Waiting for scan results. Is this part of scanxiety?

Posted by azkidney57 @azkidney57, Oct 27, 2019

So I am waiting to know the results of my recent scans. Is this part of scanxiety? Or is it results anxiety or post testing angst? Whatever one could call it I don’t like it! I wish I could know right away! The results of my own scans have to go through my doctors first! I realize that is how it’s done but it makes me more anxious. I don’t like having to wait. How does anyone else handle the waiting game? I have been trying to be relaxed about it. The underlying dread of “what if”! My arm still hurts from where I received the contrast for my MRI. I had a dream about being inside the “tube”. The clicking and clacking of machine the voice that told me to hold my breath and breathe. I wonder if I could get a gin and tonic to take the edge off. Then I was cold and hot at the same time! It was a bit like torture. The tube is like a coffin, confining and restricting. It was uncomfortable in the machine and then my nose started to itch and I couldn’t move my arms!

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denny2019 | @denny2019 | Nov 23, 2019

I have had tons of MRI's & when i ask the doctor they will have them give me some valium which does help during the MRI. As for after the test the waiting is the worst and I try to keep as busy as possible and get as much sleep as I can. Hope this helps.
Denny

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 24, 2019

In reply to @eileen61 "Not worried about the actual MRI, just the results." + (show)

@eileen61 - I know that a lot of people have trouble being inside an enclosed space. I for one, hate it. MRI machines aren't made for comfort at all. That being said you are very lucky not to be one. Test results, no matter which ones, always elicits anxiety. I think that the reason for this is because when we are ill, we lose control. We depend on the medical profession to cure us or at least make us feel better. We turn over our physical selves and that gives us a sense of losing control. Plus humans seem to like tormenting ourselves, lol. We anticipate which makes us feel even worse. Humans can come up with the worst scenarios that might occur. When you find yourself doing this try and see if it's a possible scenario. Maybe think of ways that you have dealt with "bad news" before and implement those. Keep busy too. We can't change the future but we can prepare for it. How have you dealt with your anticipations?

JK | @contentandwell | Nov 24, 2019

In reply to @eileen61 "My first post-treatment MRI is scheduled for 11-25-2019. My 30 proton beam radiation treatments and 42..." + (show)

@eileen61 We will all be thinking about you tomorrow and hoping that the results will be good. Try to be positive about it. I have yearly MRIs to check to see if cancer is recurring and I just tell myself that it is not! So far, so good.
JK

Sundance(RB) | @sundance6 | Nov 24, 2019

Sundance is sending you Hope and Blessings! Think of a very Special time in your Life or a Special place in your Life and you'll come through it!
Sundance(RB)

Nancy, Alumna Mentor | @1nan | Nov 25, 2019

In reply to @sundance6 "Sundance is sending you Hope and Blessings! Think of a very Special time in your Life..." + (show)

Thank you. This experience has been full of blessings and we are again reminded of a wonderful life.

alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Oct 26, 2020

@azkidney57 I think we all go through this--waiting for scans be they CT, PET scan, or whatever. It is normal. One thing that helps, but doesn't quite take away the anxiety for me is to lose myself in a great novel--something of historical fiction, or find a series on TV and binge watch it, or several. I also play my piano. I guess the point is anything that will, even for a little while, get your mind of the upcoming tests and results. Also acknowledging the anxiety and not working to push it down helps. It is absolutely normal to have worries about these tests and their results. So let it happen, but tell yourself you cannot, or would not want to be in a position where you don't have access to these medical tests.
Also, if you are a praying person, pray, pray, pray. If you are not, mindful meditation--there were some good comments on Mayo Clinic Connect--helps a number of people. I know what you are going through and it is not easy. "Talking" about your feelings here is a great help and no one will judge you for your anxiety. You can get a lot of tips from others here. Know I am thinking of you and praying for you. Please, please, keep us posted. We care here!

earscan | @earscan | Oct 26, 2020

They gave me earphones when I had my MRI and I listened to music the whole time and kept my eyes closed. It helps. If you like to read, it takes your minds off the "what if's" and it helps also. We are all in this waiting game together. (((((hugs)))))