I have very strong psychosomatic tendencies. The medical dictionary describes psychosomatic as: of, relating to, involving, or concerned with bodily symptoms caused by mental or emotional disturbances. Yep… that’s me! I’m the kind of person that can watch those medical documentary shows, and then start feeling the same way as the sick people right away. I can’t help it. Once the idea is in my head there is no getting it out.
This is proving to be very problematic on allergy shot days. The rule at the allergy clinic is that you must have your EpiPen with you to receive your shots. There are so many warnings about what could possibly happen. I know it’s unlikely, but it still freaks me out. Here’s the thing… the second she gave me the shot, I could feel my throat closing. Only it wasn’t because they check you to make sure you’re okay. Then you have to stay in the waiting room for 30 minutes to make sure you stay okay before they send you home.
They also tell you to expect a worsening of allergy symptoms right after shots and the next day too. I honestly can’t tell what is a reaction and what is my mind playing tricks on me. I definitely know my breathing is tighter the day after because I feel completely out of breath today. My neck feels swollen, but it doesn’t look swollen. I’m itchy and very fatigued, but it’s too hard to tell if that is my environment, the shots, or just life.
When you go in for shots the nurse asks if you had any bad reactions from last week’s shots. My honest answer is that I don’t think so… but I’m not entirely sure. One time the doctor said I would know if I was experiencing a symptom. But really, if you tell me I might experience something, chances are that I will. No matter how much I try to distract myself or keep my mind off of it. I think my breathing is worsening just by remembering this and writing it.
Anyone else get sicker just by over thinking their symptoms?
