Words like "I know how you feel" are not comforting because they sound more about you than about them. Also, stay with me as I await the results, which I do not doubt will be good ones. Remove all your fears and have faith . Check her story out in the book, A Letter to My Mom.. 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. Through them, may I receive a mind-blowing testimony in Jesus Mighty Name. But there are ways to cope. Anxiety is a normal response to the feeling of being threatened. K | They probably dont need armchair treatment recommendations based on your second cousins brothers experience.. Frustration refers to the feeling of having your purpose or action blocked. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. You may feel frustrated if there are mix-ups with your insurance or with test results that come back inconclusive. First, don't be hard on yourself. You know, the good kind of stranger. Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems. Trish is the Cancer Editor at The Mighty. There, youll also find thoughts and questions by our community. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Matthew 15:22-29 tells us healing is the childrens bread. In fact, the helplessness that loved ones often experience can magnify your feelings even further. Do healthcare providers call you if test results show bad news? You may have just been tested too earlybefore your immune system had a chance to make the antibodies the test detects. Also, strengthen me to receive the outcome in good faith, whatever it may be. You may feel tense and your mind may be troubled with how this diagnosis may affect you and your loved ones. 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. 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. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god. 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. As I wait for the results, I pray that you be with me throughout these procedures. what to say to someone waiting for medical results. Anju Goel, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician who specializes in public health, communicable disease, diabetes, and health policy. Sometimes you need to know more than just "positive" or "negative.". 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. I have faith in you!" This is a good message to use when your friend is scared or doubtful. Y | B | That includes things like cholesterol tests, mammograms, or Pap smears. 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. Give me the courage to go through all the required stages, procedures, and entire processes. Christina Pandapas, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46, agreed that simple gestures often go a long way. Yes, it does! Terms. If you're taking medications for chronic conditions, regular in-person appointments can help you stick to the treatment regimen. All times AEDT (GMT +11). Say Get Well in a way thats personal and sincere. The problem is heightened levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can impair your immune system, so when faced with a health scare its more important than ever to keep calm and carry on. Time until emergence of HIV test reactivity following infection with HIV-1: Implications for interpreting test results and retesting after exposure. Whats The Difference Between Dutch And French Braids? But I can honestly say I feel God's peace now. 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. Waiting for a diagnosis can be one of the most difficult things a person experiences. Please be with him at this crucial time. Waiting For Results What To Do When You Have To Wait. Then I will either wait for him or forget him." Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept None of the above scenarios are funny, but sometimes our community finds the humor in it all. Scanxiety . Give them an idea of what to do after the results are out. Lastly, Alison and Brian urge you: dont over-promise! You can also encourage your friend with comforting words like: I will be right here for you, regardless of what the test results reveal. Part of HuffPost Wellness. What do you say to a friend who has cancer? She faced 33 rounds of radiotherapy and decided to wear a different dress to each one, then documented it on a blog (33dresses.com). So do something for . You may have trouble sleeping at night, find yourself being nervous, or be preoccupied with thinking about the diagnosis. Gracious God, I will not fail to ask for your abiding presence. If this includes you, then you may enjoy some of the memes about waiting for test results weve gathered below. Cut out caffeine as it overstimulates the nervous system and can increase panic, nutritionist Rosie Mansfield says. Also, guide the doctors and show them the right action to take. Genesis 8:10-12. . Impatience is perhaps the first emotion many people feel when awaiting a diagnosis. Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands when one is under stress. Sometimes a consult with a pain doctor is needed to help manage pain. By the time I return to the doctor for the report of my diagnosis, may I receive normal results and hear everything looks good.. Lord, I ask for your guidance as I receive my MRI results today. "I'm here for you." Show up for your loved ones and remain by their side as they go through this process. Posted on May 28, 2021 by May 28, 2021 by Proverbs 15:30 NIV Light in a messengers eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. X | Having the medical system constantly making you wait for thingsappointments, tests, consultations, resultscan make you feel like throwing in the towel and just giving up. Exercise to Ease Restlessness in Your Brain. If a friend or family member reaches out to you while they wait, you may find yourself at a loss for words. Just because a result is normal doesn't mean that the visit is unwarranted. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Have a favorite meme? , You Choose When to Talk about Your Cancer. Do all test results require a follow-up appointment? "Never rush into a relationship. Oops! Psalm 56:3-4 NIV When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. So, I ask that you strengthen me for whatever will emerge from it because I know that whatever it is, you will handle it. P | Dont tell the person it will be okay because in reality no one really knows if it will or not, Sanders said. #1. Please heal my bones where I need healing, so I can ease moving henceforth. Just wanted to send my love, along with my wishes for a speedy recovery. nag your doctor, Test result communication in primary care: clinical and office staff perspectives, To track the progression of a chronic illness, To check for a recurrence of a treated condition. Stress effects on the body: Nervous system. Lastly, I decree by faith that the enemys will shall never prevail over my life and health but the will of God. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. If this is something you or a loved one is experiencing, consider praying this short prayer adapted from Our Catholic Prayers, for the grace to trust God no matter the outcome: Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Instead, a more helpful thing to say would be something like Ill be here for you, no matter what the test results reveal. In many cases, people want to talk about anything but the upcoming test results, so dont be afraid to steer the conversation toward a favorite or lighter topic. In the morning, as soon as . May nothing arise from the diagnosis that will give me, my doctors, and my family any concern. 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. Thank you for being with me during my biopsy. Q | You may feel hopeless about your situation. Sometimes the uncertainty leaves you seemingly without an anchor. what to say to someone waiting for medical results . 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. Were looking to feature moments in which someone interrupted their busy life to lend a hand to someone they didnt know. Mighty God, please help my doctors discover the right path to take on this issue. Ask when results will be ready and call that day or the next. Plus, if a disease is contagious, your provider will want to talk in person about how to help you avoid future risk and protect other people. 2). 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. Sending good, healthy recovery vibes your way. 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. Everyone is so different and a one caring response is not easy. Silence is crushing.. Sitting in silence may just be what the other person needs. Many health conditions are invisible on the outside, so commenting on someones appearance can feel dismissive or hurtful. 5. Abba Father, peradventure, it turns out unfavorable; I ask that you take me toward the path of healing. But think about ways you might cope to help yourself achieve some degree of comfort and peace of mind while you're waiting. Mentally, I had prepared for the event of having the blood drawn, but it caught me off guard how quickly anxiety crept into my mind about the actual results of the test that we had to wait for. 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. 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. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. In order for this feeling to go away, it needs the neurotransmitter GABA to essentially "hush" these excited neurons. Test result communication in primary care: clinical and office staff perspectives. Sending you a note to let you know that I am thinking of you. Do try to distract yourself Anxiety is a perfectly natural and valid response in this situation. Lord, may I have every reason to rejoice as I finally receive my medical test results from the doctor today.