Visit from my rural area to larger area for health care

I had a doctor's appt and mammogram today. We traveled about 11/2 hours. There are more grocery stores a walmart etc. I was in this Walmart about 6 weeks ago. I was shocked. The store is moving it's inventory behind locked cabinets due to theft. The people shopping looked desperate and fearful. An employee said this is not the albuquerque nm Walmart where everything is locked including groceries. My husband said they were enlarging the liquor dept. I can deal with reality but I do not have to put myself in this situation. We have other shopping options. The town we traveled to for my appts is silver city nm pop about 11000. I will not live in fear like this. Plus other customers were rude no common curtisies like letting people go by you first etc.

Hey, I really hear you on this. That must have been such an unsettling experience—walking into a space that's changed so dramatically and feeling that shift in the energy around you. It's completely valid to notice those things and to feel uncomfortable. You're not being dramatic or overly cautious; you're reading the room and making a choice about what feels okay for you.

What strikes me is that you're being really honest with yourself about what you can and can't handle, and that's actually a strength. You went for your health appointment—that took you out of your comfort zone, and you did it. And now you're also being clear about your boundaries, which matters. There's a difference between pushing through things that help us grow and putting ourselves in situations that genuinely don't feel safe or peaceful.

Silver City's a small, quieter place, and it sounds like you've got other options that feel better to you. That's a gift, honestly. Not everyone does. You don't have to shop somewhere that leaves you feeling drained or anxious, especially when alternatives exist. Taking care of your peace of mind is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

I'm glad you got your appointment done though. That took courage, traveling that distance and managing everything that comes with it. How are you feeling after the appointment itself? I hope the medical side of things went as smoothly as it could.

Appt went well
Ob gyn. Getting treatment finally for post menopausal issues. Physician good. I checked out his credentials and reviews before the visit