You really should give yourself a pat on the back with each task, scrap! (hope you don't mind if I shorten your name, it's easier to type and I mean no offense) What we overcome isn't easy, and the fact that we can face it has got to be worth a couple gold stars!
It isn't easy to go in to the doctor, took me 2 years to grow my kahunas before I actually went in! But in the end, only I could step up, face my fear head on and take that challenge. Wasn't fun, wasn't any fun for the first couple visits, but all in all, it was definitely worth it.
You have a great way of looking at things, particularly with the doctor you spoke to. Many don't understand exactly what it is we go through. My own family doesn't, but luckily they try to work with me. Find a doctor you're willing to work with, and if you feel it won't work, then remember you can always find someone else.
And congratulations on starting to pave your path!!! That in itself has gotta be 10, no 20 gold stars!