My mom handles all the serious business.
June 10th, 2008 | by TJ |So, it’s summer. And it’s hot. Oh my god, Internet, it is hot. 105 degrees with the heat index today. I called my doctor’s office that I never go to yesterday, to ask them to please call in the prescription for an inhaler that I get every summer, as I have asthma that flares up quite badly in extreme temperatures.
THESE ARE EXTREME TEMPERATURES and my inside-chest-tubes (technical term, try to keep up) feel quite tiny and make my sleeping very inturupty (keep UP!!).
ANYway, this is just a standing prescription and for the last couple of years, there comes a point in the summer where my voice starts to go in and out of sounding normal to sounding … well, different. I don’t know how to explain it, but I noticed it happening during recent BlogTVs, and that is usually my cue to call the doctor and say “AM HOT. WHEEZE. PLEASE CALL IN PRESCRIPTION. WHEEZE. SO AS TO AVOID MY DEATH. WHEEZE.” and they call the pharmacy and I go pick it up and tra la la, minimal human being interaction.
So I called them yesterday to say “Hello, it is hot now. Let’s not let me die ok?” And they said, you know, actually it’s been a very long time since you’ve been here so we’d like to do a full physical before we renew that prescription, and are there any other issues you have concerns about, and let’s schedule that appointment now, ok?
And I said “Uh… canIcallyoubackokbye!”
Ok, so, a long time ago, back when I was in high school, the Something Is Wrong With Our Child matter reared its head in an unignorable way in my family. It was a very long time coming, as I was the kid that was probably giving my parents the least trouble. Aside from being a little strange, and extremely moody, with an extremely volatile temper, I did well in school, had good friends, a nice boyfriend, a good job and essentially flew under their radar unless I was screaming.
Which I was, those days. A lot.
A LOT.
Anyway, with my younger brother struggling in school and my younger sister going through standard middle child acting out and such, I suppose it was easy enough to write off certain things about me as just odd quirks or, “Oh, that’s just the way she is.” Until my teachers started kicking up a fuss and such and made it very clear that no. No, she, and this, and everything – Not Normal. I don’t know what my parents had been telling themselves to that point.
Parent: She’s… uh… shrieking at me…
Other Parent: Well, you did look at her. What did you expect?
Parent: Where’s TJ?
Other Parent: She left.
Parent: What happened?
Other Parent: Tried to hug her.
Parent: You know, you bring these things on yourself.
Or something like that.
These matters went overlooked, ignored or un-dealt with for a long time, to the point that in my own confusion of not understanding what was going on, or why I wasn’t like other people, a lot of things had sunk to a near pathological level – glossing over it with a very quick example – I hate to be touched. At this point, my sensory type issues had grown so wild and rampant that I was often flat out refusing to go outside – it was getting on me. Outside was getting on me. Air was touching me? I don’t know. This short period of time where everything boiled over was very difficult and odd and I couldn’t really talk about it if I wanted to.
So, anyway, doctors were called, things were done, etc, etc, etc and my mother stepped up and Handled Things. All kinds of things. I don’t know how to explain. Things just got handled and obstacles and barriers that my disorder put in my path were knocked down by my warrior mom.
Anyway, comes a time I have to go to the doctor. There was a new nurse practitioner at my doctor’s office (I was still seeing my pediatrician at the time) and my mother spoke to the office and to her before I came in. She told her that touching me needed to be kept to an absolute minimum, etc, I don’t know exactly what she said, but I do know that that particular nurse practitioner was excellent. I don’t really know if she kept the physical contact to a minimum, but she made it very clear to me that she was trying to, and that helped me handle it better.
(Please keep in mind that this was an extreme time, and I went through much therapy and such in the time since and things have improved greatly.)
ANYway. So now I live on my own and away from my mother and some time ago, I had to go to this doctor’s office, the same one that wants me to come in for a physical before they will renew my inhaler prescription. Before going to them a few years ago, I talked to them like my mother had to my previous doctors and tried my best to inform them of the issues, but come the day of my appointment, the nurse was such a jerk. After reading some notes, she snorted at the idea of minimal contact (I find going to the doctor stressful enough as it is, which is the reason for the odd requests), made comments about how I needed to get over it, shouldn’t even go to the doctor if that’s how I was going to be, and honestly seemed to go out of her way to madhandle me. I know this all sounds silly, but without getting into the agonizing process of me even getting my butt TO the doctor that had occurred beforehand, all I can tell you is that it was all rather traumatizing.
So, I didn’t go back. I just called for that prescription whenever I’ve needed it and that’s that. And now they want me to come in for a physical before they’ll do anything for me here. Now, I could easily go around them – any doc in a box will give me what I want – but there are a couple of issues lately. One, the random freckle that appeared on my tummy a year and a half ago, grew to the side of a dime, and feels kind of funny. Also, the fact that my legs seem to be covered in bruises constantly. That’s a little weird. I mean, I know I’m clumsy, but when babysitting the other night I got gently bumped with a toddler elbow and now have an ugly purple and yellow bruise. Noah is a lover, not a figher. That’s just weird. They’re all over the place. And that’s been going on for… oh, an embarassingly long time to have stubbornly ignored it. But I do not want to go to these people! That nurse was mean to me.
/huff
Anyway, let me get to a point of this post. I know a lot of people will say, “Oh, I know how you feel. I don’t like to be touched, either,” but I am writing this specifically from the perspective of a person with autism and all the attendant sensory issues that go along with it. While that nurse was obnoxious, this list is for all people who are buttheads sometimes.
THINGS THAT ARE NOT OK.
1. When you are aware of a person’s desire for a slightly larger than average personal bubble, and you stand next to that person, and they take a polite, discreet step back to give themselves a bit more comfort, rolling your eyes and saying, “Oh get over it,” is NOT ok. Your definition of acceptable distance probably differs from theirs, and yours does not trump theirs. It embarasses me when you call attention to my attempts at subtle movement like that.
2. When you are aware of a person’s desire to not be touched, reaching out a finger to poke them gently in a joking manner or, worse, playing the “I’m not touching you!” game is NOT ok. You are putting me in an awkward spot – I realize you are playing, and it is not funny to me. If I react how I want to and slap you upside the face, somehow I am the one who is an asshole. NO U. You are the asshole.
3. The snotty, self-righteous, aggravating and constant question, “Oh so you don’t like to be touched? What if you have a booooyfriend? Is HE allowed to touch you?” is NOT ok. That, frankly, is none of your damn business.
4. If you are aware that a person does not like to be touched, but pat their shoulder, hug them, touch their arm or any other kind of casual contact, acting offended when they pull away is NOT ok. Saying “GOD it was JUST a HUG,” is even less ok. It is up to the individual to decide what level of touch is “ok,” not you. Don’t call attention to that shit, either. I bet you’re pretty sensitive about that giant pimple on your nose, would you like me to loudly point that out?
Everyone goes on and on these days about accepting differences, being openminded, etc. Race and religion and nationality and sexual preferences, we’re all different from each other and we need to accept this and live together. Yet something so small – I don’t like to be touched and you do – is something people can’t seem to get into their heads. They don’t want to accept it as a difference, they want me to get over it.
Any of those other examples – race, religion, nationality, sexual preferences and more – would you ever tell someone who differed from you in one of those ways to “just get over it?”
By Ratshag on Jun 10, 2008
Is a good post, TJ. Appreciates yer trusting the internet enough ta shares this with us. Glad to know you’ve been ables to make progress in learning how to handle the autism, but I understands that don’t make the issues go away. So I wishes you strength to get through the day, and the doctor’s office, and lucks avoiding the fucktards what can’t respect who you are.
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By Bellwether on Jun 10, 2008
I’m a pretty physical person; I like hugs and touching and things. But I’ve always thought it was rude to impose my own level of physical comfort on other people. I’ve been told at times to walk on an opposite side of the sidewalk from another person and have done so, no arguments.
People don’t seem to understand how important physical distance is to some people. Frankly, that nurse is a disgrace.
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By TJ on Jun 10, 2008
Thanks, Ratshag.
Bell, that’s definitely an appreciated attitude – it’s obviously my issue to deal with, and I do, and I do fine. It’s only a thing when someone else MAKES it a thing.
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By johnthediver on Jun 10, 2008
Hey Teej,
You make me want to cry, but kinda in a good way?
We recently have had a bit of trouble with my 7th grade son. He got in trouble at school, he brought a knife, got expelled. at 7th grade.
We had to do a bunch of stuff (too much to go into here) but part of it was appointments with a therapist. Well that little appointment changed the world.
It is very easy for a parent, who interacts with their child every day to have a different scale of “Normal” We never even considered our child wasn’t fitting into social norms.
Now it has been 6 months since the incident at school (which by the way was kicked off by a female classmate who was touching him, and after many many talks with teachers, the school therapist and campus supervisors did not stop, he brought a knife to convince her to stop touching him) he is seeing a therapist regularly, sees the psychologist monthly or so he is learning how to deal with his differences, and he is growing.
The biggest downside is we received a letter from the school board yesterday stating even though we have a medical diagnosis to explain the behavior, he still brought a knife to school and he is expelled untill he starts high school. (damn it looks like i’ll bee paying $700 per month for the Christian academy because the school they want to send him too is the school attached to Juvenile hall)
OK too longwinded and now im late for work…hope you read this and have some advice.
John
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By For the Pie on Jun 10, 2008
Find another doctor. Yes, it’s a hassle, but you have health concerns and there are too many doctors out there to allow a nurse to act like a..as Ratshag said, fucktard.
The technical term is lung tubes, not inside the chest tubes…..sheessh! ;)
In addition, many of the doc in a box places can probably help you with your search for a new primary care physician as well. Although some of them actually can check out all the symptoms you’ve told us about.
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By Anna on Jun 10, 2008
I would call back and ask to have the doctor call you. (assuming that your problem stems from the nurse at that office and not from the actual physician). You’ll probably have to wait for him/her to call you during off hours.
What happened is absolutely NOT OK, at all. Period. And someone who is trained to take care of people for a living Should Not Act Like That. It’s her job to make sure that you’re well – but it is not her job to cop an attitude with you, and the Doctor needs to know that you’re uncomfortable with one of the members of his staff.
And hopefully he/she can help you out – because you’re right, some of that stuff probably should get checked out by an MD.
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By Anna on Jun 10, 2008
*because i type too slow* or what Pie said – find another doctor. and yeah – a health clinic to get your inhaler should be able to recommend a new primary care physician that meets your insurance requirements – plus, they might have experience with a doctor that they know is particularly understanding of such things.
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By klaki on Jun 10, 2008
I admire the courage you must show everyday in interacting with such people, and the willingness to write about it. Keep it up and if anyone won’t respect you or your personal space, let us know. We have ways of making them respect others. :)
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By Lynda on Jun 10, 2008
I think you should find a new doctor, one that makes you comfortable. That nurse is giving the profession a bad name. It doesn’t sound like she explained to you why she was touching you either.
To bad you don’t live in Indiana. I have a really good doctor. I am afraid of needles and always need someone to hold my hand. One day he said, “Just try it without someone holding your hand. If it doesn’t work, we will get someone for you.”
Incidentally, my mom says I am afraid of needles because of a bad nurse. ;)
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By Dammerung on Jun 10, 2008
I’m with Anna and For the 3.14 and Lynda.
Find a new doctor. That level of callusness(sp?) is retarded.
And write the old one a note explaining exactly why you will not be going to them anymore. Perhaps they have someone who actually cares working at the top and he/she might not even know their nurse acts this way. It really isn’t acceptable.
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By Meghandra on Jun 10, 2008
Find a new doctor, or at the very least speak to the doctor directly about the issues with the nurse. The people you go to for medical care should be understanding of all of your medical/mental health issues. That is their job! I get so angry at medical professionals that think that mental health issues are less important than physical health. I know this comes from being a therapist.
On a personal note I have some “strange” personal space issues. I don’t like people in my personal space if I don’t know them and please for the love of all that is holy if you don’t know me DON’T touch me. People that I am close to I tend to be very touchy/huggy with.
And TJ thank you for having the courage to tell all of the internet about this. You show great courage :)
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By Dechion on Jun 10, 2008
My daughter has had similar issues but for different reasons (fragile X syndrome for the curious). As johnthediver said earlier, as parents who see our kids every day we can have a whole different take on who our kids are than the way the way they are percieved by the outside world.
I have talked with doctors about it in the past and they seemed to understand that her boundries were different than those of many people. Then again I have met with some resistance from the school system about it.
Finding another doctor is something I would likely do in this case. however I would also talk to the first doctor before I did so. You said it has been several years os it may very well be the nurse who behaved that way no longer works there.
If she does I would let the doctor know how you were treated, even if you don’t go back. It might help keep it from happening again to someone else.
Thank you for sharing, it takes guts.
*jumps on soapbox briefly*
@ johnthediver find out who the person that sent you the letter’s boss is and take it up with them. What the school officals you mentioned allowed to happen was out of line. Keep going higher until you get what you need. if you end up with a politician talk about taking it to the press….never let the system punish your child for the failure of the system /grrr
*jumps from soapbox*
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By John The Diver on Jun 10, 2008
@ Dechion
Yeah we had our meeting with the full school board on may 29th. Not sure how much higher we can go from there.
Long and short of it is the district has a “No tolerance” policy for weapons on campus, and we can’t argue that he brought a weapon to school.
And having said that, we have a lawyer from a parents advocacy group that specializes in this sort of thing, and special education needs.
We will see what happens.
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By Maebius on Jun 10, 2008
Seconded (eighteenthed?) about talking to the doctor and explaining your concerns.
also, TJ, you jsut rose to a new level of awesomeness in this post. Yeah, it’s hard to be “moar awesum”, but it is. This node of the intarweb appreciated the sincerity, integrety, and realilty of this post. It’s getting to virtually meet TJ via blog which keeps me coming back.
Sometime I may have to make a Drenden alt to send you a hello.
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By Asara on Jun 10, 2008
When it’s been said by so many people already, it hardly bears repeating, but definitely, try to talk to the doctor’s office, if not the doctor first, and if they won’t see reason, find another doctor. I know that’s just as scary because you don’t know that the new one won’t treat you just like the old one, but at least you’ve got a fighting chance that the new one will be more understanding.
I’d give you a hug if you’d take one, because that’s how I reach out to people who are upset or feeling bad, but if that won’t work, feel free to borrow any of my stuffed animals and they’ll pass it along. Even my 4-foot tall Stitch. :)
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By Nick on Jun 10, 2008
I have a smidgeon of the same problem with my wife (still love her to bits). She can be very “in your face” and most times I expect a pretty reasonable allowance for my personal space. But when I tell her that sticking her face into the side of my head isn’t OK she keeps doing it until I end up laying the verbal smack down, which upsets her. We still get along great though and these incidents are mercifully few and far between. People are different and you are close minded and bigotted if you don’t accept everyone ELSE’s choices but it doesn’t work vice versa for some reason.
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By Kelly on Jun 10, 2008
I have a large personal bubble, and un-understanding people are the worst ever. I would also recommend biting the bullet with the courage you show writing this post, and find a new doctor. You could always ask for a introductory interview (do they have those for docs? they should), and talk to them about what you expect from a doctor’s office, and see what their reaction is. If it’s bad, bolt.
Thank you for putting all this in words. I’m going to save it and send the weblink to the next oblivious person who insists on standing in my bubble after I’ve politely asked them to back the f up.
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By Kailen on Jun 10, 2008
I agree with all of what you’ve said here. I do have some minor issues with touching, but this is mostly with people I don’t know. And I hate the “I’m not touching you” ‘game’. It’s about the most annoying thing, because I can feel a tingling where they are pointing. That, to me, is touching enough.
I also have a friend who doesn’t like to be touched either, to more of an extent than I do. So I do try to keep it to a minimum, I only hug her when she wants to be hugged, etc. I try to let her initialize any sort of touching because I know that it’s better that way.
And when it’s all said and done, if people are too stupid to respect your space, TJ, you should just punch them in the throat.
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By Kelly on Jun 10, 2008
What? A nurse really said that and did that? OMG, she SO needs to be fired.
I’m not keen on being touched either, but not quite to that extent. It’s extremely NOT FUNNY to play with people who need to be all alone in their personal space. I feel pretty good when I don’t slug the people who don’t get that.
Is there more than one nurse in the office? You can request that she never come within 10 feet of you. Or get a new doctor with more sensitive staff.
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By Reventrant on Jun 10, 2008
Find yourself another doctor…AFTER you endure one more visit and get these “issues” checked out immediatly by someone who has experince with your health. I realize that nurse was totally rude and thats an issue all it’s own, but it’s not a life threatning issue and the abnormal bruising could and should be checked immediatly.
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By Gauntlet on Jun 10, 2008
I hope you went over that nurses head last time and spoke to somebody about it. That shit is unacceptable from somebody in the medical field. “Get over it?” Up Yours, nurse-lady: You’re in a position where you are called upon to support and help people – that attitude is unacceptable.
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By Gauntlet on Jun 10, 2008
Also, depending on the office and the doctor in particular, talking to the doctor may result in absolutely nothing happening. Quite often doctors are extremely busy and their schedules and support staff are dealt with by other people. Realize this, and you may need to ask the doctor who to talk to about issues with their nurse. They’ll want to hear it, rest assured, but usually somebody else will be the one you actually need to bring attention to.
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By Braveship on Jun 10, 2008
TJ — It feels silly and a bit redundant to say what so many others have already said, but I feel compelled to say it. I’ve been reading your blog for several months now, and I’m a big fan. Your humor, sincerity and writing chops are first-rate, and always a great read. But this most recent post ups the ante, as it were. Thank you for your honesty. I’m a teacher (high school), and although we’re notified of medical and psychological issues related to our students, we don’t always hear or get notified about everything. This kind of “personal space” issue is something that I don’t have any personal experience with, but I feel much better informed after reading your post (and the responses), and I think I’ll be much better prepared to handle it with my students in the future. So, thank you!
– Braveship (70 Gnome Rogue, Anvilmar server)
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By Softi on Jun 10, 2008
Thanks for sharing this with us TJ, it’s good to get things written out sometimes to help make sense of them isn’t it?
I agree with the others who’ve said get a new doctor, but like someone (or many?) said, call up your current doctor and tell him/her about how you were treated the last time you were there.
That sort of behaviour is completely out of line and really, if a nurse acts like that they shouldn’t be in that profession.
I’m the opposite from you – I love been hugged, close to others etc, but the other half really *doesn’t* like people invading his space. He makes exceptions for me and our kids though :) It’s difficult for me to understand sometimes but I’d never poke fun at him for it!
I really hope you manage to get things sorted, either with the doctor you have already, or a new one. Just make sure you don’t put it off for too long – the last thing you need is to be stuck without an inhaler when you need it!
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By sonvar on Jun 10, 2008
I kind of have the same feeling. For the most part I really preferred not to be touched unless I initiate it or I ask for it.
Hopefully you won’t run into someone who is like that nurse as its uncalled for.
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By Steve on Jun 10, 2008
First time commenting, although I’ve been reading for some tme.
Just want to say that while I thoroughly respect yoiur stance re touching, if you have any symptoms that worry you GET THEM CHECKED OUT! In most cases it’s nothing. In my case, if I had gone to the doc’s a little sooner, I could’ve avoided permanent scarring on my bowels from where my Crohn’s Disease ran rampant and unmedicated. I’m not typing this to scare you, well maybe I am, but scaring you for the right reason.
That nurse was undoubtably a jerk, but you are well within your rights to ask for another one, and my experience with nurses leads me to believe that a good 90% of them are awesome, understanding people (I worked off some pre-op nerves by talking poop with one who was technically on a break) so you wouldn’t have to go through too many before you get a good one.
Take your mom with you as she obviously gives you comfort, but do go!
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By Phil on Jun 10, 2008
Thank you for sharing with us. I had definitely fallen into the jerk category when it comes to not abiding my brother
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By Saresa on Jun 10, 2008
what a great post TJ. I often find it difficult to get people to understand that I do not like hugs. I especially hate people touching me. No, I don’t like holding hands with my boyfriend, but I’ll occasionally do so to keep him happy. My issue with people touching me is very minor, and it ticks me off no end that people just can not understand it. I feel for you with that nurse. I can only hope she was having a bad day, and usually isn’t that rude to patients. Good luck, I hope you can find an understanding doctor.
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By Brierley on Jun 10, 2008
Hey TJ,
I work in a doctor’s office and I agree with everyone lol. If you truly don’t feel comfortable in that office because of the nurse, try to get a new doctor (depending on your insurance that can be a hurdle in and of itself).
If you decide to go forward to this doctor’s office, leave a message to speak to the doctor over the phone before coming in to let him know about your previous experience and let him know that you need to be seen, but will not be seen by that nurse again.
If the office is large enough also ask to speak to the Office Manger. At my office any praise or compaints that hit our office manager get to the attention of the staff and the doctor’s much faster than going directly to the doctor.
Another option to be considered is ask a friend to help. I know for me there are certain things I am good at and certain times when I call a friend for help. Honestly unless it would mean my job to help a friend in a similar situation, I’d go with them to the appointment in a heartbeat for support.
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By Pablo on Jun 11, 2008
Teej – since it’s been several years, more than likely that ‘nurse’ has moved on, however, the health concerns are real and need to be checked out. Most office staff ‘nurses’ are little more than medical assistants, very few of them are LPN’s and it’s extremely rare to find an RN.
If you run into that situation again, calmly and rationally discuss the behavior with the doctor, and then separately with the office manager, practice manager and/or nurse supervisor. Be calm and rational. People that carry on and cause a ruckus get absolutely no respect when they complain.
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By Ailtia on Jun 11, 2008
TJ – I agree with what people have said already.
1- stay strong….take it one day at a time.
2- Have YOUR mother write a strongly worded to the Doctor about that NP.
3- If you do not see your current DR see another one…that brusing issue sounds very wierd to me.
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By Jezrael on Jun 11, 2008
TJ you are awesomesauce. Agree with everyones comments. I definitely agree with making sure you do get stuff checked out because it does sound a little worrying. That said, I’m no fan of going to the Doctor myself.
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By Moomajick on Jun 11, 2008
I also have serious personal space issues and avoid the doctor’s office as much as possible. Apparently, my doctor kinda ignored my request not to poke and prod me at every chance he got. So, eventually I did something about it and it probably wasn’t the best thing to do but I have a very bad temper (it’s slow to rise but once it gets to the boiling point I ignore the little voice telling me not to do something).
The doc already thought my family volatile because after waiting for an hour and a half PAST his appointment time, my dad flipped out on the doctor. The next appointment, the doctor explained to me why I had to wait so long and blah blah blah.
So after repeatedly telling this little man that his rough handed way of moving my head around and touching me and standing too close was bothering me, my temper reached critical mass and i calmly and in an even voice told him, “I’ve asked you not to do that, now if you do it again then I’ll have to push YOUR head to the side until I hear a pop. Capiche?”
…I haven’t been back to the doctor since, but it worked.
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By Moomajick on Jun 11, 2008
Oh, yeah, there was a moral to the story.
Death threats. They work.
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By graydeath(graypanther) on Jun 11, 2008
If the nurse or doc doesn
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By Kirk on Jun 11, 2008
1 – yes, there ARE people who will say, “get over it” about race, religion, etc… They tend to be the same fucktards. If you ever come up with a good solution besides hitting them, let me know so I can use it too.
.
2 – Not same root, but we had a nurse problem too. Complained to office manager and doctor. We now have another doctor, as nothing was done. We also inform people why we changed. We LIKED the doctor – better than average in some ways that were very important to us – so that was a hard thing to do. I can tolerate non-life threatening mistakes. I cannot, WILL not, tolerate, “well, it didn’t hurt anything so you’ll just have to get over it.” That said, it’s hard to find another in situations like yours. I mean, “Oh, just try them, and if the nurse is bad there try another” just… epic failure to understand. So I’ll kick a slightly different recommendation. Find a local support group for your problem. Mention your ‘no-touch’ problem and that you need to find a medical staff that UNDERSTANDS that issue in your area. From the list of recommendations, find those that your insurance covers, and then figure out which you prefer. (Gender, specialty, distance from home/work, that sort of thing.)
.
Just my two cents. Good luck.
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By Daxenos on Jun 11, 2008
We were “lucky” with our youngest son in that the Asperger’s was diagnosed early, so we had time to read up on the challenges that he might have and be prepared. He’s 14 (almost 15!) now and is pretty well adjusted.
And, yes, we thought it was a big deal the other day that he spontaneously hugged my wife.
Dax
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By Flaime on Jun 12, 2008
I have to admit, I cannot relate to your problem. But I can empathize…I have a pathalogical fear of both heights and people being behind me…The second probably comes from being a child with the first…
But I concur…if your doctor or your doctor’s staff is untillling to work with you in a manner that you can tolerate, it’s time for a new doctor.
I wish I could get work to give me a cube that people couldn’t walk up behind me in…
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By Cinderella on Apr 4, 2009
hi, i’m going back and reading the archives because i’m enjoying your blog alot, and i just had to comment on this post. i went through a period in middle school when i basically “lost it”, and what happened with me was very similar to your ordeal. i also developed a STRONG aversion to being touched anywhere by anyone. however several people (including one of my friends) still insist on standing RIGHT next to me, and tapping me on the arm to get my attention. if i can hear them, they don’t need to touch me. i already know they’re there. in addition to driving me CRAZY, i actually have reflexes that make me jerk involuntarily if i get touched. i try to explain to them over and over that it really IS an issue and that they really should listen to me, but they say it’s not important!! aargh!! i also have a strong dislike of doctors, so i haven’t been to one in forever. basically, anything closer than an arm-and a-half’s length away from me, i can’t see (also can’t see in the dark, very far away, etc.). so i tell people that not only are they irritating me when they stand right next to me like that, i also can’t see them. they don’t take the “hint”. i wonder if there’s a way to create one of those force fields that superheroes make to keep people away. (and yes, the only person who knows how to touch me correctly is my boyfriend).
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