I am pretty sure I overshare.
An oversharer, from what I gather from a variety of sources, is someone who divulges more information than is necessary. The info-share is usually marked by intimate, gross, and disgusting life details, typically broadcast in writing where anyone can see them—you know, like on Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.
I tend to blurt out my personal details, which most always have a medical undertone, because (a) I think that what I publish can help others (case in point: this blog, where hundreds of people visit each day for information about breast cancer and a reminder that people, like me, do survive the disease, even after harrowing experiences) and (b) I know that what I publish helps me (case in point: this blog, where, over the span of almost eight years, bunches of well-wishers have lifted my spirits and led me to resources for better living.
Oversharing is probably expected on a breast cancer blog, where details and graphic photos (like the one of my boobs all marked up and ready for radiation) are key for raising awareness. Lately, though, my tendency to overshare has funneled over to Facebook. Here’s what I wrote today:
For those who love a good medical update — A dose of propofol (yes, the Michael Jackson drug), a tube and camera down the throat, a biopsy of a few parts, a groggy wake-up, and now I’m home. Findings are as follows: gastritis, duodenitis, hiatus hernia, and some iffy mucous in pancreas. Next up: MRI to investigate pancreas thing + a follow-up with doc to determine course of action. The good news is that my esophagus and cardia (the opening that connects the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach) are normal. Well, that’s good, right?
Some people would never dream of such a share. I’m an open book though, so it doesn’t phase me to tell you that I suffered a miscarriage 12 years ago, that I vaginally delivered two bigger-than-10-pound babies (reason for some current pelvic issues), or that my tummy (which was “tucked” to remove excess pregnancy skin) is so troubled that I ended up with an endoscopy today, and I am a little worried about what might come back in the pathology report.
Oversharing is just part of who I am. And I hope that one day, maybe, what I so freely spout out helps you, or helps me, and if you hate that I tell you everything you never wanted to know, just steer clear of this blog and my Facebook page, and you’ll stay happily in the dark.
