View Full Version : Annual Physical in a Week. Nervous!
Hello everyone
I have my annual physical in a week and I am really nervous about it. I am a 28 male 170lbs. I exercise regularly and eat fairly healthy/lots of fruits and veggies.
I feel fine but I have this underlying sense of dread that they will find something bad when they do tests.
It seems like I always get like this before my appointments.
Any advice is appreciated!
roseanxiety
10-07-19, 02:27
I always have this feeling too. I try not to think too much about it and i also tell myself that other people don’t worry about these normal appts.
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Other than the lubed finger thingie, its not that bad ;)
Positive thoughts
ankietyjoe
10-07-19, 15:45
Why would a healthy 28 year old need an annual physical? All part of the American health insurance system I guess?
Yeah it’s the insurance system here.
I always worry that they will find something bad when they do blood tests and what not.
Always gets me worried...
Why would a healthy 28 year old need an annual physical? All part of the American health insurance system I guess?
Do you not go for well checkups? 6 month dental visits?
It's not a mandatory thing in the US but recommended. It's not a wise thing to only go once your already sick.
ankietyjoe
11-07-19, 12:28
Do you not go for well checkups? 6 month dental visits?
It's not a mandatory thing in the US but recommended. It's not a wise thing to only go once your already sick.
I don't think it's necessary, no.
Although saying that, if I drank a lot of booze, smoked, and ate poor quality food all the time I probably would. The natural state for the human mind and body to be in is health. To assume disaster is around the corner all the time is only promoting anxiety.
"To assume disaster" ???
Wow, how extreme.
Checking blood pressure, blood sugar, bloodwork (found me anemic), listen to heart and lungs, and early dental issues like a small cavity, tartar buildup or beginning of gum disease... these any many more reasons for a well check up.
Do you get your teeth cleaned?
Or do you only go to the dentist if your in agony?
Mind blown here.
So my annual exam is in less than two days but I am not as nervous as I was last year around this time. The only thing I found out last year was that I had elevated cholesterol which is weird considering I do a lot of running and eat good (The doctor chalked it up to genetics).
In spite of this, there is apart of me that is somewhat concenred about a catastrophic diagnosis.
fallingstar
15-07-19, 05:01
Oh my gosh I always get like this!
If it makes you feel better, I've had a lotttttt of blood work recently. I've seen a few different doctors and each orders different things. I had some in February, then in March. Then in April multiple times (something woman related issue thing) and then a thyroid biopsy 2 weeks ago which was super invasive. Last night I was in the er and had blood work and mri.
My best advise, coming from my phobia of needles (mine's severe) and from doctor anxiety in general... Think about the very short time it takes them to do it. Last night I was calmed by my husband holding my hand and another doctor doing the same while telling me to just look at him, and another doing the procedure. If you can grab a friend or listen to a podcast or music during tests it also makes it much easier. I also focus on my recent tests that were all fine. I also focus on my breathing. I focus on having a conversation in my head or with someone in the room. I like to joke around. It helps immensely.
Also you can download apps like calm or calming podcasts and listen in the week up to the exam and on the way there.
I always dread annual physicals but I always remember that having it each year ensures they can monitor me to the point that nothing can surprise pop up healthwise. What helps the most though - an understanding Dr with good bedside manner.
Best of luck with it and just remember all of your previous healthy exams. [emoji4]
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Thank you for your words. I don't fear needles at all but rather the results of the tests.
Since yesterady afternoon, I have a weird feeling. I feel tired, light headed, and just off. I checked my blood pressure and it is normal. My pulse is normal too.
Could it be dissociation, derealization or something similar.
I am thinking it could be that I am tired. I went to bed early last night and woke up feeling a little bit better.
I still have those feelings but they are a bit better.
I wonder what they could be? I guess I will find out tomorrow as I will be getting a complete blood count.
Does anyone have any insight into this?
Does anyone have any insight into this?
Its anxiety. After my cancer treatment, I suffered from what I called "scanxiety". I had to go for scans and tests every three months for the first two years and with a 50/50 chance I could have a recurrence, it was certainly stressful. For me, the stress would manifest itself into irritability. A couple weeks before the appointment, I was irritable as hell. I was given a chill pill that I would take during that time.
So yeah, your anxiety over this is causing the symptoms, plain and simple. They'll wane after you get the all clear.
positive thoughts
Its anxiety. After my cancer treatment, I suffered from what I called "scanxiety". I had to go for scans and tests every three months for the first two years and with a 50/50 chance I could have a recurrence, it was certainly stressful. For me, the stress would manifest itself into irritability. A couple weeks before the appointment, I was irritable as hell. I was given a chill pill that I would take during that time.
So yeah, your anxiety over this is causing the symptoms, plain and simple. They'll wane after you get the all clear.
positive thoughts
Ok. My annual exam is tomorrow so I will see then.
I have noticed in the past hour that my symptoms have subsided as I have been focused on other stuff.
It's weird because these symptoms were so generalized. mild light headedness (but no vertigo), tiredness, and some nausea.
I also have some sleep issues that may aggravate it too .
fallingstar
15-07-19, 17:54
Its anxiety. After my cancer treatment, I suffered from what I called "scanxiety". I had to go for scans and tests every three months for the first two years and with a 50/50 chance I could have a recurrence, it was certainly stressful. For me, the stress would manifest itself into irritability. A couple weeks before the appointment, I was irritable as hell. I was given a chill pill that I would take during that time.
So yeah, your anxiety over this is causing the symptoms, plain and simple. They'll wane after you get the all clear.
positive thoughts
I agree. The anxiety symptoms will probably be diminished or disappear after your results come back. The waiting kills me too. I'm waiting to see my Dr on Monday to discuss my thyroid biopsy results. I get this done every few years. I'm doing blood work for levels this week too. In addition to blood work redo for my RA factor. So my anxiety symptoms are elevated this week. I'm attributing me being tired and weak to my thyroid levels being off (keep in mind they were fine months ago and I got full blood work done at hospital the other night including that).
I'm doing what fishman is doing too - utilizing my chill pill option this week and for appointments.
You should definitely write down your symptoms leading up to the blood work appointment, day of and after. Then your symptoms the day you get the results and the week following. Then you can have a chart to look at of your symptoms, tracing a pattern to see when and how often they manifest and pin point if they are triggered during stressful events. It's reassuring and helpful. Psychotherapist had me do this.
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fallingstar
15-07-19, 17:56
Ok. My annual exam is tomorrow so I will see then.
I have noticed in the past hour that my symptoms have subsided as I have been focused on other stuff.
It's weird because these symptoms were so generalized. mild light headedness (but no vertigo), tiredness, and some nausea.
I also have some sleep issues that may aggravate it too .
When my husband and I lack sleep we notice that our symptoms appear or are amplified compared to the usual.
And I find it helpful to find specific things to focus on and keep very busy leading up to stressful stuff vs having a ton of quiet down time. Keeps the mind occupied and symptoms down like what you're saying.
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So I had my annual exam yesterday and all of my results came back optimal. My doctor commented on how impressed he was with the my test results and told me to keep doing what I was doing.
Courtesy of your friendly neighborhood "Told Ya So Gang" ;)
https://media.giphy.com/media/dCD19qcIY8goSenMeg/giphy.gif
Positive thoughts
fallingstar
23-07-19, 03:43
So I had my annual exam yesterday and all of my results came back optimal. My doctor commented on how impressed he was with the my test results and told me to keep doing what I was doing.
Great news!!!!!! Very happy for you!
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