Am I being paranoid?

@scottbeammeup, what crazy twists and turns our minds can spin for us when we're worried. Getting a call from your doctor's office probably started the worry train on its route to run-away train. Whenever the doctor's office number comes up on my phone, an alarm bell goes off. Kind of a white coat syndrome effect.

You got the call and were told that your scheduled appointment needs to be moved up and you'll be seen by the nurse practitioner. No one really explained why. Ready. Set. Go. And off to paranoia land.

Can I paint a different scenario for you?

Doc sees something out of whack. Not sure why and wants the test re-done to rule out lab error or other typical anonomalies that can effect results. The doctor is a conscientious doctor and wants this done as soon as possible and therefore tells his admin staff to call you and book you with the NP because she is available sooner.

No one. I repeat. No one at the doctor's office is thinking about emotions at this point. They are looking at numbers and schedules. In their mind, they are getting you the best care as efficiently as possible. It likely didn't even occur to anyone that this "simple" administrative communication could unleash a dominoe effect of emotions and you a puddle of worry.

What do you think? Might my tale be more plausible than a tall tale?

| Can I asked if you have an exercise you like doing? How about a hobby? |

For exercise, I like hiking with my dog and bicycling, which, with winter heading out, I can start doing again. I also do weight training in the gym. I wouldn't say I "like" it but I don't hate it either. One thing that surprised me about it is how insecure some of the "muscle heads" are. They look great to me but are super critical of their bodies and I often hear them discussing tiny flaws amongst themselves "my traps are too small" "I hate my delts" etc. I mention this because it seems everyone is insecure about something.

As for hobbies, I'm retiring soon and looking forward to having more time to devote to them. My life for the past few months has basically just been work, exercise and doctor appointments.

I like mixing and creating music. I have a couple of physical synthesizers and about 30+ software ones. I've signed up for an online songwriting class so I can better at it.

I also have been learning Spanish. I can read it fluently and understand "CNN en español" because the announcers speak clearly, but when I go to a bodega it still sounds like gibberish. I hope to get better at that. My Spanish teacher is sponsoring a three week trip to Peru next February with no English allowed. I'm definitely signing up!

I also do volunteer work with a crisis line for teens and plan to keep doing that. It's all done through text now because nobody under 30 uses the phone anymore.

And I don't know if it's a hobby or not, but I like playing board and video games with my nieces and nephews, but they have to do the boss fights because I no longer have the reflexes for them 😃.

PS:
BTW, doctors should care about emotional welling of their patients - especially since USA fairs sooooo bad in mental heath and suicide rate among other wealthy nations. ESPECIALLY doctors in oncology field should pay attention and refer patients for help if they need it.

| Can I asked if you have an exercise you like doing? How about a hobby? |

For exercise, I like hiking with my dog and bicycling, which, with winter heading out, I can start doing again. I also do weight training in the gym. I wouldn't say I "like" it but I don't hate it either. One thing that surprised me about it is how insecure some of the "muscle heads" are. They look great to me but are super critical of their bodies and I often hear them discussing tiny flaws amongst themselves "my traps are too small" "I hate my delts" etc. I mention this because it seems everyone is insecure about something.

As for hobbies, I'm retiring soon and looking forward to having more time to devote to them. My life for the past few months has basically just been work, exercise and doctor appointments.

I like mixing and creating music. I have a couple of physical synthesizers and about 30+ software ones. I've signed up for an online songwriting class so I can better at it.

I also have been learning Spanish. I can read it fluently and understand "CNN en español" because the announcers speak clearly, but when I go to a bodega it still sounds like gibberish. I hope to get better at that. My Spanish teacher is sponsoring a three week trip to Peru next February with no English allowed. I'm definitely signing up!

I also do volunteer work with a crisis line for teens and plan to keep doing that. It's all done through text now because nobody under 30 uses the phone anymore.

And I don't know if it's a hobby or not, but I like playing board and video games with my nieces and nephews, but they have to do the boss fights because I no longer have the reflexes for them 😃.

@scottbeammeup
Sounds like you have a full and rewarding life. I envy you.

I have tried to learn Spanish several times but find trying to convert Spanish to English very hard. Usually the person is speaking so fast can't do it. I tried Babel and seemed to work then got some medical issues and have not gone back to it. I think your Spanish teacher is really on with the trip and no English.

My nephews passed away. I too use to enjoy doing things wiht them. One died from an overdose and the other liver cancer. Playing board and video games is a hobby and sounds like you and your nieces and nephews enjoy doing them and your time together.

I try to do aerobics several times a week. Because of weight gain and not losing it my PCP wants me to do strength training. He says my body has got used to my aerobics workouts. Says muscle more calories needed. I agree but like water aerobics moving to music and bike riding. I do not really going to gym even though my community has an excellent fitness facility.

My dog who is almost 12 now has become younger versus me older. He wants to walk 1-2 miles in morning and evenings. So I get older and slower he is doing more and more and losing weight versu mine non budging. I know what I am saying is I am jealous of my dog.

Thank you for devoting your time to teen crisis line.

As I said, wow, you have a very full and rewarding life!