It’s cliche, but put your own air mask on first. You can’t serve others if you aren’t healthy. Two years ago my husband had mild chest pain. He’s Dr averse, I insisted. The ER found nothing but a complete cardiologist work up found a 5cm thoracic ascending aortic aneurism and bicuspid valve. These are silent killers, often missed unless you’re looking for something else, or worse when they burst. My husband is under 60, no risk factors. He ran marathons, eats healthy, non-smoker, etc. Routine tests are mundane, until they’re not. Those people you’re caring for need you to care for yourself. You’re taking really important steps. Thanks for encouraging others to do the same.
Woah, this resonates. I took a mental health day off from work today. Currently laying in bed wirh my cat curled up next to me and tears streaming down my face. Don't worry though, I'm ok. I just watched The Time Traveler's Wife for the first time and it has me in my feelings. The luxury of lying in bed to watch a movie instead of going to the office is my medicine today. We need to take care of ourselves and listen to what our bodies and heart our telling us. Hugs.
The question, are you? Is a fascinating one. I also have been playing catchup on one area I really let slide. I didn't feel safe to go to see someone, so I waited, and it's okay. I have a lot of work to get done, but it's okay. At the same time, I believe what we call modern medicine is off its kilter, maybe doesn't even have a kilt on...if we saw it for what it is, it might be an Irish Bagpipe player without a kilt. Taking care of ourselves is about so much more (and sometimes so much less) than traditional medicine sells us. Listening to our bodies - I'm so with you on that. A daily practice for me is to come home to myself. It's easy to hurl mental energy "out there" and forget out bodies, our breathing. Laughter, hugs, nature - these are all supported by evidence to improve our wellbeing but they won't be on any providers checklist - and those checklists they have to get through. Providers are often so burnt out its the best they can do. But we are whole people. Our health doesn't happen in a vaccum. The body has extraordinary healing abilities when we pair the best of allopathic medicine with supporting the bodies own healing mechanisms. There's a lot of profit in selling us somethings and a lot of effort that goes into hiding other things with equal levels of evidence and perhaps with fewer side effects. Blessings on all your appointments and healing! I'll be listening to my body and learning to love it better this year too!
Mmmm...connection, altruism that isn't based on obligation...sunlight (when it's not peak hours) and meditation...music also! So much that we can do to support our wellbeing, esp to help us stay healthy and also to heal when we've gone out of balance! Hugs to you!
YES! This is the year! I had back surgery in August (microdiscectomy, I have a bit of numbness in my foot but I'm fine) and it encouraged me to get it ALL done before the end of the year. Gyno done, gave me a referral because I have several years now of documented high cholesterol. Mammo and dentist to be scheduled. Eye exam and a new glasses px done. Covid booster, flu and tetanus done. Shingles next. I wish I could get a bone density, but gyno says not yet.
I so understand, I learned this lesson a while ago myself and I’m so glad you’re sharing this to help other people avoid the same pitfalls. Just love your style of writing and honesty/authenticity! Keep sharing!
Our health plan requires certain appointments each year for compliance and this has been life saving. Skipping medical appointments or putting off tests (colonoscopy anyone??) is a way of denial, but you can’t prevent or remedy what you haven’t faced bc of fear. I too had some dental issues that would have been much less invasive if I hadn’t procrastinated. Good advice on your newsletter!
There are a lot of appointments I put off, because I will be honest, I was scared of getting bad news. Once I did it, so much relief. Because I was fine of course--but also because that guilt and fear and shame was hanging over me for years for not making an appointment. It’s a good feeling to “know.” Go chase that!
Oh, our bodies let us know! I’ve always been healthy (with lots of energy) but as I age, my body and mind are requiring more rest and downtime. Do the tests, take the meds if needed, let some things go or ask for more help. I’m still trying to find that balance- it’s not perfect, but I don’t worry about things as much. Getting enough sleep is my super power these days!
Omg this is my story to a tee! I’ve learned you can have it all but not at the same time and balance is a myth, a unicorn! Thank you all (especially Zibby) for the reminder that I need to put on my own oxygen mask first! Btw- working at 50 the way I did at 25 is fun but unsustainable!!! I’m glad to see I’m not alone here. xx
Self care comes in many forms , and we often perceive it to be everything other than the most basic: regular appointments such as those you list. They are the most boring and take precious time from the things we would prefer to be doing, those that are more interesting , more fun, more fulfilling. Back to basics is a mantra I have learned to live by after some hard lessons. Maybe not as much fun or fulfilling ( especially for those of us who have rocket ship heads and hay wagon bodies) but at least a path to stick around , not only for ourselves but also for those we love. It might mean doing the things that make us tick in smaller measure, but at least we are still ticking! Kudos, Zibby, for “the surrender” , a word I have decided is one of the most important in life’s vocabulary.❤️
Oof, I needed this reminder/nudge. You may very well save some lives with this post! I kinda like the idea of stacking them all in one day (if they could even be coordinated like that) and ripping the BandAid off!
Living with multiple chronic, incurable, but treatable autoimmune diseases forces me to keep up with doctors on a regular basis. But, being in control of my health gives me a better say in it, too.
Don't beat yourself up. Most of the procedures you're having you'd be having anyway as a woman of a certain age. Most of us get to spread them out more.
Yes! I get this - I haul myself to a lot of health appointments religiously because I've had a kidney transplant and it tops my priority list to keep it going. So as far as that goes - I'm a total pro and never miss a beat. But the seductive call of productivity interferes with the other maintenances - the dentist, the mammogram, the eye check, and the dreaded colonoscopy. All on my list. Thank you for this push! I'm on it!
I relate to this (and I’m sure a lot of moms with young kids in particular do as well). I keep putting off getting my pap, going to the dentist, among other things. I should really know better as someone who literally had cancer 🤦♀️. But it’s so easy to let yourself slip when you’re busy taking care of everyone and everything else. Ok, ok, I’ll call my doctor, I swear! Thanks for the reminder. Stay well! ❤️
It’s cliche, but put your own air mask on first. You can’t serve others if you aren’t healthy. Two years ago my husband had mild chest pain. He’s Dr averse, I insisted. The ER found nothing but a complete cardiologist work up found a 5cm thoracic ascending aortic aneurism and bicuspid valve. These are silent killers, often missed unless you’re looking for something else, or worse when they burst. My husband is under 60, no risk factors. He ran marathons, eats healthy, non-smoker, etc. Routine tests are mundane, until they’re not. Those people you’re caring for need you to care for yourself. You’re taking really important steps. Thanks for encouraging others to do the same.
Omg, you saved his life!!
Woah, this resonates. I took a mental health day off from work today. Currently laying in bed wirh my cat curled up next to me and tears streaming down my face. Don't worry though, I'm ok. I just watched The Time Traveler's Wife for the first time and it has me in my feelings. The luxury of lying in bed to watch a movie instead of going to the office is my medicine today. We need to take care of ourselves and listen to what our bodies and heart our telling us. Hugs.
Yes! You picked a good day. (Torrential rain in NYC!!)
That was a feels movie for sure!
The question, are you? Is a fascinating one. I also have been playing catchup on one area I really let slide. I didn't feel safe to go to see someone, so I waited, and it's okay. I have a lot of work to get done, but it's okay. At the same time, I believe what we call modern medicine is off its kilter, maybe doesn't even have a kilt on...if we saw it for what it is, it might be an Irish Bagpipe player without a kilt. Taking care of ourselves is about so much more (and sometimes so much less) than traditional medicine sells us. Listening to our bodies - I'm so with you on that. A daily practice for me is to come home to myself. It's easy to hurl mental energy "out there" and forget out bodies, our breathing. Laughter, hugs, nature - these are all supported by evidence to improve our wellbeing but they won't be on any providers checklist - and those checklists they have to get through. Providers are often so burnt out its the best they can do. But we are whole people. Our health doesn't happen in a vaccum. The body has extraordinary healing abilities when we pair the best of allopathic medicine with supporting the bodies own healing mechanisms. There's a lot of profit in selling us somethings and a lot of effort that goes into hiding other things with equal levels of evidence and perhaps with fewer side effects. Blessings on all your appointments and healing! I'll be listening to my body and learning to love it better this year too!
Love that -- laughter, hugs, nature...
Mmmm...connection, altruism that isn't based on obligation...sunlight (when it's not peak hours) and meditation...music also! So much that we can do to support our wellbeing, esp to help us stay healthy and also to heal when we've gone out of balance! Hugs to you!
YES! This is the year! I had back surgery in August (microdiscectomy, I have a bit of numbness in my foot but I'm fine) and it encouraged me to get it ALL done before the end of the year. Gyno done, gave me a referral because I have several years now of documented high cholesterol. Mammo and dentist to be scheduled. Eye exam and a new glasses px done. Covid booster, flu and tetanus done. Shingles next. I wish I could get a bone density, but gyno says not yet.
I so understand, I learned this lesson a while ago myself and I’m so glad you’re sharing this to help other people avoid the same pitfalls. Just love your style of writing and honesty/authenticity! Keep sharing!
Thank you!
Our health plan requires certain appointments each year for compliance and this has been life saving. Skipping medical appointments or putting off tests (colonoscopy anyone??) is a way of denial, but you can’t prevent or remedy what you haven’t faced bc of fear. I too had some dental issues that would have been much less invasive if I hadn’t procrastinated. Good advice on your newsletter!
Thanks!!
There are a lot of appointments I put off, because I will be honest, I was scared of getting bad news. Once I did it, so much relief. Because I was fine of course--but also because that guilt and fear and shame was hanging over me for years for not making an appointment. It’s a good feeling to “know.” Go chase that!
Better to know when there’s time to do something about it.
Oh, our bodies let us know! I’ve always been healthy (with lots of energy) but as I age, my body and mind are requiring more rest and downtime. Do the tests, take the meds if needed, let some things go or ask for more help. I’m still trying to find that balance- it’s not perfect, but I don’t worry about things as much. Getting enough sleep is my super power these days!
Excellent advice!
Omg this is my story to a tee! I’ve learned you can have it all but not at the same time and balance is a myth, a unicorn! Thank you all (especially Zibby) for the reminder that I need to put on my own oxygen mask first! Btw- working at 50 the way I did at 25 is fun but unsustainable!!! I’m glad to see I’m not alone here. xx
Not alone!!! 💙
Self care comes in many forms , and we often perceive it to be everything other than the most basic: regular appointments such as those you list. They are the most boring and take precious time from the things we would prefer to be doing, those that are more interesting , more fun, more fulfilling. Back to basics is a mantra I have learned to live by after some hard lessons. Maybe not as much fun or fulfilling ( especially for those of us who have rocket ship heads and hay wagon bodies) but at least a path to stick around , not only for ourselves but also for those we love. It might mean doing the things that make us tick in smaller measure, but at least we are still ticking! Kudos, Zibby, for “the surrender” , a word I have decided is one of the most important in life’s vocabulary.❤️
Back to basics. The surrender. Love it.
Yikes, Zibby! That's a list and a half! How long will it take you to get through the entire list?
A few months. Then time to repeat! 😂
Growing old is not for the faint of heart...but we got this!
Oof, I needed this reminder/nudge. You may very well save some lives with this post! I kinda like the idea of stacking them all in one day (if they could even be coordinated like that) and ripping the BandAid off!
I hope so!!!
Living with multiple chronic, incurable, but treatable autoimmune diseases forces me to keep up with doctors on a regular basis. But, being in control of my health gives me a better say in it, too.
Don't beat yourself up. Most of the procedures you're having you'd be having anyway as a woman of a certain age. Most of us get to spread them out more.
Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I get this - I haul myself to a lot of health appointments religiously because I've had a kidney transplant and it tops my priority list to keep it going. So as far as that goes - I'm a total pro and never miss a beat. But the seductive call of productivity interferes with the other maintenances - the dentist, the mammogram, the eye check, and the dreaded colonoscopy. All on my list. Thank you for this push! I'm on it!
Fabulous!
I relate to this (and I’m sure a lot of moms with young kids in particular do as well). I keep putting off getting my pap, going to the dentist, among other things. I should really know better as someone who literally had cancer 🤦♀️. But it’s so easy to let yourself slip when you’re busy taking care of everyone and everything else. Ok, ok, I’ll call my doctor, I swear! Thanks for the reminder. Stay well! ❤️
Don't forget to do it!
Such a good reminder. It's so easy to take care of our kids & careers before ourselves. ❤️
Yes!