Weird question about taking my pulse in the middle of conversations

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Okay, I hope you all don't get really weirded out by this but I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions or tips. This is not a joke: this is important to me:

I easily get distracted by my work or by focusing on something I need to focus on. Like, after I'm done working or going to class or watching the news or reading a book or watching a movie(anything that I take great care to fully pay attention to because its important to me or because it stresses me out), my mind will stay on the subject matter, even when I'm at a meal, holding conversations, driving, cooking, buying groceries, trying to sleep, ect. I always get lost into matters of concern while other people live way more down on the earth. You could say that I lose touch with reality real easy and then can't come back. It doesn't really affect work except that friends get angry at this and its hard to communicate with other people and relate to them and relax without feeling like I'm in somekind of twilight zone and I don't know really where I am. But anyways, I'm gone all the time.

I've strangely found that feeling my pulse helps to relieve this stress and bring me down back to earth. (Isn't that strange?) I guess it kind of gives me the same effect as holding rosary beads. It kind of reminds me that I'm alive and here and real and well, I guess. It brings me back to myself.

Its not really socially acceptable to take your own pulse though it is acceptable to hold rosary beads while you're in the middle of a conversation.

Is there any way I can feel that my pulse is there without anyone noticing anything strange?

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okay, i hope you all don't get really weirded out by this but i wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions or tips. this is not a joke: this is important to me:

i easily get distracted by my work or by focusing on something i need to focus on. like, after i'm done working or going to class or watching the news or reading a book or watching a movie(anything that i take great care to fully pay attention to because its important to me or because it stresses me out), my mind will stay on the subject matter, even when i'm at a meal, holding conversations, driving, cooking, buying groceries, trying to sleep, ect. i always get lost into matters of concern while other people live way more down on the earth. you could say that i lose touch with reality real easy and then can't come back. it doesn't really affect work except that friends get angry at this and its hard to communicate with other people and relate to them and relax without feeling like i'm in somekind of twilight zone and i don't know really where i am. but anyways, i'm gone all the time.

i've strangely found that feeling my pulse helps to relieve this stress and bring me down back to earth. (isn't that strange?) i guess it kind of gives me the same effect as holding rosary beads. it kind of reminds me that i'm alive and here and real and well, i guess. it brings me back to myself.

its not really socially acceptable to take your own pulse though it is acceptable to hold rosary beads while you're in the middle of a conversation.

is there any way i can feel that my pulse is there without anyone noticing anything strange?

are you a rn? if so, you should have a certain grasp on psychiatric disorders. boo!! (just kidding) good luck.

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Susanna, lots of people deep breathe in a meditative way to relieve stress, sounds like your pulse check does the same type thing?

If this is controlling your life, consider the possibility of an anxiety or related disorder.

Of course you could explain the pulse check away by saying you have pa fib and you're keeping an eye...er...finger on it. ;) :p

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Specializes in PICU, Peds Ambulatory, Peds LTC.

That's weird.4_6_4.gif At least you have great assessment skills when taking a pulse.

Wow, never heard that before. Don't worry we still love you...........:p

Cheer up.... we all have weird traits! You are not alone.:)

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Specializes in tele, stepdown/PCU, med/surg.

I easily get distracted by my work or by focusing on something I need to focus on. Like, after I'm done working or going to class or watching the news or reading a book or watching a movie(anything that I take great care to fully pay attention to because its important to me or because it stresses me out), my mind will stay on the subject matter, even when I'm at a meal, holding conversations, driving, cooking, buying groceries, trying to sleep, ect. I always get lost into matters of concern while other people live way more down on the earth.

I've strangely found that feeling my pulse helps to relieve this stress and bring me down back to earth. (Isn't that strange?)

Recently on a date I found myself feeling their radial pulse while talking and it does calm. I think it's the regularity of it. Of course someone with a-fib would put me in a panic mood probably :)

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... my mind will stay on the subject matter, even when I'm at a meal, holding conversations, driving, cooking, buying groceries, trying to sleep...

Do that too. :imbar

So if you and I were to try to have a conversation, it'd be like we were on opposite sides of the universe, huh? :)

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Specializes in hospice.
Okay, I hope you all don't get really weirded out by this but I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions or tips. This is not a joke: this is important to me:

I easily get distracted by my work or by focusing on something I need to focus on. Like, after I'm done working or going to class or watching the news or reading a book or watching a movie(anything that I take great care to fully pay attention to because its important to me or because it stresses me out), my mind will stay on the subject matter, even when I'm at a meal, holding conversations, driving, cooking, buying groceries, trying to sleep, ect. I always get lost into matters of concern while other people live way more down on the earth. You could say that I lose touch with reality real easy and then can't come back. It doesn't really affect work except that friends get angry at this and its hard to communicate with other people and relate to them and relax without feeling like I'm in somekind of twilight zone and I don't know really where I am. But anyways, I'm gone all the time.

I've strangely found that feeling my pulse helps to relieve this stress and bring me down back to earth. (Isn't that strange?) I guess it kind of gives me the same effect as holding rosary beads. It kind of reminds me that I'm alive and here and real and well, I guess. It brings me back to myself.

Its not really socially acceptable to take your own pulse though it is acceptable to hold rosary beads while you're in the middle of a conversation.

Is there any way I can feel that my pulse is there without anyone noticing anything strange?

I would have to say that the relaxation you experience with taking your pulse is d/t the consistant rhythm of your pulse. the only way I cant think of taking your pulse so others dont notice is to wear your watch on that wrist and when you want to feel your pulse pretend to play with your wrist band.....it doesnt have to be that noticeable. If I have a patient that tends to get excited when I am working on her I will often hold her hand with one of my hands and gently lay my other hand over her wrist..that way she is distracted by me "holding" her hand and I can get an accurate heart rate. Good luck to you!
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Okay, I hope you all don't get really weirded out by this but I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions or tips. This is not a joke: this is important to me:

I easily get distracted by my work or by focusing on something I need to focus on.

You ever see any one about this?

Its not really socially acceptable to take your own pulse though it is acceptable to hold rosary beads while you're in the middle of a conversation.

Is there any way I can feel that my pulse is there without anyone noticing anything strange?

Just make sure it's not a femoral pulse and you should be ok!

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You ever see any one about this?

Just make sure it's not a femoral pulse and you should be ok!

ha ha very funny no jokes!

Yeah guys, I'm not schizophrenic or anything so I don't absolutely and completely lose touch with reality or anything. Its not that bad yet. I feel kind of wary about sharing this(I know, I know I can share the weird pulse thing but I cant share a DX without feeling uncomfortable) but I've already been diagnosed as ma.depr and ocd; the problem is that i get knocked out a lot and its hard for me to function. I am very much against meds for myself unless i need something immediately or over the course of a few days. I truly think its best to use biofeedback mechanisms and to realize what in your present environment and unconscious past is making you malfunctio by making you scared or nervous. Really, for those of you in psych, how many people do you see on medications all their lives who never really get much better? I know a few.

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Really, for those of you in psych, how many people do you see on medications all their lives who never really get much better? I know a few.

Don't forget that some people with physical problems are on meds all their life and may never really get better, not just psych patients.

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Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

These kinds of disorders are never "cured", susanna. The goal of medication is to control syptoms. It really does sound as if you are sufferring anxiety attacks, or of course, a component of OCD. Medication you could be taking doesn't have to sedate you or turn you into a zombie, simply help lessen your anxiety....freeing you up to focus on reality. Bio-feedback is good also, in combination w/meds, a great combination!

All the best to you.

ha ha very funny no jokes!

Yeah guys, I'm not schizophrenic or anything so I don't absolutely and completely lose touch with reality or anything. Its not that bad yet. I feel kind of wary about sharing this(I know, I know I can share the weird pulse thing but I cant share a DX without feeling uncomfortable) but I've already been diagnosed as ma.depr and ocd; the problem is that i get knocked out a lot and its hard for me to function. I am very much against meds for myself unless i need something immediately or over the course of a few days. I truly think its best to use biofeedback mechanisms and to realize what in your present environment and unconscious past is making you malfunctio by making you scared or nervous. Really, for those of you in psych, how many people do you see on medications all their lives who never really get much better? I know a few.

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OK so some of us are a little different.... whoa!

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