How do you stay calm when waiting for medical results? I decree that the laboratory technicians and scientists will not work in error as they handle my urine and blood samples in the name of Jesus. But then when your timer goes . Terms. arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field. We asked our Mighty readers to tell us the best thing someone said to them when they received devastating news. And ask for a copy to keep in your files. It allows us to deal with situations out of our control with more grace and less stress, which is good for our mental health as well as our physical health. Pandapas said her friends continued to show their support throughout her recovery, which was very meaningful to her. Stress can lead to comfort eating as adrenaline causes blood sugar surges that make us crave sweetness. Outside of this, the worries are a problem for future you not present you. By Mary Kugler, RN Waiting for the results of a medical test, or for a diagnosis, can be agonizing. Trisha Torrey is a patient empowerment and advocacy consultant. This article will look at when it's needed, when it's not, and how to set expectations with your healthcare provider. Get better and get back to your amazing self soon! Sometimes a consult with a pain doctor is needed to help manage pain. Frustration refers to the feeling of having your purpose or action blocked. God uses waiting to change us." Lord, I ask that you give me peace during this waiting time. Your email address will not be published. Check out the links below. I receive grace to remain steadfast and patient as I expect the test results in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Although you might be wondering, try not to ask, How are you doing? as it can bring up an unwanted reminder, Pandapas said. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sending you a note to let you know that I am thinking of you. It's important for you to know that the feelings you might face are all completely normal. A simple I will keep thinking of you, or I wish you much love and strength or Im sending you a big hug is a perfect way to end your note. . N | You may feel uneasy and apprehensive. But try to suppress that natural inclination when speaking to a loved one dealing with a diagnosis. You know that I have been leaning in on You for full and complete healing of this problem, and I am standing on Your Word in this matter. Either way is okay, and dont press people who dont seem ready to talk about it. Be wary of any office that says they only contact you "if there is a problem." Merciful God, I pray that each image will successfully show my insides just as you created them. Paying more attention to the present moment - to the way you feel, your thoughts and to the world around you - can improve your mental well-being and help alleviate worries. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. My husband was very adept at helping my friends navigate my ego.. Here's what they recommend. When we're more aware of what's going on around us and inside us, it also helps us notice signs of stress and anxiety and helps us deal with them better. Specifically, blood tests can help doctors: Evaluate how well organssuch as the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and heartare working. So do something for . Read and meditate on these Scriptures while waiting for test results and watch God fill your heart with peace instead of the usual anxious thoughts following a medical test. This is a real game-changer. Time is not a thing that passes it's a sea on which you float.. In this resourceful article, you will find the following: You will also find words of encouragement for someone waiting for medical test results. I pray that you help me never to have any reason to undergo anyone again. Many people may feel angry at times while waiting for an answer. Theres often a flurry of activity and assistance immediately following a diagnosis or accident, Winawer said. You won't know whether you're fine or the results were somehow lost or not properly communicated to you. Do healthcare providers call you if test results show bad news? Many health conditions are invisible on the outside, so commenting on someones appearance can feel dismissive or hurtful. Have you ever had a chance encounter with a stranger who showed you some unexpected kindness or help at a moment when you really needed it? They had an uncanny sense of timing. Foods that are rich in vitamin B, such as avocados and almonds, are known to help reduce stress, while depression has been linked to low levels of folic acid, so introduce veg such as asparagus and broccoli as well as citrus fruits into your diet. Any sort of health crisis signals a huge change in your life, and its frightening, said Melodie Winawer, a neurologist and neuroscientist at Columbia University. A | You have to read the situation and the person. And in many cases, doctors may choose not to call patients because we know that they know we know whats going on, and they trust us, so we dont call unless its necessary, he says. You may feel flooded with feelings of anxiety, dread, guilt and worry. God uses waiting to change us. Clin Infect Dis. What do you write in a get well card for someone with cancer? Instead, offer words of encouragement instead like, You are amazing, she suggested. By the time I return to the doctor for the report of my diagnosis, may I receive normal results and hear everything looks good.. Genesis 8:10-12. . It is early days still and I presume that you have not had any results from your MRI, Ultrasound and biopsies yet. In other words, pitch in by taking an everyday task off their to-do list, like doing the laundry, making sure the bills are paid and mailed off or having dinner ready for the family. I pray that the medical test results I expect will bring tears of joy down my cheeks. All times AEDT (GMT +11). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unlisted Public Company You may feel impatient with your spouse or friends. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. 2023 MJH Life Sciences and CURE - Oncology & Cancer News for Patients & Caregivers. Consider talking to someone who is willing to listen and to be compassionate, like a friend, counselor, a clergyperson, or a peer in a support group. Anything you can do to provide some fun and normalcy will ease stress for the whole family., Also, you can navigate around the ask by asking the persons spouse how you may be able to help. There are many online communities dedicated to family caregivers, and this might be helpful for your loved ones. Photo: Yulia Reznikov/Getty Images. However, we sometimes blow fears out of proportion, so its important to put worries back into perspective. She recommends this visualisation technique: Picture the worst-case scenario as if youre watching it on a movie screen, then shrink the picture until its tiny. None of the above scenarios are funny, but sometimes our community finds the humor in it all. For diseases that can relapse, such as cancer and some autoimmune diseases, regular visits may help identify and treat a relapse early. You can find even more stories on our Home page. I need both your guidance and strength as I go through the entire procedure. You know, the good kind of stranger. If you're struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer: 1. Thank you for being with me during my biopsy. . Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Most of all, bless me with good health, in Jesus name. Give them an idea of what to do after the results are out. When a friend or loved one is facing a serious health scare, one of the best ways to be truly supportive is to eliminate the burden of making the ask, he said. However, sometimes the angry feelings burst out inappropriately, like on the lab technician whos trying to take your blood sample for a test. But I can honestly say I feel God's peace now. Delaney KP, Hanson DL, Masciotra S, Ethridge SF, Wesolowski L, Owen SM. .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Sophia Swinford - @media screen and (max-width: 767px){.css-1xovt06 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-1xovt06 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 07/02/18. How long can you be chased for a council tax debt? Also, try to be comfortable with silence: Dont try to fill blank space with chatter about yourself, she said. U | It was dj vu all over again, including the numbness in my toes a sure sign that my brain was calling on all blood cells. 2014;31(5):592-597. doi:10.1093%2Ffampra%2Fcmu041. Worrying is part of our survival mechanism, clinical hypnotherapist Dr Tracie OKeefe says. For example, if you test negative for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), you may assume you don't have it. Sometimes the uncertainty leaves you seemingly without an anchor. Exercise to Ease Restlessness in Your Brain. It's also an opportunity to discuss starting treatment. Check her story out in the book, A Letter to My Mom.. As much as they would like to voice their admiration and love for someone, theyll go an extra mile to suppress those very emotions. Say Get Well in a way that's personal and sincere. Ask when results will be ready and call that day or the next. Whatever the tests outcome, we will pray it to God together. Remember that your feelings are normal Waiting for imaging test results can be a significant and stressful experience. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Heres how to pray for good medical test results: If you are ready to offer some powerful prayers for good medical test results, you are definitely in luck, as I have provided 17 powerful ones in this article. We did manage a toast to health, and once again cursed the evil bastards who, in my cynical mind, think nothing of taunting those of us challenged by cancer with our very survivorship. Waiting for the results of biopsy testing, scans, or lab tests can understandably weigh heavily on your mind. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. I hate it when my favorite people get hurt. A 14bn plan to reduce NHS backlogs caused by Covid is failing to meet targets, with cancer waiting times at their worst-ever levels, parliament's spending watchdog . Waiting for the results of a medical test, or for a diagnosis, can be agonizing. 2. When the word finally came that the scan showed no changes, aka, you get to live a little longer, I was literally stunned by relief. 3. You knit each of us together in the womb. Healthcare providers order lab tests for four main reasons: The test results may be simple and straightforwardsay, positive or negative. Amen Lord, Jehovah, God of Healing, we come to you today, to lift up a dear one who needs You. Do you want to tell me about it? or Ive never been in your position, but Id love to try to understand what its like, Winawer suggested. That's true when you're first being diagnosed with something or managing a chronic illness. Dont tell the person it will be okay because in reality no one really knows if it will or not, Sanders said. Do you need to allow people to help you with things like cooking, cleaning, or errands? So your main task during this waiting period is to manage your anxiety. Think about practical strategies to simplify your life. ~Psalm 94:19. nag your doctor. Amy Molloy reveals how to stay positive when hoping that everything is OK. Its either because of their insecure nature or their fear of rejection. Great God, please sit with me while I wait for my CT/CAT scan results. In fact, waiting can actually be a positive good that he often uses to make us more like his Son. That might feel like a waste of your time and money. Most importantly, I ask that you assist me in relying on you during this stressful time. Just because a result is normal doesn't mean that the visit is unwarranted. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Quotations About Waiting For Someone. If he has to make a choice, may he make it now. It appears you entered an invalid email. Some people find it helpful to connect with a support group (or an online community, especially with rare diseases) which offers the opportunity for you to talk with others who have experienced the same situation that you are going through. Sending you lots of feel-better hugs. But, on the bright side, here are some of the lovely things I've heard in the past few weeks, all of which would be AWESOME things to say to someone who is anxiously waiting for test results: "YOU WILL BE FINE." "Call me if you need ANYTHING." "I think we need to fill up that empty wine glass of yours stat!" "Can I do anything for you?" what to say to someone waiting for medical results Ruth 3:18 - Then she said, "Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today." . Sending good, healthy recovery vibes your way. Anxiety and worry that accompanies the period of time before undergoing or receiving the results of a medical examination. If results are shared by phone, email, or online, how does the office ensure they will only be shared with me or my designees? Do you need to hire a part-time nanny to help with the kids? Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. How Do You Get Rid Of Hiccups In 5 Seconds? If a healthcare provider asks you to schedule an appointment to go over test results and it doesn't seem necessary, ask why. An appointment gives you an opportunity to talk about: It can also help avoid confusion over what the results mean. Anju Goel, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician who specializes in public health, communicable disease, diabetes, and health policy. The word of God in James 5:16 says The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. And you might have to deal with symptomssuch as dizziness, nausea, or painwhile you're waiting for an answer. Time until emergence of HIV test reactivity following infection with HIV-1: Implications for interpreting test results and retesting after exposure. If, by chance, any news surfaces from the test, I am awaiting their results. Increased optimism while we are waiting for important news can decrease our stress. Send them soothing Scriptures to alleviate their anxious feelings and replace them with peace and calmness. Oops! Focus on positives Depending on the type of test, it could be a few hours to a few weeks before the results are ready. But many people begin to check out after the first couple of days or weeks, despite the fact that the person continues to deal with their disease or diagnosis. Amen. "The doctor may be waiting for test results before being able to treat you." "We need to see people with life-threatening problems before those who do not appear to have such serious problems." "Because this is a teaching hospital, we have our physicians and residents talk with you and examine you which also takes time." You probably don't need one for preventive tests or if your condition is well controlled. Psalm 56:3-4 NIV When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. What to Say to a Cancer Patient "We'll get through this together. You or your loved ones might fear burdening each other and may not always feel comfortable expressing frustration, impatience, or anxiety. What to Say to Someone With Cancer. It can divinely turn around the outcome of any medical test when waiting for the result. Try authentic and empathetic statements, like Im not sure what to do to help, but I care about you, or Im feeling upset too, but want to do my best to help, Moyer suggested. "You are a bright and shining light in the world! Lord, cancel whatsoever evil that may be discovered in my health that made my doctor recommend this test. It is always okay to ask your healthcare provider about treatment guidelines or why a test or appointment is being recommended. It is part of the fight or flight reaction designed to protect us from danger. Tell your story to us, no matter how big or small. As well as provide the best care possible where required. Thank you for your strength, love, and peace. James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Grief, terror, anger, depression and other overwhelming emotions can all affect cancer patients. Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome. May they discover what is really going on with my health. Matthew 15:22-29 tells us healing is the childrens bread. I hope you recover as quickly as . 8: Be alert and of sober mind. Read our. Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems. At dayofdifference.org.au you will find all the information about What To Say To Someone Waiting For Medical Results. As with impatience, frustration with your medical issue can carry over to other parts of your life. Psalms 84:11 NIV For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. If you feel like talking Im here to listen. When someone you love falls ill, gets in an accident or receives a scary health diagnosis, its never easy. Then I will either wait for him or forget him." Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept It seems reasonable to me to be feeling sad. Gracious God, I will not fail to ask for your abiding presence. 15 Effective Prayers for Guilty Conscience. Mainly so that God will imbue them with the wisdom and grace they need to do the right thing. May they vanish from my body and bloodstream without any trace in the mighty name of Jesus. During these frozen moments in time, its hard to think about plans for a future that may not be. The shortest waits for specialist consultations are in Quebec (7.2 weeks) while the According to Jocelyn Charles, Chief of Family and Community Medicine at Sunnybrook, a physician who orders a test for blood, ultrasound, X-rays or CT scans is responsible for responding to abnormal results and communicating these results to the patient. Thank you for helping me complete the process successfully. Healthcare providers sometimes ask you to make an appointment to get the results of routine medical tests. The longer you have to wait, the more you may have ups and downs, and the more intense your feelings may become. O | What do you say to someone awaiting cancer results? Give me the courage to go through all the required stages, procedures, and entire processes. She lost her father to stage 4 lung cancer in August 2016, and previously worked at a childrens cancer research organization, so she knows firsthand about the cancer experience. Please, Lord, make my diagnosis a good one. By Trisha Torrey So, I pray you give my doctor a clear mind as he reviews my test results. Father I thank you for your mercy and your grace upon my life and my family, be thou magnified, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Let love be the one to knock on your door so that by the time you start to feel, you'll know it's real.". So, what do you say to someone awaiting medical test results? Can you sue someone for almost hitting you? 2023 MJH Life Sciences and CURE - Oncology & Cancer News for Patients & Caregivers. As I wait for the results, I pray that you be with me throughout these procedures. We spoke with people on both sides of the diagnosis doctors, psychologists and people who have been through their own health scares for their best advice on how you can help make a difficult time a little easier. Sometimes you need to know more than just "positive" or "negative.". Please give me positive ultrasound test results. Your email address will not be published. Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries.