Honestly, I questioned whether or not I should post this fitness update, because I don’t feel like I’ve done anything monumental in the last month.
But, I realized that’s all part of it. Not everything is a giant mountain.
When I wrote my fitness challenge update last month, I was heading to the doctor for my annual check up.
I was feeling a lot of anxiety going into the checkup. Shortly after I had my check up last year, someone I knew was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She’s my age and had no family history of any cancer.
As the months pass, I feel like more and more younger people I know are struggling with serious, unpreventable health problems. Last year was the first time I’ve ever had to write on my medical forms that someone in my family had cancer.
I’ve spent a majority of the year assuming I have some type of cancer. And any pain, headaches or weird feelings I attribute to that cancer. It’s been a stressful time.
I couldn’t even see my usual doctor, because she was booked several months out and I couldn’t wait a day longer. It was time for me to face the music and get answers.
When I was called back, I stepped on the scale. I don’t have a scale in my apartment and going to the doctor is the only time I ever weigh myself. But, if I remember correctly, the number on the scale was 10 pounds less than what it was last year.
Blood pressure, heart rate, pulse were next. All good.
But when the nurses left the room, there was no gown, no instructions for undressing, no tray setup with sterile supplies. I kept looking around the room. I was starting to panic.
The longer I sat there, I kept running different scenarios in my brain. Did I schedule the wrong type of checkup? Should I have specifically asked for certain tests? How long would I have to wait to get checked out?
By the time the doctor walked in, I was nearly in tears.
“There’s no gown,” I said. “Did I Schedule the right exam?”
“Yes, you did,” she said. “I think the nurse is new and didn’t set up the room, don’t worry.”
To my delight, the doctor was kind and understanding. She found a robe and set up a tray, before stepping out to let me change.
During the exam, I explained my anxiety to her. She offered some advice on things I can do on my own, and symptoms to look for. She was very helpful.
This was also the first time I used my health insurance that I purchased myself since I don’t have a full-time employer. I didn’t have a co-pay for my preventative care, and a three-month supply of my prescription was no charge.
When my test results came in a week later, they were totally clean.
I celebrated my birthday earlier this month and as far as food goes, I have been treating myself all month — at least it feels like it! I haven’t had any alcohol, but I had a veggie burger and fries from P-Terry’s twice, a Sprinkles cupcake, and various chocolates.
I’m heading on a vacation this week and I know I’ll be eating noodles and pizza and we’ll… all the carbs.
But, I have mostly been keeping up with my daily activities. And while I’m on vacation, I will be walking a TON.
Back home, however, I am currently going through some car trouble, so while I may not be able to justify an Uber-ride to yoga every day, I can still hit the pool, take a walk or use the apartment complex’s gym.
It’s always going to be a work-in-progress and it all works together: the mental, the physical, the food, etc. I’m doing what I can, while also trying not to stress myself out over it — I already feel stressed over my car and the slow work season.
One step at a time!
For more fitness updates, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Instagram @Orangejulius7– where I share more of my daily life. Live in the Baton Rouge area? I’m teaching a Blogging Boot Camp this September. If you don’t live in Baton Rouge, you can always schedule a Creative Session with me!
The Bitter Lemon 