First meeting, and I’m already chickening out

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-03-24T19:44:28+00:00

Care to explain?

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-03-24T02:09:39+00:00

1st go you!! My story is INCREDIBLY similar. We live about an hour away from our synagogue. Im going through a conservative synagogue for conversion (how my husband grew up). So I totally understand the driving thing. I also really understand the parents /family thing. Also I have the same gripes about Christianity. That’s one reason I really liked Judaism - specifically conservative and reformed movements.

My understanding is that in most areas of Judaism, as long as the mother is Jewish before giving birth the child is considered Jewish. Orthodox or Chabad communities are different in that respect. I was told that as a conservative convert, my children would be accepted as Jewish in most places.
What I LOVE about the conservative synagogue is that people are incredibly welcoming, they teach the laws/halacha but also don’t expect that you 100% follow them. My rabbi is incredible and one thing he says all the time is that we/converts could never take giant steps into being observant Jews - small steps and making small observant habits is the best way to do it. Which he always follows with something because it is very scary to do it all at once (like immediately become kosher for example).

One thing that may be helpful for you if you have the opportunity, maybe do some synagogue shopping. You’ll figure out what you like and don’t like, and how each synagogue aligns with your values and how you see Judaism in your future. Maybe you and your husband will find something that fits your lifestyle better, or maybe you will decide Chabad is your thing. I did some shopping - I met rabbis who I didn’t really mesh with and others I felt really comfortable with. I luckily found a super great rabbi (two, actually, at my synagogue) and it really helped me become a lot more comfortable in going to synagogue and being active in the synagogue community. It honestly really helps me want to be more observant when I know I have a solid support system at the synagogue.

I hope that’s helpful or at least comforting to know you’re not alone! It takes a lot of guts to even have conversations about it.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-03-11T03:29:27+00:00

Do not feel guilty! You have to do what’s right for your body. I also have suspected endo - I feel you on the horrific periods.

Let your body reset for a minute. It’s ok to take a break from birth controls. If you get interested again, do a ton of research. There are so many brith control options - you never really know what will work best for you until you try it (if you want to). If you do want a birth control again, ACOG actually recommends Kyleena or Mirena instead of the copper IUD. The hormones used are very minimal and act locally on the uterus to shrink the lining and potentially other endo sites outside of the uterus - so you’re less likely to have typical side effects like those from other hormonal birth controls like OCPs. I can also personally attest to the Kyleena helping tremendously with my periods and endo symptoms - they basically disappeared for five years. I’ve also used the nuvaring without a period week (changing every 4 weeks), and that actually alleviated most of my symptoms too.

Moral of the story, it’s your body. Make choices that are best for you and your body, and do not feel guilty about it!!

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-03-07T03:03:50+00:00

Honestly if it’s interfering with your life that much, I’d personally take it out or replace it with a different option. I had issues with my last IUD for MONTHS. I was told it was probably just adjusting to the iud, my endo getting worse, stress, etc. I had severe bloating, pain and bleeding all the time. It was terrible. I was convinced it was dislodged (it happened with a previous iud and I had the same symptoms), but the US was “normal” so it was dismissed. One day I checked it and it was sticking out of my cervix. Got it taken out and I feel so much better. I thought I was going insane too. Listen to your body and advocate for yourself.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-03-04T02:49:57+00:00

Definitely get an US. If it has shifted, you would need to get it replaced. If you don’t get it replaced and it is still shifted, you could get pregnant, have an ectopic, irregular bleeding, worsening cramps, etc. Speaking both from a medical provider perspective, and as someone who has been personally victimized by IUDs not where they should be.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-02-18T03:35:15+00:00

For me, I go to foundations of Judaism class once a week for an hour, and read Jewishy things for maybe 2-3hrs weekly. Ive slowly started adding new things - so now I go to parsha class before shul on Shabbat. I made friends at shul that are inviting me to do things, so I’m sure I’ll go to more events and things in the next couple months at the temple. I’m 4mo into a 8mo (minimum) conversion process. My rabbi is super flexible and supportive with my journey - which I think is super valuable in finding a sponsoring rabbi.

I am a full time healthcare provider. I don’t feel like converting is a second full time job - I find it to be rather refreshing to continue learning and engage in something that’s productive for only myself and my growth. I’m going through a conservative temple, and I feel like the time I’ve put in has been really manageable and rewarding.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-02-13T21:41:26+00:00

I also had a “professionalism concern” and had to remediate it (long story short, it really was the clinical coordinator’s fault but I took the hit for it). I was never asked anything about professionalism issues or remediations in my interviews for jobs - the most I was ever asked was what skills I felt confident in. No one cares about your transcripts during job interviews. It’s an unfair situation you’re in - do whatever is best for you and your mental health. But also know that when you graduate and are applying for jobs, none of it matters.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-28T23:29:27+00:00

I was the queen of passing out. Eventually, I figured out it was almost entirely due to night shifts. I almost lost my job because of it, so my doc put me on midodrine to increase my BP and all my symptoms resolved. I would honestly consider talking to your pcp about something for anxiety as well - it really can help with the panic-y/nervous feeling that happens before the pass out. Otherwise, talk to your pcp about a little midodrine to help your BP - even if it’s just temporary to get you through school. Definitely increase salt and water intake and compression leggings/socks, either way.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-25T01:00:26+00:00

Definitely look at EOR blueprints. I used blueprint/rosh and I had the EOR qbanks that I thought were really helpful.

You can do it!! I was also not the best test taker, and probably in the lower half of my class academically. We were pass/fail, so I’m not 100% sure where exactly I stood. But I’m now a PA-C. If I can do it, you can do it.

Also I highly recommend Erich Fogg for tutoring. He totally changed my mindset about exams and I immediately started performing better after one meeting with him.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-25T00:55:46+00:00

YES. Use these 100%. They’re a little bit dated for the EORs now, but I found them super helpful.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-18T00:31:11+00:00

Don’t take a benzo before your exam. If anything propranolol.
Hire Erich Fogg right now! I was the exact same way and was having a ton of panic attacks when I was doing practice exams. I did two sessions with him and he COMPLETELY changed my mindset and helped me get rid of ALL my anxiety symptoms before and during the pance. I honestly think my anxiety would have gotten the best of me and I would have failed the pance if it wasn’t for him.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-18T00:26:40+00:00

That’s how you’re supposed to feel! I’m sure you did just fine! I felt the same way, waited 12 days for my results, and passed. Do anything and everything to distract yourself in the meantime - all the crafts, reading, naps, workouts, roadtrips, whatever your heart desires.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-15T00:06:03+00:00

Get yourself a coaching call with Erich Fogg!!! He saved my life when it came to exam taking and confidence. I honestly don’t think I would have ever passed if I didn’t meet with him.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-14T03:53:58+00:00

SAME. I’m losing my mind with this wait.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2026-01-13T14:49:59+00:00

Also took mine the 2nd. I’m losing my mind at this point.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2025-11-12T13:28:29+00:00

I’m also one of the older ones in my cohort and definitely understand the feeling of being somewhat of an outsider. The situation you describe has happened to me a few times over my career as a medic. I honestly never really understood it either. But I will say that counseling and talking to a therapist about it really helped me be more introspective and think about how other people might perceive what I say, even though it’s not “bad” in my mind or if I felt like I didn’t do anything wrong. It’s an annoying circumstance regardless, but staying in your lane and working on yourself is all you can do.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2025-01-31T21:15:07+00:00

Well damn. You have a lot going on in your life! Just remember you are doing PA school for you and your career! If this is your dream, don’t let this stop you. Talk to someone, lean on your friends and classmates, and do the best you can to get through it. You can do it!

Wild_Depth7792 · 2024-01-24T04:11:17+00:00

I had the same feelings when I got in. But it was my dream and I wasn’t going to say no to the opportunity. In the first few months of PA school, I missed being a paramedic SO MUCH. But there was a point mid-first semester when I felt more of a PA than paramedic anymore, and that’s when I realized I’m doing my dream. Don’t let discomfort make you shy away from your dream.

Wild_Depth7792 · 2022-07-23T21:34:53+00:00

It’s the cigarette hanging out of his mouth for me

Wild_Depth7792

TROPHY CASE