What to do when a Hypochondriac Actually Gets Sick

The time is 7:09 pm. My temperature upon the 3rd check is slowly rising, first from 99.6, to 100.3, and now to 101.3. I had originally bought the thermometer some 3 months prior after what I felt what I thought was a fever coming on. It turns out it was just hot flashes from taking off my bini. Nevertheless, the thermometer now has a purpose.

I have now placed 4 calls to my cousin Frankie, who is a good father, good partner, and above all a good RN. I have called him before for a minor burn, and I have been able to restrain myself from calling him even after experiencing other illnesses since then.

But for some reason, today feels different. The difference is that today, I am at the mercy of my PMS anxiety. It is elevated, and I am unsure as a hypochondriac of how to handle myself. Having worked as an EMT, a psychiatric assistant at a hospital, and even having been in the Navy, I know that I should know better. I know that I will get through this mystery illness and that I’m young and strong. And yet, I am completely oblivious and believe only the worst is yet to come.

“It sounds like a stomach bug.” He says. “Are you vomiting or did you eat out?” “No, no vomiting but I did eat some poke today” I tell him. “Yea, just eat some crackers, take some Tylenol and follow the BRAT diet and you’ll be fine,” he assures me. I believe Frankie, and though I feel the chills of my fever as of it were a million tiny whips all inflicting on my skin at the same time, leaving me unable to get out of bed and forcing me home after a bout of diarrhea, I bite the bullet and stay home. I don’t have insurance to go to the hospital.

I am blessed to have worked in the medical field and do not know how much worse (or better) my hypochondria would be without it…

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