I have a very bad case of the what if's.

What if this. What if that.

What if.

What if.

What if.

Stop-stop-stop.

Spin-spin-spin.

[Calm]

Hi Petunia,

I so totally understand. For me, much of my *what ifs* stem from past experiences. I can't help but pay attention to those experiences and the impact they have on my life. I find myself questioning and doubting way too much. This only adds to my anxiety and feels as if that spin cycle will never stop. If only we had a button to push that would automatically put an end to it.

Hope you find a solution soon,
Calm

[Zen888]

Hi Petunia

I'm in the same boat as you are in. I play the "what if" game to the point I think about every possible worst outcome till I'm physically ill and end up not wanting to go outside!

(((((((((((Petunia)))))))))))))

[Fuzzybear]

I completely understand ((((((((((((((( Petunia )))))))))))))

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sorry you can all relate. It is so hard to stop it.

[(JD)]

Do you want to list the what if's here, and maybe we can help you find logical responses so they don't "eat you up" before you can ask at the doctor's?

I'm afraid to do it for fear I'll fall apart. Because even while I'm "what-iffing" I'm also honing my numbing skills.

Argh -- to feel or not to feel -- that is the question.

[(JD)]

I would rather you numb right now, than stress out over the what if'ing that doesn't help you at all!

You know... if I may be so bold...

Either she has cancer or not.
It could be treatable or not.
It could be easily treatable or not.
It could be a long road or not.

What in the above would change how you feel about her? What in the above changes what you would do for yourself and others?
What would you do differently in the future, with her, for her? Those things you can think about... some good stuff plans things you would like to do...

don't forget to find out what she would want to do ...IF...

Thank you _Sky.

(((( HUGE HUGS FOR YOU ))))

[Talulah]

Me too! If I listed my what-ifs.....

They
lead
to
other
what
ifs.

Arghhhhh.......

Hard to rewire, may be impossible.

Feeling it too.

Hard to rewire, may be impossible.

I have filled my head with other chatter so as not to hear the what if's. But, if I stop and breathe for a second...there they are.

[wanttoheal]

((((((((((((((Petunia)))))))))))

Thanks wantto...might need to borrow that umbrella.

Do you think it is possible to have stress manifest itself in jaw pain?

I've been clenching my teeth for years (all day and night) and my jaw always aches, but it is a familiar ache.

All of a sudden though, behind my wisdom tooth in the back, it is very sore. Like it used to feel when I "teethed" in my last wisdom tooth. (other side)

Grrrr. I don't need the threat of going to a dentist on top of everything else. I'm hoping it is just stress.