TODAY
Today, I had a Doctor’s Appointment.
An appointment for me—my annual visit with my Primary Care Provider.
I was only 2 months late—for the annual visit, which is much better than not visiting at all.
I filled out the questionnaire about my Mental, Emotional, and Physical well-being with only thoughts of me floating through my head. I checked boxes noting that if I was NOT my Mother’s Caregiver, the questions would have been answered differently. When I called this to my Doctor’s attention, he said, “Well, you can write that in. You can note that anxiety is caused by your Mother.”
“I did!” I exclaimed.
We spent the entire visit talking about me—not my Mom—Me.
Oddly, I am in extremely good health—excellent according to my Doctor. He was thrilled with my Blood Pressure, weight and overall appearance and he is expecting to be pleased with all blood work. No health issues to be concerned with.
I am always personally amazed with my health as I feel that it is deteriorating due to Caregiver. Apparently, any health compromises that I feel are not evident with an exam or basic blood work results. If I had to diagnose myself, I would definitely say that I am slowly becoming a shadow of myself due to Caregiving. There should be a health test to recommend tools, meds or therapy to deal with the trauma of Caregiving.
During the visit, we talked about his Mom who lived to be 96 years old with his Brother as primary Caregiver. We laughed at funny stories and for a few minutes, I thought about someone else’s Mother—not mine.
The forms included my information ONLY. I signed in with my Insurance card. My Identification and my Signature was all that was required.
I received paperwork to complete my Mammogram, and any other follow up appointments pertaining just to me.
Me, Me, and all about Me!
Routine appointments with my PCP typically take 15-20 minutes and the entire time, the focus was on Me and My Health.
I can honestly say that until today, I have not taken a full 20 minutes to simply think about ME.
ME.
MY HEALTH.
MY PERSONAL WELL-BEING.
MY EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING.
ME.
My Doctor does not know my Mom.
TODAY.
Today, I focused on me—not all day but most of the morning.
I felt a sense of accomplishment.
I know that I was productive.
I did not feel Guilty, Frustrated, Resentful, Angry, Tired or Sad while I was in the Doctor’s office thinking of and concentrating on myself.
Today was a good day.
KIRK FRANKLIN – “TODAY:
https://youtu.be/qQE9DRxNJ9I?si=2G7HMdZr1i2Eev-l
“A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE PODCAST – “NEARLY EVERYDAY”
https://youtu.be/9LqLER4USCI?si=l61lj3RGH2L8iPf8
A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE – THE BLOG
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