Sensitivity Often Makes Medical Procedures Harder

Procedures for medical, dental, eye, etc., can be challenging for anyone. But, I want to validate that they can be EXTRA hard for sensitive people, especially those of us in the top 5% on my Sensitivity Scale. 

For example, I got my eyes dilated for an eye health exam, and I found it incredibly hard. I am already sensitive to light and dilating the pupils that big felt horrible. So first, my eyes hurt, my head hurt, everything was blurry, then I felt nauseous. 

Procedures like this take me an entire day of recovery, if not longer sometimes. Hearing stories of how other people think it's "no big deal" conveys that what we experience isn't valid. I want to validate it for you. 

Blowing air into my eyes, eye drops that stung, having my face put into a machine, shining bright lights into my eyes, and waiting for a long time in the waiting room was all challenging. 

Yes, we can use our self-care tools which certainly help, but for this post, I wanted to focus on how important it is that we validate that things we have to do can sometimes be more challenging because of our sensitivity.

So if you have noticed that procedures feel extra hard for you, I want to normalize that the experience is natural for you, which is essential. When we are suffering through procedures or their recovery, the last thing we need is to add the weight of judgment about our experience. I had to learn how to do that too. 

I used to be so hard on myself, thinking it was a flaw or a weakness that procedures seemed so much harder on me than many around me experienced them, and that just made it worse. The judgment adds that extra thousand-pound weight. 

So now, I have finally stopped judging myself and accepted this is my experience. Yes, I have to recover longer. Yes, these things feel hard on me. But that's who I am as a sensitive person in the top 5%. Plus, the world isn't set up for this level of sensitivity. 

The most sensitive also tend to have more superpowers. It's a package deal. 

Let's all practice self-compassion for the hard parts, ok? ❤️

Did this help validate your experience in some way?

We love sharing our experiences in my Sensitive Empowerment Community and here was some of what they shared…

• This is such a great topic for discussion and again, something a lot of people avoid talking about because they feel awkward, are too hard on themselves, or fear being judged by others.  I have very sensitive ears and I remember having them 'vacuumed' once which is something most people would not worry too much about but was horrible for me.  I can handle having them syringed if warm water is used but the vacuum was something else.  Now I know to ask for alternatives and it's surprising how many there are when people do start to ask.  

• Thank you for bringing this topic up! And thanks to all for sharing your experiences too:). Most anything to do with the medical field has usually been a source of anxiety for me for as long as I can remember. I'm seeing my gynecologist tomorrow for my yearly visit and normally I'd be feeling some anxiety at this point but for some reason I'm not, which seems very strange and so out of character for me!!!!! I'm thinking the reason for my calm (at least right now!) is because I understand our trait so much more and how our sensitive nervous systems affect us in our daily lives. Hoping I can remember to carry this thought with me tomorrow and at least some of this calm too! 

• Thank you Julie for this article. That was so validating ❤️ I remember when I had my wisdom teeth removed. The procedure itself was fine. My teeth were all grown out so no surgery was necessary, although I felt really sick for a week after. Most people whom I’ve spoken with recovered after a day! I’ve learned not to compare my experiences with anyone else’s as it’s totally ok to have longer recovery periods!

• I just hope with my feedback on the surveys that the hospital will think more about how they can accommodate patients with sensory processing sensitivity so that a more healing environment can be created for them. I think a lot is awareness as I know health care professionals go into what they do to make a difference. I guess it is a work in progress and we have to advocate for ourselves. It is all about understanding amongst all involved. I am learning to be more courageous and how to stand in my own power to advocate more for myself and my needs as an HSP. I used to be more like I do not want to rock the boat. This group helps🥰. I learn so much from others’ stories, experiences, and challenges. I like that we are sharing and learning tools to help us function in a world not set up for us.

• The holistic doctor I see ordered a different type of iron for an infusion - one that is more gentle on the system - but as there wasn't a nurse at the clinic that day I took it home to my GP here for the procedure.  It was like no one had ever done an iron infusion before but I'm glad I provided the opportunity for people to do things a bit differently.  If my daughter ever needs a blood test again, I'll be organizing beforehand for a numbing agent to be used as this whole experience was quite traumatic for her. Sometimes though there isn't anything else and what you've said here, Julie about validating what is experienced makes perfect sense that someone with a more sensitive system would be impacted to a greater extent.  Self-compassion is a great tool.

• Thanks for the honesty Julie B,  I so agree. The medical procedures are meant for those with very little sensitivity. I have also had to accept that I’m different and don’t respond at all to drugs, and invasive techniques, and hate noisy ER rooms, hospitals, and IV needles in my arms. To this, I can add I hate being controlled, pinned down, forced into any procedure, and told there is nothing we can do about your health problem (tinnitus).  But this has made me a stronger person. I now research my health conditions, find alternative therapies, and set boundaries with medical people. I demand to only deal with practitioners with gentler techniques. I also save a lot of money on office visits, and drugs and take responsibility for my own health— physical and mental. 

• I relate directly to your experience, twofold. I have trouble having my eye pressure measured because my eyes are too sensitive to have a tool poked into them. I have nightmares about more invasive eye procedures being necessary for my future as my father had many, too many. And my second point, my father took an entire day to recover from an eye doctor appointment and he felt awful the whole time.

• Oh yes. I had cataract surgery in 2020. I was off the chart with so many feelings that seemed to "others" as magnified, but not to me. In addition, I typically like to stay under the radar when it comes to medical procedures. They terrify me.

• I have had quite a few procedures, treatments, and a few hospital stays for various things over the years since childhood ~ orthodontics, physiotherapy, anesthesia/endoscopy, ear care/syringing, eye care/pressures/macular checks, osteopathy and TMJ, lots of bloodwork/blood donations (my choice)/needles, vaccinations, etc. I try to stay, sit and settle for an extra amount of time until I feel ready to leave eg. after dental appointments know I’ll feel off after the polish paste, etc, ear treatments, eye/vision checks, and bloodwork. These are very close to home, and I go home afterward. If I’m in any doubt, or for bigger things with anesthesia I would rather stay overnight for observation (combo of fasting, feeling sick, and generally need some extra support and recovery time) rather than struggle by myself at home And/or my GP would prefer I do things like initial vaccinations under observation at the hospital (allergies/reactions) then smoother going forward. I really take on board anytime my medical or healthcare practitioners say whether to support/treat/leave it alone ~ such as my TMJ issues, and make sure I’m voicing for rest and gentle dental processes, etc. I hope this helps anyone in supporting themselves, health self-care, and receiving treatment whenever you might need it ~ and we continue being seen and know when we are being cared for as HSPs. I have a copy/saved the medical and mental health letter on hand. 💗

• Yes, this helps.  I am having a tooth pulled on Thursday.  I've put it off for almost two years and rescheduled appointments.  This time I feel ready and am going to give myself care before and after.

• This was very helpful. I have a dental procedure coming up and I’ve been having some anxiety about it. I’m working with a new dentist who is very matter-of-fact and doesn’t make eye contact which leaves me feeling vulnerable and has me second-guessing myself. Thank you for this article.

• Omgoodness I can SO relate. The eye dr I have now is wonderful! If she needs to dilate my eyes, she puts a drop on a q tip (I think that’s what she uses) and just touches that to my eyes. Soooo much better that way! And yes other procedures are tough at the eye dr, the dentist, etc. I too am in the top 5% so yep - couldn’t even begin to tell you how much I resonate with this post. Relaxation and visualization help, but given a choice - I’d skip it all if I could!

• I can relate on so many levels. Dentists, the sounds the smells, the freezing, procedures, high pitch sound of the drill. I find cleaning excruciating. I am recovering from knee replacement surgery and I still feel like I have PSTD from the experience at the hospital. Before surgery they had all the patients lined up in long lines with people coming and going and doing pre-surgery procedures. Bright lights in the operating room. So many people there and commotion and noise. After the surgery same long line of patients in recovery. I told the nurse I had sensory processing sensitivities and she pulled a curtain around me so it blocked out a lot of the visual commotion. I found it noisy all the way through the whole time I was there. Call bells dinging, noise, loud voices. People constantly coming and going. Constant noise.

• Thank you for this post.  I’m scheduled for an outpatient procedure in April and the anxiety is starting.  I had a half-hour conversation with the doctor yesterday to express my concerns and anxieties.  I explained I have the trait of high sensitivity and what might be easy for others take a bit more of a toll and I’m very anxious about the trauma to my body.  She did listen and reminded me we had done everything else we could outside of the surgery to get some answers for the issues I’ve been experiencing.  She did encourage me to talk with my support system and if I felt I needed to push it back for a while she did understand.  It really is about advocating for our needs.

• I had a wisdom tooth pulled today.  The hardest part was waiting.  The doctor was running a little late and my anxiety and stress were mounting.  I did some grounding techniques and some breathing.  Then, I remembered something that I did four years ago, the first time that I had a tooth pulled.  I created a "support team."  On the team were me, my tooth, the doctor, and his assistant.  Also, the friend who drove me there and the office staff.  And any spiritual guides or helpers that I thought to include. This way, we were all on the same side and that was for this to be an easy extraction and complete healing.  There is nothing else I need to do today except care for myself.  It takes about one week to heal, so I'm going to tend myself and let the healing continue.  

• Absolutely agree with this post. When my son and his friend contracted Covid a month ago, I showed symptoms almost a week before the test came back positive, and then it lingered far longer. I took it as a positive that my body is so communicative and my senses so attuned to listening and translating the inner landscape of my wellness. This has occurred in other areas of health where I have experienced symptoms long before tests results were confirmed. I worried it made me look like a hypochondriac and began avoiding sharing with my doctor. I became accustomed to resolving issues on my own - usually natural or simple approaches. I now see this as a huge positive. When the symptoms of something first appear, I can engage changes in habits, etc to address them. I have time before it becomes 'officially' an issue. It still doesn't make routine procedures easier to handle, but at least it means I'm aware. Sensitivity as a superpower is my mantra! Plus I remind myself that not only is my body so sensitive it alerts me sooner, but it is also very receptive/sensitive to actions to address the issue. Really appreciated this post. 

• Thanks is supremely inadequate.  I had an eyeglass and contact exam and then went back to work!!!  As you might imagine I sat there not doing anything since I couldn't see well and felt like napping.   I really, really needed to read this. 💗💗💗nI may well need to give myself more time in this current season, as I and others have pushed my body to hurry too often.

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Julie Bjelland is a psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, Author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, host of The HSP Podcast, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her books, blog, online courses, and free Masterclasses have helped thousands of highly sensitive people (HSPs) worldwide reduce their challenges, access their gifts, and discover their significant value to thrive to their fullest potential. Her HSPs in Heart-Centered Business Group connects and supports HSP healers and practitioners. Julie loves connecting in her Sensitive Empowerment Community and warmly invites you to join this positive, safe, and welcoming space. JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)