OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns After Doctor's Visit: What Could It Mean?

Greetings, medical professionals. I’m Linnie, a 16-year-old, measuring 5’6” and weighing 109 pounds. Fortunately, I’m currently in good health. Today, I visited a physician (not my usual one as she was unavailable) because I had sustained a cat bite while volunteering at a shelter, and there were signs of potential infection. I drove myself there, which was a new experience for me since I just got my driver’s license. After arriving, a nurse checked my vitals, height, and weight before escorting me to an examination room. She instructed me to wear a gown, which puzzled me since the room was quite chilly, and the bite on my arm was clearly visible. I assumed they wanted to examine other possible injuries I might not have noticed. When the doctor entered, she began her introduction but halted mid-sentence to glance at me and the notes from the nurse. Her initial reaction was puzzling, and she displayed a somewhat forced smile. She confirmed I was there for the cat bite before stating, "I need to double-check your vitals. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I want to ensure they’re correct before prescribing anything." She proceeded to measure my height, weight again, and check my blood pressure and temperature. Her demeanor was notably quiet, creating an awkward atmosphere that made the silence feel heavy. Following this, she asked me to sit on the examination table and examined the bite closely while inquiring about details surrounding it. Then, she unexpectedly began inspecting my feet and legs, applying pressure to my toes and ankles. She spent considerable time auscultating my heart and lungs, pressing on my abdomen repeatedly. All of this seemed unrelated to my initial reason for the visit. After finishing her assessment, she informed me that she would send a prescription for antibiotics to the pharmacy in the building. She then recommended that I return later this week, either Thursday or Friday, for a follow-up to check on the healing and suggested that I see my regular doctor. I explained that the receptionist mentioned my doctor was fully booked, to which she reassured me, "Don’t worry. I’ll send a message to her, and we’ll arrange an appointment." Suddenly, she locked eyes with me and asked, "Are you feeling alright lately?" while placing her hand on my knee. I replied that I was fine, but she lingered as if hoping I would share more. Eventually, she stood up, advised me to take care, squeezed my shoulder, and we exited the room so I could check out. They rescheduled me with my regular physician for Friday. However, I'm left with the impression that much of our conversation touched upon concerns that extended beyond my cat bite. Earlier this year, I embraced intuitive eating and inadvertently shed around 40 pounds. At first, I felt a rush of happiness, but more recently, I’ve started to feel uneasy. It seems like the weight loss has become excessive, making me uncomfortable with the way others perceive me. I feel strangely detached from my own body—if that’s even a way to describe it. This sudden drop in weight caught me off guard, and I've spent all day feeling nauseated about the appointment, almost like I’m waiting for a reprimand. The anxiety has me contemplating canceling my upcoming visit. Could her concerns have been about my weight loss? Is that why she wants me to consult with my regular doctor?

Answers (1)

12/16/2025, 4:40:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've had a very emotional and confusing experience at your doctor’s visit, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious afterward. The doctor’s additional assessments and questions likely stem from a combination of concerns, possibly including your cat bite injury and your recent weight loss.

Summary of Main Points

1. Doctor's Concerns: The doctor may have been concerned about your overall well-being, including your significant weight loss.
2. Importance of Follow-Up: The recommendation for a follow-up appointment with your regular physician suggests that they want to ensure both your physical health and mental well-being are monitored, especially concerning your weight and how you feel about your body.
3. Your Feelings Matter: It's important to recognize and validate your feelings of unease and detachment regarding your recent weight loss.

Explanation

Your recent weight loss of 40 pounds can raise legitimate concerns about whether it was intentional and whether it's affecting your physical and mental health. Significant weight changes can sometimes be linked to various conditions or emotional stress. The doctor’s follow-up questions, especially about how you were feeling, may indicate that she wanted to assess your mental health regarding your body image and any potential eating disorders, which can sometimes accompany rapid weight loss.

Next Steps

1. Reflect on Your Feelings: Take some time to think about how you feel about your weight loss and any emotional changes you may have experienced. Journaling your thoughts may help clarify your feelings.
2. Stay Attuned to Your Body: Pay attention to any physical changes or symptoms you notice, particularly how your body feels or any changes in appetite, energy levels, or mood.
3. Prepare for Your Follow-Up Appointment:
   • Write down any questions or concerns you have about your weight, health, or the doctor's visit. This can help guide your conversation with your regular physician and ensure all your worries are addressed.
   • It's okay to express your feelings about the cat bite and your weight loss during the follow-up visit. Being open can help your doctor provide you with the support you might need.
4. Consider Talking to Someone: If you feel overwhelmed, talking to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about your feelings may provide valuable support.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being. If you feel uncomfortable or anxious about your upcoming appointment, consider sharing those feelings with your regular doctor, as they can help you feel more at ease.