In the last couple of years I have faced many tests and procedures. @merpreb mentioned, the unknowing is where my anxiety comes in. I want to understand what is going on, what my team is looking for, in order to be a partner with them on this journey.

Were all the scans/procedures comfortable? Oh, no! But laying in an MRI tube, I assigned patterns to different sounds and in my head, came up with some fantastical pictures!

I also made sure to be pleasant to any staff involved in my case. While I may have been hurting [sometimes pretty bad!] I managed a smile, a comment about outlandish duty shoes, or something, to personalize the situation, and to distract me just a bit. Because I have to use a cane often, I will tell staff "I am movitating as fast as possible" going down a hall. Being pleasant has nothing to do with the outcome of the scan/procedure, but a lot to do with my mindset. A "hello", "thank you", "have a wonderful rest of your day" carries over to the next patient. And honestly, I get more information from staff this way!
Ginger