throw back Thursday. She said: “We are back in our usual groove now. Last week Maggie asked us about how we were led to the music in our lives.  This week we’d like you to think back to those early experiences visiting the doctor and/or the dentist. This topic should again be one that everyone relates to in one way or another.”

This week’s prompt is: Remembering Visits to Doctors and/or Dentists

There are many adults with severe concerns about going to the doctor or dentist. The fear of doctors, known as iatrophobia, is often strong enough to provoke “white coat syndrome.” Normally healthy blood pressure can soar in the presence of a medical professional. Dentophobia, or fear of dentists, often occurs alongside iatrophobia. I’d like you to think back to your early medical and/or dental visits.

As usual, you can respond to the following questions as they are, or you can use them to spark your own memories to write your post.

1) Where doctor/dentist appointments a regular part of your childhood?

Yes they were, we were a sickly bunch so Mum was often trolling off on the bus to see the G.P. with one or other of us. Also mum and Dad were very keen for us to look after our teeth so dental trips, which I hated were regular too 🤣

2) Did you go for well-checks or just when you were ill or in pain?

We only visited the doctor if we were I’ll, occasionally we had just a check up at the dentist.

3) Were you frightened by the medical professionals? If so, were there specific reasons?

I was and still am not happy visiting the dentist. I can remember our childhood dentist now he was a small and very bad tempered man. We were all scared of him.

I don’t remember being scared of the doctor ever, he was always very nice. We always had the same doctor unless it was an emergency. Our family Dr brought all of Mum’s nine children into the world. He knew us all and he was wonderful with mum who could get very nervous. We did have more than one Dr but our main Dr was Dr. Musgrave. He must of been a nice man I remember his name and his face even after over 52yrs. I remember the Dentist’s name too but for very different reasons it was Mr Paul.

4) Were your parents afraid of medical professionals?

I dont think they were ever scared of them but I would say they were in awe of some of them .

5) Was waiting in the exam room stressful to you?

No not really, just boring. It was however very stressful when I was older and waiting with my own children, trying to keep the quiet and well behaved.

6) Did your early visits result in your being afraid of needles?

No but I am not their biggest fan.

7) Does the sight of your own blood bother you?

No, but that of anyone else I know does!

8) Did you ever have the need to go to an emergency room?

As a child, not often. But I do remember one incident when I was about four. My brothers were not allowed to play football in the house but they were kicking a ball around the living room. Someone had taken the fireguard off the fire to empty the hot cinders from the grate tray. …..the ball hit me I fell I put my hand out to stop my fall. My hand went into the fire and boy it hurt. I remember it being wrapped up and then we had to walk up to the bus stop, then wait for a bus. Luckily the bus passed Acton hospital where it was sorted and dressed. Then back home on the bus! We never had a car.

9) Did your early experiences impact your current attitudes about medical care?

No really though I have always had plenty of respect for most medical staff. When I was a child all medical staff were held in awe by us mere mortals. Specialists and Surgeons were treated as tin God’s as we’re Staff Nurses, Sisters and heaven forfend Matron.

Its different these days….sadly not better or even as good. Unfortunately the NHS is on its knees.

© willowdot21

The NHS staff who looked after my mother in law and celebrated her 100th birthday with her just before she died of covid.