Is there an antidote for worry??

Emilyc

I have wasted a lot of good time worrying about breast cancer, recurrence, yearly mammograms, every little lump and bump and symptom. With my recent first episode of cellulitis in my lymphedema arm I now have a new worry in dealing with the aftermath of that. Oh yes, then there's the possible basal cell on my "good" arm that also has had BC surgery.

Anybody like me?? - staring at your arm, your boob, your swelling..........I'm wearing out the mirrors in my house. I need an antidote for all of this worry!

SusanSnowFlake

Yes there is an antidote.............Bourbon.

MY cat accidentally got her claw stuck in my finger on my side effected by LE.  I had to rip my hand away because she was starting to freak out and I thought the damage was going to much be worse if I didn't.  I yelled at her, I've never done that before, I felt awful, and she slept on the chair instead of right beside me last night.  I usually get her claws trimmed but had put it off.

I have washed with dial soap at least 6 times since late last night. I've emptied a tube of Neosporin, and gone through half a box of bandaides.  I am completely over the top freaked out, I'm thinking the Flair is coming and when will I see it.   Honestly I thought I felt it happening earlier and it was an ant crawling on my arm, which then sent me over the top thinking about all of the biting bugs I was exposing myself to sitting outside. So now I'm inside and going to wash my hands again.  After that a drink!  because there is nothing I can do to fix this today, and the likelihood that it's ok can't seem to settle in my brain.

I imagine that all those diagnosed with LE and  have become informed about our condition have these moments just like you and me.

Maybe this is one the conditions that Medical Pot should be available for.  I'd still be washing my hands and you would still be looking in the mirror but we would be laughing about it.  And we all know that laughter is the best medicine of all.

Spookiesmom

Mine would be scotch and soda. Spookie nailed me, didn't bleed much, leaked lymph for 4 hours. What a mess. I just watched it for a few days. That's really all I can do. The worry does get better, takes time.

vlnrph

I rationalize by telling myself "it's not worry, I'm just a little concerned" (makes me sound somewhat healthier anyway!) then I take a few deep breaths which also helps move stagnant lymph fluid.

Spookiesmom is right, the passage of time can work to relieve some issues. The mods put an inspirational quote from Corrie ten Boom under one of the topics above this one...