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Hi Worrier... To begin with, that perfect number of 98.6 is nothing more than the "average" temperature of the human race. Just like our blood pressure and pulse will vary throughout the day, so will our temp. Temperatures are usually the lowest in the morning, when you wake up. This is because our metabolism is low upon waking. In the afternoon, 99.0 to 99.4 is a very normal temp. Those of us with anxiety, which includes me, have our triggers, and when those are set-off, things happen, such as out heart rate going up. Unless you are sick, there is no reason to be taking your temperature. I am saying this because just this morning, I put my thermometer away in the bathroom, and will do my best not to take it out unless I am really sick. The very best to you, Worrier... Chuck

You are very welcome, bhjju!... Chuck😉

Hi bhjju... This small piece of tonsil is what would be similar to a "skin-tag" on our skin. I have removed many of my own skin tags by clamping a pair of hemostats on them. I leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes, and this cuts off the blood supply to the tag. Just like your tonsil tissue, the skin tag will turn purple because it no longer has its blood supple. It will actually turn black like a scab, and then fall off in a week to 10 days. The reason that your tonsil tissue is purple is that it no longer has its blood supple. Just leave it alone, and I think you will find it will fall off within a week or so, if not sooner. The very best to you, bhjju!... Chuck😺

Yes Rose, that Dr. Google is really something... He is out there diagnosing everything, and he never spent a day in medical school-LOL!😁 You get a good night's sleep, and you'll be seeing the dermatologist before you know it. Take care, and good night... Chuck😉

Hello Rose... I'm a retired health care professional, but NOT a doctor. Other than my own moles, I've had nothing to do with looking at other people's moles. I have seen a lot of pictures of both normal moles and melanoma, and yours looks pretty normal to me. You also have lots of pluses on your side, as you have already been to your regular doctor, and he thinks it looks normal. On top of that you have none of the symptoms that it's cancerous, such as itching, pain or discomfort, bleeding, and appearing to be like a sore that is not healing. And it sounds like you are like me, that being that I am the farthest thing from being a "Sun Bunny". I hate being in direct sunlight. Love a cloudy day, just like you do. I also live close to the Gulf of Mexico, but you will never find me on the beach, except maybe at night. So I am glad you have made an appointment with a dermatologist, as they are the skin specialist. Hang in there, and know I am sending you good vibes. The best to you, Rose!... Chuck🐈

Hi Riles... Well you certainly aren't lone with this phobia, as there are a lot of people out there that have it. It is known as pharmacophobia. Often this phobia is acquired when a person mistakes symptoms of an illness, thinking it's the side effects of the medication they are taking to treat it. I'm glad to hear that you do end-up taking the med, as some people have such a severe phobia, that they refuse to take the medication. This can be life threatening in something as simple as taking a course of antibiotics. Of course there are avenues of treatment that a counselor specializing in phobias can apply, as well as a psychiatrist. The very best to you, Riles!... Chuck🐈

Hi Rugger... About a year ago my upper to mid back started bothering me. I went to the doctor's, and they did do x-rays. I'm 66 now, the the x-rays showed age related changes to the spine. They thought I probably had a herniated disc. Often times a disc herniates when some of the soft, "jelly-like" material leaks out through the tougher exterior. If this is the case, discomfort and pain lasts about six weeks. They put me on Mobic, which is a prescription ibuprofen. Sure enough, six weeks almost to the day, my pain resolved and never came back. One article I read said to sit in a chair, fold your arms across your chest, and bend forward. If it is a herniated disc, this will often take the pressure off that area of the spine, and you will get immediate relief from the pain. That was true in my case. I hope it's something minor, Rugger. The very best to you... Chuck🐱

Hi mlouise... Mid period spotting is typically nothing to worry about. The #1 reason for this happening is that a "dip" in estrogen at ovulation occurs, and this can cause spotting days after your period is complete. Stress can certainly play a major role in changes in our hormones, in both men and women. The fact that you have been under so much stress with your son being in the hospital could certainly be the cause of this. Give it a few days, and try to find activities that will lower your stress. Hope your son is doing better, and you too... Chuck🐈

Holls... If I get snow before you do, I'll send you some. Of course with this global warming business, I think we can both forget it-LOL!...😁

Hi Bejeweled... Acetone, which is what nail polish remover is, is really not a chemical to worry about. The substance has been thoroughly studied and found to have low toxicity if someone drinks or inhales it. There is also no indication that it causes cancer, or any long lasting neurological effects. Our own bodies actually produce a small amount of acetone. You may have heard of diabetic individuals producing to much acetone, thus developing ketoacidosis. Acetone is actually used in the manufacturing of many of our processed and unprocessed foods. And the topper is, the EPA has removed acetone from the list of "toxic chemicals". I hope that this helps to put your mind at ease. The very best to you, Bejeweled!... Chuck🐈 Oh Bejeweled! I just noticed you live in Ohio... I was born in Cleveland and raised in Fairborn, Ohio, just outside of Dayton. Please send me some snow this winter. I miss it and we don't get any in coastal Alabama-LOL!😁

Hi Sally!... What a great post! Thank-you for sharing it with the community! I would say you took more then a single stepping stone, I think you crossed the whole river with what you did. You didn't Google... That would have been a big step in itself, but you also didn't run to your GP, or even post here on AC for added support. Major "Kudos" to you! I have a feeling that you are going to continue down this path, and your anxiety isn't gonna know what to do with itself-LOL!😂 Keep up the good work, Sally! The very best to you...🐈 Chuck

Hi Maria... I'm glad to hear that you made an appointment with a dermatologist. Skin is their avenue of care, and as Sally said, hopefully the derm will give you the peace-of-mind that you deserve. Most of us have moles. The average person with fair skin will develop around 30 of them in their lifetime, but there are people out there that can have hundreds. Moles are nothing more than skin that has grown in a cluster rather than normally spreading-out. Moles tend to darken with sun exposure, and in women, during pregnancy. Let us all know here on your post, what your derm has to say. The very best to you, Maria!... Chuck🐈

Hi Star!... Welcome to Anxiety Central!... I'm glad to hear that you are "stepping-out", looking for a job. I had a psychiatrist tell me that finding a job, or getting back to work is very important in controlling depression and anxiety in individuals. I have been diagnosed with Panic Disorder with panic attacks, just like you, and I can tell you I feel a lot better when I keep busy, very busy. As for your domineering relative, that situation must be pretty bad for you to file a protection order against him. I don't know how much strength you can muster, but if it is a close relative, like a parent, you might suggest going into some form a counselling with them. There is a good chance that he/she will say "No way!", at which point I'd tell them never to bother me again. Keep in touch here on your post, and let us all know if you get that teaching position. The very best to you, Star!... Chuck🐈

Hi KG... I was diagnosed with Crohn's back in the mid 1970's, when I was in my late teens, early twenties. I had a very severe case of the disease, and did require a number of surgeries. I am 66 now, and generally have lead a very healthy and happy life. As with so many diseases, the severity of Crohn's varies from person-to-person. Crohn's can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It often can be found in a section of bowel, will skip an area, and then be found in other. Unlike when I had my bout, there are now biologic medications available, specific for Crohn's and inflammatory bowel disease. Many people will have a single flare of Crohn's, and then have no future problems with it, but others will have a more chronic condition. As one gets older and our immune system tends to slow down, Crohn's actually can become less of a problem. If I can be of further help, feel free to post additional questions here. The very best to your boyfriend and you!... Chuck🐈

Hello Leah... There are many reasons for the twitching of leg muscle to occur. You mentioned that it is your right calf, and of course that is the foot/leg that you use to control the gas and brake pedals of your car. So overexertion is a good possibility. Anxiety can also cause twitching, and I have had that one happen to me. Other causes include dehydration, or a deficiency in magnesium, vitamin D, or calcium. Certain medications can also be the culprit. These may include antidepressants and also diuretics ("water pills"). In the vast majority of cases there is nothing to worry about, for it's merely your body having a muscle twitch. Glad to hear it hasn't happened to you today. The very best to you, Leah!... Chuck🐈

Hello Enid... I remember reading an article many years ago, about the importance of living alone, once a person reaches adulthood. It said that everyone should live alone for a minimum of six months to a year, to ingrain many characteristics, the most important being who you are and what strengths grow out of that time. Through my life, I have done that on a number of occasions. It wasn't always the easiest thing to do, but I can tell you that I did a lot a growing, and it also taught me what I would put up with in a relationship, and what I wouldn't. I have known a number of people that needed another relationship on the string, before they fully let go of their current one. My ex-wife falls into that category. I think you might be amazed how supportive the world can be, if you give it a chance, and God falls into that support as well, if that is a path you believe in. The very best to you, Enid!... Chuck🐈

Hi Holls... I was told many years ago by my doctor that a good doctor knows that nobody knows their patient better then their patient... Then the doctor will do all they can for their patient, putting together a good treatment plan. Sounds to me like you have a really great doctor, one who cares about you and wants to support you. On several occasions I saw my psychiatrist on a monthly bases. She did that till she felt that I was out-of-the-woods, and back to enjoying life. Now I see her every three months; that is the longer she goes when seeing her clients. I know she really cares about me, and I deeply appreciate it. Have a great day, Holls! The very best to you!... Chuck😉

Hi Holls... When a localized infection arises, a fistula will often times form to allow the infection to drain. It is a very normal occurrence that our bodies form these. Anal fistulas are probably best known. Last year I had a root canal that also became infected and was draining, so there is a good chance I had a fistula as well. I had to take a course of antibiotics, and have the tooth pulled. After things healed-up, I had a tooth implant done. Just that one tooth cost a pretty penny, but it is nice to have a full mouth full of teeth. Give it some time, and I think you will find that things will get better. I am glad you will be back in the dentist office on Monday. That should help to calm your fears too. The very best to you, Holls!... Chuck🐈

Hi Sommer... In my third semester of nursing school, my instructor was a "man hater". I had a feeling that some man may have done her wrong in the past, and she still carried the baggage of that relationship. At least that's what I guessed. I also quickly got the impression that she didn't think that any man should become a nurse. She started riding me the first week she was my teacher. Well guess what? That first week I developed a twitch in my right eyelid. Like you described, it only lasted a few seconds at a time, but would happen many times a day. That twitch stayed with me for the entire semester, 4 1/2 months. As soon as the semester ended, the twitch went away, and has never come back. There is a good chance that your anxiety has also picked a right, twitching eyelid, to show itself. You posted this April 1st. How are you doing now? The very best to you, Sommer!... Chuck🐈

Hi Drelee, and welcome to Anxiety Central!... I am so sorry to hear what you are currently going through. Changing jobs is a "Big Deal" for anyone, let alone someone with an anxiety disorder. I suffer with Panic Disorder with panic attacks, so I understand. Yep, things such as major changes in a relationship, moving, or changing jobs, are some of the biggest stress producing situations that we can face. I think the depth of your brain is right on the money when it is telling you that there is no right or wrong here, and that you will be fine however things turnout. If you are working full-time, you are spending 30 to 40% of your waking life, on the job. With that much time invested, the last thing you need to be is unhappy. So there is nothing wrong with stepping out and trying something new. Now I have a question for you, Drelee... What are you doing to treat your anxiety??? I have a psychiatrist that I see every three months. She is in charge of my mental health, diagnosed me, and has set-up a treatment plan for me. That plan includes medication, healthy activities, seeing a counselor that specializes in anxiety, when I need to, and several other things. Remember that the happiness that you find is inside of you, not on the outside of you. I wish you the very best with your decision... Chuck🐈

Hi Moomoo... I hope that you are already feeling better... Depending on how severe your diarrhea is, it is very possible that your digestive system was not able to absorb your full dose of Zoloft, if any at all. With SSRI medications, just missing a single dose can start anxiety to crawl out of its box. I am on Celexa and Remeron that I take at bedtime. There is just one night that I forgot to take it, and by 4 am I knew something wasn't right. I checked my seven day pill case, and sure enough there were the pills I should have taken earlier that night, at 9 pm. I never did that again. The last time I had to go on antibiotics, they caused some loose stool with me, and within a few days I started showing anxiety symptoms. So it sounds like to me that your case of the "runs" is what's causing you problem. The best to you, Moomoo!... Chuck😉

Thanks so much for sharing this, Amber!... It is a beautiful write, and so very true. There are always things in life that we can find to be grateful for... Chuck🐈

Hello BD... Ah, this is so classic, your anxiety over a doctor's appointment. This is known as "white coat syndrome", and I suffer from it too. My blood pressure is always a lot higher in the doctor's office, than what I get at home. The thing that I practice that really helps me is "mindfulness". Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. If you have an appointment to see a doctor on Friday, that isn't going to occur until Friday. If you can focus on the "now", then your thoughts are not projected into the future of Friday, and there is no need for your mind and body to produce the anxiety that you are currently experiencing. Of course mindfulness takes time and practice to achieve, so it's not gonna happen for you over night, but it sure does work for me. The best to you, BD!... Chuck🐈

Hi Nick... If you weren't having breathing problems while you were smoking, I think you can be very sure that your current breathing difficultly is a side effect of your quitting. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man, just as addictive as cocaine or heroin. There isn't an organ in the body that isn't affected by long term smoking of tobacco products. And nicotine doesn't just produce physical symptoms during withdrawal. Mental and emotional symptoms occur as well. One of the mental occurrences is anxiety, and one of the major symptoms of anxiety is breathing problems. So Nick, I would just give yourself some more time, and I think you will find that these symptoms will diminish. And btw, I want to congratulate you for quitting. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things a smoker can do to improve their health. Hang in there my friend... Chuck😉

Hi Blind Moth!... Well, I think you and I came out of the same mold. I too suffer from Panic Disorder with panic attacks, and I am an alcoholic. Anxiety disorders and alcoholism often times go hand-in-hand. People have long used alcohol to mask the symptoms of different forms of anxiety. I know now that my father did this, and he died at the age of 42 from his alcoholism. As for me, I was very lucky to find Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). I have been clean and sober for over 29 years now. The beauty of A.A. is that it changes you from inside out. It has really changed every part of my character for the better. You don't have to be sober to attend a meeting, so you might consider attending one. There is no better support group than A.A., or a 12-Step meeting. As for your Zoloft, I am glad to hear that you went back on it. I am on both Remeron and Celexa, and they are working well for me. I will point out to you that alcohol and antidepressants are not a good mix. The alcohol can cancel-out the good effects of the AD's. The very best to you, BM!... Chuck😉