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Lonely/Anxious about Vaccine Appt

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Posted 3/4/2021 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, my name is Rich aka Older Guy.

I haven't written in here in a long time. I need to get some feedback. I live with my sister but she doesn't seem to be very open or understanding about depressed feelings or sadness. She has been very matter-of-fact in the past.

But let me say what's going on. I made an appointment for the vaccine for Saturday. I have concerns about there being restrooms available at the vaccine site, which is the parking lot of a stadium. I have been told there are restrooms there. To be blunt, I am worried about getting the urge to urinate while I am in line for the vaccine, losing my place in line, etc.

I shared with a good friend. She always helps me feel better when we talk. However, she is only available about an hour out of a day. I don't have other friends who I can really share with, meaning I don't feel I can safely talk about my feelings of being sad or feeling alone.

I am in a 12 step program and attend an online meeting each day. Today during the meeting I cried quite a bit, and am crying right now. I know giving up the substance that I gave up, brings up a lot of feelings. However, this big wave of sadness and depression is really scaring me. I try to make room for all my feelings, but I am just not used to this level of sadness or crying.

I would appreciate any feedback from someone who has felt great sadness.
Posted 3/5/2021 10:26 AM (GMT 0)
My husband went for his vaccine Friday. There you had to wait in your car. Then they called you to come in. There were no lines to stand in. Hopefully it wont be a long wait for you.

Change is often difficult. Try to take it one day at a time. Don't rush.

I am sorry about the sadness. I think it is only natural. And it will pass. Keep hanging in there Rich and know we are all here for you.

Have a better day.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 3/5/2021 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rich,

I'm also in a 12 step program. Seems to me that we spent so much time and effort quashing our feelings that, now that we've stopped doing that, they gang up and overwhelm us at times. Anxiety can look an awful lot like depression/sadness. I found it helpful to 'give' a reason for them...if I felt sad, I'd tell myself it was because I miss my parents and brother...if I felt anxious, it was because I was trying to do the job of my HP and I know that doesn't work out well. These are just two examples that helped me deal with whatever I was feeling.

I haven't gotten an appointment for the vaccine yet. I'm glad you're being pro active with your health. I don't have any idea how they handle 'saving places' while on line. Hopefully, it will be explained upon arrival there. Maybe they have people that act as placeholders?

I remember one time having to drive from mid NJ to upstate NY and wore an incontinence undergarment, because I was travelling alone and did not want to stop anywhere. Well...I just couldn't...I couldn't 'go'. I don't know if something like that would be an option for you, though.
Posted 3/6/2021 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Well, my father, at 94 is definitely an older guy... with prostrate issues that mean he had to pee every 30-45 minutes. So far, he has opted out of getting the vaccine for that very reason. I totally understand where you are coming from!

I suppose if I weren't 500 miles away I could help him find an appropriate undergarment so he could be vaccinated. It's my understanding that there are several choices for men these days, and that they are designed differently than those for women.

In my fathers case, I think he's been listening to the far right radio stations and has thus decided the vaccine is a hoax anyway. Sigh.
Posted 3/8/2021 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Rich? How'd it work out? I hope you're feeling all right. I understand it can lead to a very sore arm.
Posted 3/9/2021 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Getting By, Green Beans and pitmom,

Thank you for your replies. They were all helpful to me. Interesting that someone mentioned adult diapers, because I had a friend suggest that. It remains an option for me when I go back for my 2nd dose of vaccine. And someone mentioned prostate - I have issues there although they are being treated with medication which eliminates the need to pee every 20-30 minutes.

Happy to say that things worked out well for me. The important things for me were to get enough rest, and not drink lots of coffee before going. I drink about 3 cups of coffee most mornings, which does lead to more bathroom visits. But on vaccine day, I kept it to about 1 cup, and was careful about not drinking too much water. That allowed me to get through the process - which took about 1 hour - with no problems! Hooray!
Posted 3/9/2021 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Yay Rich!!!

I am glad everything went well. And I am imagining that was a feeling of control for you. I hope so. It is a milestone. I still haven't found any appointments for myself. My husband goes back at the end of the month. I am only 62, but have diabetes and fibromyalgia which I would think that would put me in some type of category eventually. Sooner rather than later.

Anyway, good for you!!!

Have a good rest of the day and a good week.

Hugs, Karen...
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