Oh, Steph. I'm so sorry this has been so stressful on every level. I'm hoping that the rescheduled appointment helps get answers quicker and not more stress.

I am having such a hard time bouncing back from what I am calling the "unfortunate incident." I can't focus or think clearly (let alone write.) I feel like such a loser. Fuck this shit.

I am having such a hard time bouncing back from what I am calling the "unfortunate incident." I can't focus or think clearly (let alone write.) I feel like such a loser. Fuck this shit.

I think that's a normal reaction, Nora. NOT a loser reaction. It's barely been 24 hours. Give yourself a little more time.

What Teppy said. It's completely normal to still be freaked out.

I'm thinking yours is the normal reaction. It's not like you're an embedded war correspondent who can go "Hm, they're starting early today, I wonder if they have to be somewhere later?"

"Hm, they're starting early today, I wonder if they have to be somewhere later?"

Ha!

Yeah, I saw that guy going on about the T-Rex arms, and I was like, seriously? It's a new concept to you that people are sore after working out?

And, yeah, I think anybody would be freaked out after what happened, Nora.

He just seems stunned that anyone would ever be sore after a workout and needs to mansplain at me about it. I'm about to tell him to go read some weightlifting forums and ask THEM if they stretch.

Wtf. Wha a weirdo. Admittedly I'm always most sore after starting a program (the first couple days after I started one in July I was in sooooo much pain) but still--I usually feel like if my muscles are sore that means I used them!

And I totally didn't mean to belittle your fears, Teppy--I'd be freaked out too. But I've seen enough weirdness at doctors offices that it wouldn't surprise me one bit if it were something stupid and they didn't even think of how it would scare patients!

It would be really surprising to find my friends all laissez-faire when facing bullets going through their walls or serious spousal health tests. Yes, one has to keep it together and do what needs to be done and go forward and all that stuff, but having a safe place to freak out is important too.

Also, did dude never hear the expression "no pain, no gain", because I don't know anyone that has had any relationship with their gym that hasn't felt sore from time to time. Except those that lounge by the juice bar perhaps.

I just made a doctor's appointment. I need to find a new doctor it's too hard to get in lately.

Also a debrist appointment which I've been dreading because last time I tried it was month wait. Now I'm going next Thursday.

And I only mildly want to cry. So that's something.

Exercising often leads to soreness.

A partner's health issues should provoke concern.

Getting your house shot up while you're in it does prompt a freak out.

You are both having completely normal and understandable feels. (The word "loser" is in no way applicable to you in this scenario, Nora. I'd be fetal in a corner of someone else's house for a week. Damn!)

Tep, I'd feel the same anxiety...but also an earlier appointment could be better, because waiting lon gre and worrying longer would be so much more stress in addition to existing stress.

I hope y'all are gentle with yourselves.