Hi all. I routinely have blood work done. Recently I asked for it done early as I had a urine infection in kidney and I’m sometimes a bit scared about my medications affecting my kidneys cause when I was young I knew a guy on lithium who died of kidney failure, but my mum says it’s cause they neglected him etc.
Anyway I’m not on lithium and they say these medications I don’t need to worry about that and stuff
So I called up today and asked the receptionist if they got the results and if there was a note saying I needed to go in.
Usually it’s a Nope everything is fine. But this time this woman seemed hesitant almost confused and reading comments. Then she said “ohh doctors have discussed it and it’s OK”
So I replied "so it’s all fine then ? "
She said yes. But it really has me unsettled as to why more than one doctor has discussed this and why it wasn’t just a simple “fine”. The whole reason I went in the first place was because I’ve felt a bit off colour following a recent infection and wondering if there is something that has caused the infection. I’ve never had a urine infection in my life and I’m 32.
Well, if the docs cleared you, you should rest easy.
I go see a new internist today. I think you have a little anxiety about illness, but that’s understandable given that you were exposed to someone dying from a side effect as a kid and that you have schizophrenia. You should be okay. It’s good that the doctors are giving you care and that you are being treated. I’ve heard some people are so afraid of having illnesses that they avoid doctors, or have this paradox thing where tests and lab work, things like that make some people more anxious- a slight complication is like the snowball which causes an avalanche of anxiety for some.
Sounds like what you are experiencing! Don’t worry, it’s mostly in your head, unless the doc said you have it. I suggest realizing that this is a real disorder called Illness Anxiety Disorder and that it’s good that you spoke up, because now you can relabel the anxious thoughts as symptoms of a disorder.
Then you can attribute the symptoms to nerves being fried from experiences and also schizophrenia.
Then you can focus on something else.
Then you can look at what good it does you to worry about being ill when as far as the doctors know, you are okay and in treatment for your ailments. In my opinion, the worry is of little value- it seems to do you no good.
But if you have real symptoms like sharp pains in your chest or something or you see stars when you stand up or your vision becomes blurry when you run, do ask the doc.
Call back and get details. One good thing I have is that when I get blood work done the results show up on my account on their website. I research every result. It’s not being paranoid to be concerned and to self-advocate. Until you feel you have all the info you need, it’s not done. Best of luck!