Alive at 35

Yesterday I celebrated with my birthday gift to myself - a physical exam. Turning 29 has really opened my eyes and with that thoughts turned to keeping this body healthy well into my 30's. Going into this appointment I knew there would be blood work since I asked to have my levels checked but there were other surprises in store.

Appointment was at 9:00 (like the best time in the world for an am appointment) and it was required that I fast the night before. So, by 9:15 in the waiting room I was a little cranky.(After all my morning coffee is half the reason I get up each day.) There is no paperwork to fill out.

The nurse's aide calls me in and tells me to pee in a cup then wait for the doctor. No problem since I had drank 30 ounces of water between 8 and 9. I do my duty and go to wait for the doctor. He is new to me. I am nervous because he is a man. But he turns out to be very gentle and kind hearted. Dr. G takes my medical history and then does the physical check. So far so good.

"Everything looks good from my end."

Super. Let's draw some blood. I am wasting away. Then he pulls up the stool. Looks through his notes.

"So, have you ever had a mammogram?"
"Yes, about 10 years ago." (Feeling anxious)
"At your age there are some tests that I recommend. One is a mammogram. The blood work, which we are doing, and a baseline echo cardiogram."

Blink. Blink. Look like a scared rabbit. My age? Stutter and look very confused.

"A mammogram?" (Never mind he also wants to check my HEART.)
"Yes. Starting at age 35 the American Medical Association likes for us to get a baseline of the breast tissue to compare with as time passes. It is good to get the baselines for that and the EKG now."

The gravity of the situation sets in. OMG, I just turned old. May as well start looking for a good retirement community. I remain in a state of shock. Wait, it is not over yet...

"When is the last time you had a tetanus shot?"

Damn it.

"1997."

They should warn people about this. Perhaps have a grief counselor in the room or something. And it does not help that I ended my day with a physical therapy appointment for my "bad" hip (Said in an old crackly voice).