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. For diseases that can relapse, such as cancer and some autoimmune diseases, regular visits may help identify and treat a relapse early. Frustration refers to the feeling of having your purpose or action blocked. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen. Even with certain types of cancer, including colorectal and prostate cancer, there's little evidence quarterly visits reduce your relapse risk or improve survival rates. One of the best things you can say is, Just tell me if you want me to leave or stop askingyou cant offend me! Winawer suggested. Also, try to be comfortable with silence: Dont try to fill blank space with chatter about yourself, she said. If you do want to ask about their treatment or how they are feeling, try What is the latest?. what to say to someone waiting for medical results. This article describes the common emotions you might face when waiting for a diagnosis and provides some suggestions for coping with these feelings. Also, imbue the medical personnel who are conducting his tests with the wisdom that comes from you. Its bad enough that it took forever to schedule an appointment that started an hour late, but now all you can do is go home and stare at your phone, waiting for it to ring. Remember, it's harder for bad news to hit a moving target. Cancer patients simply want to be their old selves, Spiegel says, so they often can fail to make their new needs clear to their loved ones and caregivers, which can lead to frustration and anger. . That includes things like cholesterol tests, mammograms, or Pap smears. 2) Schedule Worry Time. Show the doctors what they need to see on my x-ray. Remove all your fears and have faith . Don't Stop planning for the future, including what you're going to have for dinner. 1. Litchfield IJ, Bentham LM, Lilford RJ, Greenfield SM. Check out the links below. Don't wait. They're an easy way to view detailed test results as soon as theyre available. Here's what you can say right before the patient is wheeled off to surgery. If a friend or family member reaches out to you while they wait, you may find yourself at a loss for words. Sometimes the uncertainty leaves you seemingly without an anchor. Sometimes the angry feelings can be channeled into something productive, like advocating for yourself or a loved one. Trish is the Cancer Editor at The Mighty. Depending on the type of test, it could be a few hours to a few weeks before the results are ready. Have you still no faith?. I am grateful that you allowed me to lean on you when I was most vulnerable and anxious. It's bad enough that it took forever to schedule an appointment that started an hour late, but now all you can do is go home and stare at your phone, waiting for it to ring. As with impatience, frustration with your medical issue can carry over to other parts of your life. Get off your butt and put your body in motion. 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. Get better and get back to your amazing self soon! Sign up for our Premium service. Amen! Lastly, Alison and Brian urge you: dont over-promise! So make a 10-minute appointment with yourself and let yourself worry away. S | She faced 33 rounds of radiotherapy and decided to wear a different dress to each one, then documented it on a blog (33dresses.com). How long does it take to get the test results? The longer you have to wait, the more you may have ups and downs, and the more intense your feelings may become. Summary. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Perhaps, you have undergone a series of medical tests, and it turned out that you have a condition that requires medical attention; you should pray for a medical miracle. 8: Be alert and of sober mind. Chronic conditions that are well managed shouldn't require many appointments, either. 6. What do you say to someone awaiting cancer results? Heck, even tell the person you arent sure what to say, but you just want to say something and let them know you are there for them. Proverbs 25:25 NIV Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. review your medical insurance and other financial resources. Tell your story to us, no matter how big or small. Does your staff contact patients regardless of results? During these frozen moments in time, its hard to think about plans for a future that may not be. Or you may be tested during or after your appointment and get the results later. Dear Father, though this is a routine check I must have, there is always a possibility that a serious medical condition may be discovered. Hence, every believer can lay claim to divine healing at any point in time and have it. Ask God for the courage to go through the rigorous procedures involved with medical tests. There are many online communities dedicated to family caregivers, and this might be helpful for your loved ones. Take yourself out of the equation, and offer the other person the opportunity to explain how they feel without being imposing. Comfort us as we seek you now and place all of our concerns into your loving hands as we say Thy Will Be Done. W | It's FREE! Offer to chauffeur or even attend appointments. But now youre at work, and its still difficult to be productive when the results are looming in the back of your head. Be kind to yourself and don't blame yourself for having your feelings. The Cancer Council (cancervic.org.au) has a checklist of questions to ask when you get results, while NPS MedicineWise (nps.org.au) has a list of tests and medications detailing ingredients, possible side-effects and alternatives. It seems reasonable to me to be feeling sad. Sending you a note to let you know that I am thinking of you. I know that without it, I would have inaccurate x-ray results. It can divinely turn around the outcome of any medical test when waiting for the result. Sending you a warm hug, love, and prayers. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Give me the courage to go through all the required stages, procedures, and entire processes. How do you help a cancer patient emotionally? Please, Lord, make my diagnosis a good one. You held me close throughout the period of waiting for my test results. Amen. How long can you be chased for a council tax debt? 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. Were looking to feature moments in which someone interrupted their busy life to lend a hand to someone they didnt know. Trisha Torrey is a patient empowerment and advocacy consultant. 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. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. Gracious God, I will not fail to ask for your abiding presence. God uses waiting to change us." Want to see fewer ads on Aleteia? Thank you, Loving God, because I know you will spare my family and me the stress of a severe diagnosis. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Can stress affect your blood test results? Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Its either because of their insecure nature or their fear of rejection. Searching for information can help you feel more in control while you wait for your results. Were told that at this present moment, it is the focus at the heart of the meditation/mindfulness movement that promises to end mental anguish. If the office says they can't deliver results by phone because it violates HIPAA privacy laws, they're wrong. 65. You can instead say "It is ok to you feel .". We asked our Mighty readers to tell us the best thing someone said to them when they received devastating news. Whatsoever illness is hiding in my body, turn it around in my favor and return full movement back in my bones. Waiting for THE CALL got me like #justkeepwaiting #lularoequeueclub #lularoe, A post shared by LuLaRoe Danielle Meek (@lularoedaniellemeek) on Jul 1, 2016 at 9:13am PDT. Many people say waiting for the results of tests is one of the most stressful parts of the diagnosis process. Before a second set of tests is done to confirm any condition, may your fire run through my entire body system to rid me of every disease so that nothing will emerge from subsequent tests or cause me pain in the present or future. Everyone is so different and a one caring response is not easy. Most of all, I ask that you give me the grace to always maintain a healthy lifestyle and good food diet from now on so that I will always be well nourished. L | Offer to spend time with them and keep them busy. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Sometimes a consult with a pain doctor is needed to help manage pain. You may feel frustrated if there are mix-ups with your insurance or with test results that come back inconclusive. 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. Cancerians are emotional souls but they are extremely private about feelings. If youre facing a possible life-changing diagnosis, the waiting can be especially stressful. Waiting for test results related to your cancer, chronic illness or other condition can be nerve-wracking (to say the least). Here are uplifting words of encouragement and encouraging words and quotes for anyonefriend, family or spouse. Even if it was offered in all sincerity, it can still feel weird to call someone and say, "remember when you offered to help?" Instead, offer precise ways that you can be of assistance. I also request that you guide my radiologist to make wise and knowledgeable suggestions to my doctors afterward. Encouragement Messages For Exams 1). Remember when you went in for a biopsy, CT scan or blood work a few days ago, and your doctor said shed call back with the test results, but she didnt? Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Amen! Take action from that place of power. You may feel flooded with feelings of anxiety, dread, guilt and worry. Please show the doctors what they need to see and give them the ability to fix my bones in the proper position so that I will be relieved of this pain. Here are three things you may want to say but should skip: If you want to help but dont know where to start, here are some suggestions on how to support someone with a serious illness. Read our, Typical Emotions You May Experience When Waiting for a Medical Diagnosis, How Anticipatory Grief Differs From Grief After Death, What to Say When Someone Is Diagnosed With Cancer, The 5 Emotional Stages of People with Cancer, Help Your Child With Autism Manage Emotions, Best Ways to Support a Partner During Menopause, What Can You Expect During End Stage Lung Cancer, How to Disclose Your HIV Status to Someone You're Dating, How to Explain Your Cancer Diagnosis to Loved Ones, Stress effects on the body: Nervous system. During the seminar, Freiberg said "that many people who are prescribed the medication . It was so great to have someone simply hang out and spend time with me at home, she recalled. You or your loved ones might fear burdening each other and may not always feel comfortable expressing frustration, impatience, or anxiety. In fact, it may be the hardest thing youll ever have to face. If, by chance, any news surfaces from the test, I am awaiting their results. Thank you for your strength, love, and peace. Specifically, blood tests can help doctors: Evaluate how well organssuch as the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and heartare working. , You Choose When to Talk about Your Cancer. But there are ways to cope. A note to remind you that I love youand I hate that you're sick. Getting test results may prompt new questions, which you can ask at this appointment. I know there are so many people who need their attention. Waiting for test results related to your cancer, chronic illness or other condition can be nerve-wracking (to say the least). At dayofdifference.org.au you will find all the information about What To Say To Someone Waiting For Medical Results. Healthcare providers sometimes ask you to make an appointment to get the results of routine medical tests. Thank you because the results did not mark the beginning of sorrow for me and my loved ones. Sanders, who wasnt able to leave her house due to her accident, said that her relationships and social life suffered. You know every cell in our bodies and the whole path of our lives. Instead, use the web to get better informed. Ask what kind of friend the person needs you to be. Instead, you filled my heart with joy over the good doctors report I got after my diagnosis. If something is ever discovered, I pray it is a simple thing to treat. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I heard you're doing well after surgery. Assist me in being patient and calm during this period of waiting. June 14, 2022; pros and cons of stem cell therapy for knees . Healthcare providers order lab tests for four main reasons: The test results may be simple and straightforwardsay, positive or negative. X | Get better and get back to your amazing self soon! Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. And by faith, I declare that it shall not prosper. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. Making Use of Telehealth for Healthcare Provider Appointments, Telehealth for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19, What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result, Why You Might Get Billed for Messaging Your Provider in MyChart, Understanding Your Nerve Conduction and EMG Results, Why People Are Noncompliant with Treatment, Time until emergence of HIV test reactivity following infection with HIV-1: Implications for interpreting test results and retesting after exposure, Strategies for initial management of hypertension, Want your test results? However, sometimes a face-to-face visit is warranted. "It is the opposite of fixating on yourself, for you have done everything you can and now it is time to release. Check out the dos and donts below: No matter what, it is better to say something than nothing, said Ron Blake, a sexual assault survivor who has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. Abba Father, peradventure, it turns out unfavorable; I ask that you take me toward the path of healing. "Never rush into a relationship. Engage in Relaxing and Joyful Activities Feelings of stress and anxiety while waiting for the test results can make you become restless and fidget with objects around you. So you make the call and once again, youre waiting. May the sound waves produce the needed images and make them perfectly clear. 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. Oops! After all, it may not feel "safe" to release your frustration with the clinic where you are receiving care (you might want to be seen as a "nice patient"), so you may finally let it go when your spouse forgets to pick up milk at the grocery store. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. Make a follow-up appointment beforehand if the results might be something you need to discuss. Double-check that the imaging center or lab has your providers correct information on file. Diagnose diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anemia (uh-NEE-me-eh), and coronary heart disease. For example, if you have prediabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), you may not need treatment right away. A 2013 US study found that Googling symptoms can trigger worries about medical bills, job loss and disability before a diagnosis is even made. While it's true that emailing you results could violate HIPAA laws, practices can send electronic messages (or post results to a patient portal) if they have a secure means of doing so. To check in with ourselves and notice what our thoughts are focused on and what tension we may be holding in our bodies. what to say to someone waiting for medical results. What do you say to someone waiting for medical results? Yet when the danger we are considering comes from our thoughts, rather than an acute and readily apparent danger in our midst (such as a lion attacking) the reaction can lead to further anxiety and stress, causing physical responses such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and more. Unfortunately, its also inevitable that well all deal with this kind of situation in life. Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries. Follow-up appointments for going over test results are appropriate if you're just being diagnosed, monitoring treatment effectiveness, or trying to manage chronic illness. Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You may feel shocked, scared, concerned or uncertain on behalf of your loved one, said Anne Moyer, an associate professor of psychology at Stony Brook University. Anxiety is a normal response to the feeling of being threatened. You may feel tense and your mind may be troubled with how this diagnosis may affect you and your loved ones. Instead, may the x-ray only reveal fully functioning organs, just as you perfectly created them. Here are ways to pray for a medical miracle: You obviously cant tell a friend waiting for an important medical test result, You will be fine, because you both know you cant guarantee that. Then I will either wait for him or forget him." Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept Sometimes it can be satisfying to take charge of a situation, solve a problem, and move forward. 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. I also ask that you imbue him with your wisdom to know how to diagnose me correctly. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. They may need support, but they may also be so tired of being a patient.. 30 Prayer Points For Good Medical Test Result. V | .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. When someone you love falls ill, gets in an accident or receives a scary health diagnosis, its never easy. Breast cancer survivor Elissa Ashwood coped with her diagnosis by breaking it down into chapters. Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Do things that induce your flow experience. Dont ask what you can do to help or say, Let me know if you need anything. Many people will never ask for help even though they need it. We have found when we call patients about lab results, they give us better patient satisfaction scores. Soothe his anxiety with the knowledge that nothing can be against him because you are for him. Waiting for the results of biopsy testing, scans, or lab tests can understandably weigh heavily on your mind. Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome. Can you sue someone for almost hitting you? You can have many wishes for good medical results, but the best option remains to seek Gods help in anxious times through prayers. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 2017;64(1):53-59. doi:10.1093/cid/ciw666. Christina Pandapas, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46, agreed that simple gestures often go a long way. If you feel worried, anxious, or stressed, take comfort in knowing that your feelings are normal and experienced by many people. Father in Heaven, thank you so much for giving me the strength to undergo the necessary tests and the patience to wait for the outcome. There are some things you can do while you wait: If you are living with chronic pain, make sure you discuss it with your healthcare providers. Yes, it does! May they discover what is really going on with my health. What should you not say to a cancer patient? Follow-up labs can tell you whether your strategies are working. But I can honestly say I feel God's peace now. I pray that the medical test results I expect will bring tears of joy down my cheeks. Dear Lord, thank you also because I will enjoy many more years in good health. "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." Getting a diagnosis can involve waiting to see a specialist, waiting for a test to be scheduled, or waiting for lab results to come back. Although you might be wondering, try not to ask, How are you doing? as it can bring up an unwanted reminder, Pandapas said. Sometimes you need to know more than just "positive" or "negative.". If results are concerning, they may call you or have a receptionist call to schedule an appointment. Also, dont assume theyre doing fine just because they look fine, she added. 1) "The best way to get through that agony is to focus on others," Irwin said. But please dont beat yourself up over what is not under your control. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.