PA's, Hypochondriacs and Stress

[Guest guest]

Howdy Everyone! I've been reading everyone's posts and just taking it all in

and processing it. Last year during my ER trips I was fortunate enough to

see a PA 2 of the 3 times or was 3 of 4? Who knows! Anyway, he was

fantastic. He listened to me, he explained things and he made it clear that

he didn't want to see me in the ER again. I took that as his way of letting

me know that it was important to fix my pancreas problem. I actually just

picked up my records from the hospital and am considering sending him a note

to thank him and let him know that he's really good at what he does. By the

way, do you refer to a PA as Doctor?

I've seen a few posts where it's been mentioned that people think of people

like us as hypochondriacs. I worry that people will think that about me,

especially at work. My boss seems to understand when out of the blue I need

to go home when only 20 minutes earlier I was laughing and having a grand

time. I often tell people that I wish I were a hypochondriac. How fantastic

would that be!? Of course, I don't actually mean that but it would be nice

if it was all in my head. Most doctors seem to think that anyway.

My husband and I are buying a house! This is something we've worked

incredibly hard for and are so proud that we're doing this without any help

from family. Well, every time we do something related to the house I have an

attack. We made an offer and I had an attack, signed some paperwork and had

an attack, etc. etc. I can't wait to see what my pancreas has in store for

the closing! This really makes me believe that the majority of my attacks

are stress related. Eating always seems to help the attack along, too. I had

a horrendous day at work today (house and work stuff combined) and I decided

that eating lunch wouldn't be in my best interest. I still haven't eaten but

I'll attempt it soon. There seem to be many of us whose attacks are stress

related. Anyone have any idea why that is?

Reading the posts about Cassie is so upsetting. I'm a firm believer that

everything happens for a reason but when things like this happen I have to

wonder. It just isn't fair. It's obvious where Cassie gets her strength

from - her mom! Patty has her plate full and then some, but some how finds

the time to write to everyone and always has words of encouragement. Do they

still make people Saints? If so - I nominate Patty. Truly an amazing woman

and a fantastic role model for her daughter and everyone else.

I suppose I've rambled on enough and I'm sorry if I hop from one subject to

another. I hope everyone is doing well today.

Peace,

[Guest guest]

Dear Patty:

How your post sounds just like me! I could have written it!

The pancreas doesn't know " good " stress from " bad " stress and reacts

the same way. Stress is my number one trigger next to odors and I

have been in the hospital more than once after a " good stress. " ! I

told my hubby one time that if I found out I was a millionaire

today, lookout it would be the ICU tomorrow! Congrats on your house!

This stuff comes out the blue and can hit anytime. The last

horrendous attack I had last August I had been on the phone talking

to my husbands cousin. His wife has a malignant brain tumor and we

were just chatting. He asked how I felt. I told him wonderful and

I had actually been doing housework that particular day. Well that

was abuot 11:00 a.m. and by 3:00 pm. I was in the hospital with the

worst attack I have ever had! I said I would never " brag " about

feeling good again!

As far as the P.A. goes. Send him a note and tell him how you

feel! At least you will have an ali if you need it some day! Docs

are just like everybody else, they like to know when things are good

not just bad. As far as addressing him as " Dr. " .....no they aren't

docs and most of them will let you call them by their first names or

Mr or Ms. I am with you. A good PA or Nurse Practitioner for that

matter is better than a bad doc any day and the majority are better

than the docs as far as listening, etc. I think its because they

have a stigma to overcome because everybody wants to see a " doctor. "

Even Dr. Cotton in ton has a P.A. and believe me I like her

every bit as much as I do him and he is hard to beat!

Well, I think I have rambled enough and I hope I have not bored you

to death!

Kaye

NC