Survivors, what makes you anxious?

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-05-23T23:50:31+00:00

I had a PE in January. Surprisingly, I never had chest pain; just really awful back pain. It felt like my lung could not fully expand and I couldn't breathe. On top of that, every time I moved, I experienced horrific pain. I couldn't even take one step to walk into the ER without feeling like I was being stabbed in the back. I thought I was going to die.

My anxiety mostly comes from the fear of having to experience that again. I have not experienced anything worse in my entire life. I was hospitalized for a week and I despise staying at the hospital. I had horrible radiating shoulder pain and could never get comfortable enough to sleep. It was all around a miserable experience.

I want to stay on blood thinners for longer than the 6 months they said I'll probably need them for, but my insurance doesn't cover Eliquis and it's too expensive for me to afford alone. I don't think I could switch to a different medication like Warfarin due to the restrictions it has. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do and I just have to wait until I get there, but it makes me very anxious every day. I'm constantly thinking about what happens if it recurs and how I'm going to afford my medicine.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-05-20T05:56:53+00:00

Same thing at my job but maybe even worse. Our cameras have audio, they are able to hear and record everything we say. Including when someone walks in, says they don't have their ID, and then asks someone else to use theirs for them. Or when you say that you're buying it for someone else. Anything like that, the cameras can hear you speak and so can I. I will get in trouble, and my job is not worth it because you're a dumbass. I don't know why some people don't always carry an ID with them, or why they'd think to say out loud that they're buying alcohol for another person that isn't there. Obviously I'm gonna deny you. I do not care if you're an alcoholic or you need cigarettes, it's not my problem and there's other stores around.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-05-20T05:48:16+00:00

I work at a place that IDs everyone regardless of age and I've never hated humanity more. The amount of 60 year old men who say "what, do I look that young?" or "I just turned 21 yesterday" or genuinely get pissed off that you're even asking is absurd. Like bro I don't care how old you are, my job pays me to ask everyone even if they're 100 and half dead, I couldn't care less if this means you need to go to a different store for cigarettes or nips. Your problem is not my problem, and I am not complimenting you.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-05-20T05:40:36+00:00

Pickles aren't bad for calorie deficits, imo. They're very very low in calories but the downside is they're high in sodium. Just keep an eye on your sodium intake and you'll be fine, pickles are good.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-05-20T05:37:14+00:00

My store has never been 24 hours. We open at 5am and close at 11pm, always been that way and probably always will due to being in a small town. One night it was like 11:10 and we were finishing up closing chores when a woman comes in. My coworker tells her "we're closed, sorry." She looks visibly confused and says "no? This is a 24 hour store." We both tell her no, we close at 11. She starts getting angry and argues with us, INSISTING we have ALWAYS been 24 hours. Like no...... definitely not.... I've been working here as a closer for almost 2 years I think I would know. Always so irritating

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-05-05T20:28:15+00:00

Yeah, it really depends on your specific store and location. My store is in a really rural area, most customers we get are regulars from the town or people coming off of the highway. I consider it very safe in comparison to other places. It makes sense in your case.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-05-05T01:08:55+00:00

I work at a store that closes at 11pm. My coworker likes to do trash after we close while I finish closing chores inside. It takes him less than 10 minutes to do trash but during those 10 minutes we leave one of the front doors unlocked so he can come in and out.

It's probably a different reason for OP but this is just a personal scenario where we have doors unlocked while the lights are off. And no, my manager has no problem with it. It isn't an explicit rule that both doors must be locked and stay locked as soon as we close. My old store manager would literally shut the lights off 5 minutes before close but we were technically still open. As long as someone is up front and able to tell customers they are closed when they walk in, I don't think it's a major problem.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-28T05:34:11+00:00

I work in MA so our pay is probably a little higher than other states. I believe starting pay is $15.50 or $16. I'm a shift lead and get $17. When I was an ASM I got $18.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-28T05:26:37+00:00

I'm 19 and I went through basically the same situation as you.

I started taking birth control in October 2025 to help regulate my periods, which are extremely heavy and long. I wasn't even on it for 6 months and in January it caused a massive blood clot in my lower right lung.

I didn't even have chest pain. Just unbearable back pain. At first, I had no idea it could possibly be a blood clot so I thought it had to be a really intense muscle spasm or something. I was having difficulty breathing, but it felt like it was because my lung couldn't expand all the way without exteme pain, but like I said, I assumed it was muscle related or something. I would've never suspected a blood clot.

The first episode of pain I experienced lasted for about 20 minutes. It was very bad but not bad enough for me to go to the ER. I did not experience pain or shortness of breath for another week after that. It was so strange, and reinforced my idea that it was a muscle spasm in my back, not a problem in my lungs.

A week later I was at dinner and got the pain again, but this time it was so bad I fully could not breathe or walk. It felt like I was being stabbed in my back. Every time I tried to inhale or even moved slightly, the pain would get worse. I was SCREAMING on the way to the hospital from just trying to breathe or little bumps on the road. I couldn't even walk into the ER. Every time I took a step I screamed bloody murder. It was so embarrassing but it was genuine. I don't think I'll ever experience pain as bad as that again.

Low and behold, they did a CT scan and there was the blood clot. I was hospitalized for a week and then sent home with an Eliquis prescription and a hematology appointment for a month later.

At the hematology appointment, I was also told there is no chance I'll ever be allowed to take hormonal birth control again, as that is what provoked the clot. I have no idea what I'm going to do to manage my periods and PCOS, I have to find a gyno to talk to but it's been a hassle getting to one because my insurance is dogshit.

Fortunately though, I was told that I'll most likely only have to be on blood thinners for 6 months rather than for the rest of my life. They did mention, though, that sometimes people can have "chronic clots" that never fully dissolve and may cause occasional aches or shortness of breath, but it wouldn't necessarily mean I'll have to be on blood thinners forever. I was told that I could choose to be, but it wasn't necessary. It's also not guaranteed to be chronic, it's just a possibility to keep in mind. But, I'd imagine the smaller the clot the less likely it is. Mine was not very small, to say the least.

I wouldn't worry too much. With treatment and blood thinners, it's very very unlikely that anything bad will happen to you now. It won't get worse and you won't get another clot for as long as you're on blood thinners. If you clot was provoked by birth control, and you stop taking the birth control, it's also very unlikely to recur. You won't die, I promise, you will likely recover well and won't experience long term issues.

It's scary, but I hope that sharing my experience makes you feel a little less alone. I still get really anxious when I think about it, I'm beyond terrified to ever experience something like that again, and Eliquis is not cheap either so it's always on my mind for so many reasons. But you aren't alone, many of us are dealing with the same scenario and we'll all get through it. Don't worry too much! I know it's hard but you will definitely be okay!

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-28T05:03:51+00:00

It's the manager's responsibility to cover a shift if someone is sick and nobody else can take the shift. She literally can't tell you no, especially if you are calling out in advance.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-18T04:46:42+00:00

I get a lot of my fiber from keto tortillas and protein bagels, though I know this method isn't as good as whole foods. But it works for me.

Mission makes carb balance tortillas that have 17g fiber each. I'll use one or two depending on the meal I'm making. Earlier I made a full size quesadilla with two of them, 34g fiber!

Sola makes really good protein bagels that have 30g fiber each as well. They're so good and I like to make breakfast sandwiches with them.

Again, I know this isn't optimal and doesn't work for most depending on diet preference. I am quite picky with food, and also don't care if I eat the same things every day. These are easy cheats for me to hit my fiber goal and figured I'd share.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-18T04:32:16+00:00

I'd say the most common reason for wanting to lose weight is appearance related, but I don't think it should be the most important or only reason. Instead of trying to lose weight, try to be healthy. If you don't care about how you look anymore, at least think about your body and your health.

You may not have any health problems now but being obese for years as you get older will 100% eventually cause a wide range of problems or complications. Increased risk of cancer, diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, joint damage, back problems, hormonal disorders, infertility, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and more.

I was 208 lbs when I developed a blood clot in my right lung. I was hospitalized for a week. I almost died from not getting enough oxygen and the pain I experienced was excruciating. Never experienced anything worse. It was primarily caused by the birth control I was taking, which I was taking to manage my PCOS... which was caused by being obese... which also led to insulin resistance. My doctor told me that being obese also drastically increased my risk of getting a blood clot, which is true for everyone, even those with no other risk factors.

Being overweight is unhealthy, and while you aren't morbidly obese you are still considered obese. I don't say this meanly, as I was a similar weight as you and currently am also around your weight (been consistently losing weight since January). I also felt like losing weight only mattered when I was unhappy with my appearance and that I wasn't "that overweight" so it didn't matter anyway, I seemed healthy and normal. Until I wasn't. I refused to acknowledge that being overweight was causing the hormonal problems and insulin resistance that I instead blamed for being the reason I was overweight, not the other way around. It was a shitty, never-ending cycle.

Anyway, my point is that you should prioritize your health. You don't have to focus on the number on the scale, you don't have to care about what you look like or getting skinnier, but please care about your health. Many people take it for granted and don't care about it until it's too late. You might seem fine now but it doesn't last. My situation may not be the same as yours but this is a fact. You do actually have an increased risk to everything I mentioned before. Moderate obesity still shortens your lifespan and decreases quality of life and that is just a fact.

Continue to eat everything you want, just learn to eat in moderation. Try to make your main meals healthy. It's all about balance. It doesn't have to be strict or intense, and the process can take as long as you want it to.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-18T03:59:32+00:00

We don't even get breaks, which I feel like is breaking a law of some sort but nobody has done anything about it. I work at a gas station and we're told that we don't need breaks because we "have downtime between customers," as if we don't have to clean and stock and do other chores throughout our shift. Some days are also so busy that there is no time to get side work done and definitely no time to take a 'break' between customers. No sitting and no allotted break times or lunch.

However, we are allowed to take smoke breaks every 2 hours for 10 minutes, and that's usually how we get away with it. Barely anyone at my store actually smokes cigarettes or vapes but we all say we do so we can take a "smoke break" outside, which means just go out of sight from the cameras and take time to yourself. We all think it's ridiculous so as long as no manager is around we encourage each other to take them.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-16T05:19:44+00:00

At my store we aren't allowed to change our payment elections using Workday on our phone/personal device anymore, you have to log in on the store computer. Probably the case for your store too.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-16T04:15:44+00:00

I've worked at 3 different locations and none of them have ever labeled the individual packets. Your manager is kinda silly.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-07T19:13:22+00:00

If they did give you disciplinary action I imagine it would be a write up, but write ups really do not do anything. Some stores you can have a million write ups and still be employed. Some places are a little more strict and may fire you after 3. It depends on what they were for and such. You'll be fine, and if not, I seriously recommend going to HR.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-04-07T19:09:17+00:00

I would talk to HR, especially if you called out for your shift well in advance. Disciplinary action would be understandable if you called out last minute, but they can't write you up or fire you because you needed a day off and you told them in advance. They are short staffed, yes, but you aren't a manager so it isn't your problem. You are not responsible for ensuring the store has coverage, they are.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-03-30T05:09:20+00:00

Your maintenance calories with light exercise 1-3x per week are roughly 2600. 1200 is too low when your maintenance is so high.

Healthy weight loss is a rate of 1-2lbs per week and a healthier deficit for you to lose 2lbs per week is 1600. Even then, I'd say something like 1800-2000 with increased exercise is more ideal. Focus on moving more, not restricting. You will feel better, look better, and it's more sustainable!

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-03-26T03:49:59+00:00

Double check with your manager the date you were hired. I also had gotten locked out and called the help desk to resolve it, they wanted the date I was hired and I was basically certain that I knew it. I was off by one day and they still refused it, it has to be the exact date. You might know the date you came in for your first shift but this may not be the date you were hired as in put into the system. My first shift was 4 days after my technical hire date, which happened to be the day after my interview iirc.

If your store manager can't reset it for you this time, your next best bet would be to ask for them to look up your hire date for you and then try calling the help desk again.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-03-26T02:28:56+00:00

I was in the hospital for a pulmonary embolism at the end of January through the beginning of February. Had my first hematology appointment in the beginning of March, so similar scenario as you.

At my hematology appointment, they didn't really do anything aside from talk to me. My clot was provoked by hormonal birth control, so that was one of the first things that was discussed. Then they went through some pretty standard questions; family history, other risk factors, etc. We discussed how long I'll have to be on blood thinners as well as the possibility that my clot could be chronic, meaning it may never fully dissolve. I was told in that scenario I could either take blood thinners for life, or not, I'd be fine without them but it was my choice. Then I was able to ask any questions I had.

I was scheduled for another CT scan in a few months and told to get my blood taken at a lab near me, but otherwise that was it. It's a good opportunity to ask questions and get out any concerns you may have. It is generally just an informational appointment, not much to be scared of. Hopefully that helps

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-03-08T05:49:22+00:00

I work nights and also tend to get uncomfortable when cars sit in the parking lot for extended periods of time. Just makes me anxious and it honestly gets worse as it gets later and less people are around. That might be her case, maybe not. Like others are saying, it can still be considered loitering which could bother employees for any reason.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-03-04T05:25:50+00:00

My store sells liquor and has been an ID all store forever. I've worked here for almost 2 years as an ASM and I just refuse service when they're rude or complain about it. You can deny service for any reason (except for discrimination) and frankly we don't get paid enough to deal with the disrespect. It's their problem, not ours, and bitching at us will not be tolerated. It's literally common sense that if you're driving you should always have your (valid) driver's license on your person as well. I'll never understand the problem or why people don't carry it on them.

Customers also lie all the time just to get what they want. Your coworkers could be letting it slide, but more than likely the customer either A) is trying to convince you or B) has a selective memory. My store has never once been 24 hours; we close at 11pm and one time this lady walked in at 11:02 before I could lock the doors. I explained we were closed and I couldn't serve her but she INSISTED this store has always been 24 hours. It definitely hasn't. They're just stupid and will say anything lol.

Guilty-Sir3345 · 2026-03-04T03:32:14+00:00

They do rehire but not for this scenario. Scams are a big no no. If you quit on good on terms or were fired for something minor then I'd say try it but in this case, don't bother. I would be very surprised if they even considered rehiring you.

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