This is easier said than done for me, especially at certain times of the year. For some reason, all of my check-ups seem to fall within a month of each other. I have my semi-annual dental appointment scheduled in two weeks and my annual physical in three. I just received a notice from my ophthalmologist that I am due for an eye exam and it’s time for my mammogram. On top of that, I got a note from the doctor saying that I need to schedule a colonoscopy. How on earth can I find time for all of this?

First and foremost I must accept that these appointments are as important as the appointments I make for my husband. Then I need to follow-through. I can work within my schedule to try and consolidate appointments, maybe set the mammogram at the same time I visit the clinic for my annual. If I remember that the colonoscopy only happens every five to ten years, that helps me put it into perspective and I can push it a month or so to make things a bit less busy. My eye exam can hold for a while too since I am not having any issues.

When all of the notices started to arrive, it stressed me out. I let the numbers of needed appointments overwhelm me. My first response was to put them all aside and ignore them but that isn’t in my best interest nor is it conducive with providing good care for my husband. I need to be healthy to support him in staying healthy. When I stop and approach it from that mindset, I find that it is all manageable. I’ll be working on scheduling for my care today.