How did you handle going for important medical tests?

How did you handle going for important medical tests?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

answer:My mother died of ovarian cancer when I was 12, ovarian cancer has been linked to genetics. Having a first degree relative can seriously increase one’s risk for the disease. Ever since my late 20’s I have been tested annually for the markers that indicate ovarian cancer including a CA-125 blood test, a vaginal ultra-sound and a pelvic exam. I used to be stressed to the gills in the weeks and days leading up to the appointment. A couple of years running I met with my therapist the night before the appointment. We would talk about the possible outcomes and how to handle each one. My mantra became “I am powerless over the results and my life has become unmanageable.’ My first mammogram came back with the possibility of ductal carcinoma in-situ. When I waited out the time between the appointment and the biopsy and between the biopsy and the results I just kept repeating that mantra. My husband is a firm believer in seeing the end in the beginning. Over the years I have made that my goal. I always try to visualize myself healthy and happy and hearing fabulous news about the results. (Fortunately I have never received bad news.) I have found that the less I focus on worrying the less troublesome the wait and the more confident I am the results will be good.
by

Related questions

How do you all personally cope with the "waiting game" after having important medical tests run?

Description : How do you all personally cope with the "waiting game" after having important medical tests run?

Last Answer : answer:I fret and pace and wring my hands. I make Doomsday plans. I put on a brave face for the loved ones and totally freak out. I gorge on bad food. I over drink. I do not cope with ... wish for your mother a benign outcome, and that all your worry be needless and unfounded. Eat a pizza anyway.

If you won't go for a routine colonoscopy, what other medical tests can you get to see if you're alright in the colon?

Description : If you won't go for a routine colonoscopy, what other medical tests can you get to see if you're alright in the colon?

Last Answer : Virtual colonoscopy, which might be more effective than a real colonoscopy. You still need to do the GI prep however, and if they see something suspicious, then you need a real one anyway.

I have an unexplained medical question. About 2 years ago, I was bitten by something (spider, I think) and my Left hand swelled up. The swelling has not gone down. Do you have any medical knowledge of what might be the cause? Are there any different tests that I should request? More information is listed below.

Description : I have an unexplained medical question. About 2 years ago, I was bitten by something (spider, I think) and my Left hand swelled up. The swelling has not gone down. Do you have any medical ... might be the cause? Are there any different tests that I should request? More information is listed below.

Last Answer : Lime Disease is possible. ~Spider hmm…. Do you have any new superpowers recently?

What type of medical tests would be involved in checking my memory?

Description : What type of medical tests would be involved in checking my memory?

Last Answer : answer:First, they will probably do a mini-mental which is just a 30 minute or so list of questions and problems for you to solve. I had one and it was reassuringly normal and not difficult. ... PET scan or MMR of your brain functioning and physical conditioning. If you are concerned, you should go.

How can I cope with all this waiting for medical tests?

Description : How can I cope with all this waiting for medical tests?

Last Answer : I'm sorry that you're going through this. And I know that it's almost impossible to rein in panicky thoughts when there are possible severe issues. And doing your own research is fraught with pitfalls - ... talk to about how to control your fears and deal with the wait? What about a support group?

Where can I find Home Medical Diagnostic Tests?

Description : Where can I find Home Medical Diagnostic Tests?

Last Answer : There are home medical diagnostic tests, but they are not used to daignose serious health issues. These tests are designed to detect prenancy, or drug use. They are usually around 45 dollars.

What non invasive tests might diagnose my problem?

Description : What non invasive tests might diagnose my problem?

Last Answer : How long have you noticed it? Is it an actual knot you can feel? Any trauma or falls? Some people can get fat trapped between ribs, thats all I can think of off the bat. Or pulled muscle from coughing if you were sick? Maybe the doc will check in here soon. Good luck.

What are the other lab tests that could be thrown off by too much Biotin, the supplement? See detail.

Description : What are the other lab tests that could be thrown off by too much Biotin, the supplement? See detail.

Last Answer : Operative word @flo HIGH WebMD’s tske on Biotin.

What blood tests should I ask for to diagnose fatigue?

Description : What blood tests should I ask for to diagnose fatigue?

Last Answer : answer:Oh also, does anyone think I should try starting drinking coffee? I don’t drink it at all now. Maybe it would help. Also, I get more than eight hours of sleep most nights too.

Any new tests for Marfan Syndrome in the works?

Description : Any new tests for Marfan Syndrome in the works?

Last Answer : You’ll need genetic testing.

My 17 year old has been suffering from chronic stomach pains for a week. Tests say it is not her appendix or cyst on ovary or kidney infection but white blood count is elevated. Any idea what it could be? She is type 1 diabetic.

Description : My 17 year old has been suffering from chronic stomach pains for a week. Tests say it is not her appendix or cyst on ovary or kidney infection but white blood count is elevated. Any idea what it could be? She is type 1 diabetic.

Last Answer : Perhaps your teen is suffering from a ruptured esophagus? How is there eating going?

Does having perfect blood tests mean you're in perfect health?

Description : Does having perfect blood tests mean you're in perfect health?

Last Answer : Nope, blood tests don’t show everything. However, it is great that your blood tests came back perfect, and that’s a good sign that your general health is good! Anxiety can absolutely explain your symptoms. Good luck.

In the state of New York, what tests do couples get to have children and get married?

Description : In the state of New York, what tests do couples get to have children and get married?

Last Answer : Since when have there ever been tests for people to get married OR have kids?

How do you handle emotional upset due to medical reasons?

Description : How do you handle emotional upset due to medical reasons?

Last Answer : I usually just apologize and hope that they know that it’s not intentional.

What are the necessary steps to assess and handle a medical emergency until help arrives?

Description : What are the necessary steps to assess and handle a medical emergency until help arrives?

Last Answer : Need answer

I have taken two pregnany tests, both which said i was not pregnant. But my period is over a week late. Whats going on?

Description : I have taken two pregnany tests, both which said i was not pregnant. But my period is over a week late. Whats going on?

Last Answer : your just having an irregular period.. nothing to be alarmed about if you’ve already taken the pregnancy tests… its happened to me too and its usually due to chemical imbalances in your body

Can a Recovered Addict Handle Happy Hour?

Description : Can a Recovered Addict Handle Happy Hour?

Last Answer : Why chance it? If you’ve put so much time and effort into being sober, why would you put yourself in the middle of happy hour?

If you have a physical or mental condition that acts as a barrier to relationships, how do you handle it with other people?

Description : If you have a physical or mental condition that acts as a barrier to relationships, how do you handle it with other people?

Last Answer : I am on medication that has side effects that make me sleep all day. I end up lounging around and ask-publicing all day.

How did your family handle the last years of a parent?

Description : How did your family handle the last years of a parent?

Last Answer : answer:Because I am an only child, I do not qualify to answer this question regarding family members living far apart. But we still had our issues. I knew the law looks hard at someone who has both ... cash. It made me really sad because I intended to take care of my father until his last breath.

How do I handle and deal with this?

Description : How do I handle and deal with this?

Last Answer : On top of all that my boyfriend left me because I will not be able to hear again. Which I am also having a hard time with because we had 7 years together.

Why is there a "do not write in this area" in tests and important stuff?

Description : Why is there a "do not write in this area" in tests and important stuff?

Last Answer : That place is usually reserved for official documentation. The thing that I find weird is when a blank sheet of paper has the text on it that says: “This page intentionally left blank” it’s not blank, it has those five words on it.

An important method used in the rapid identification of a pathogen is a. RNA gene sequencing b. polymerase chain reaction c. molecular taxonomy d. biochemical tests

Description : An important method used in the rapid identification of a pathogen is a. RNA gene sequencing b. polymerase chain reaction c. molecular taxonomy d. biochemical tests

Last Answer : d. biochemical tests

Consider the following statements: 1. The benefit of surcharge and depth of foundation is only marginal in case of footings on purely cohesive soils. 2. The bearing capacity of a footing in pure clay increases with increase in size of the footing. 3. Size effects in plate load tests are more important in case of cohesionless soils. Which of these statements are correct? (a) 1, 2 & 3 (b) 1 & 2 only (c) 2 & 3 only (d) 1 & 3 only

Description : Consider the following statements: 1. The benefit of surcharge and depth of foundation is only marginal in case of footings on purely cohesive soils. 2. The bearing capacity of a footing in pure clay increases with increase in size of the ... , 2 & 3 (b) 1 & 2 only (c) 2 & 3 only (d) 1 & 3 only

Last Answer : (d) 1 & 3 only

How do you handle situation where people are going away from you?

Description : How do you handle situation where people are going away from you?

Last Answer : You grieve but you stay busy too until it starts to hurt less.

23 years in a waking coma... could you handle it without going mad?

Description : 23 years in a waking coma... could you handle it without going mad?

Last Answer : I just found out this entire story was a hoax. Some people are just freaking cruel beyond all measure… giving false hope to those in similar circumstances. This is awful.

A friend of mine is going to hire a hitman, how would you handle this situation?

Description : A friend of mine is going to hire a hitman, how would you handle this situation?

Last Answer : with a phone call to the cops…..

How can I handle going to California by myself?

Description : How can I handle going to California by myself?

Last Answer : What do you mean when you say “handle?” Finding a flight? Finding an apartment? Earning money? Or being on your own?

Is there a plan to make medical terms easier to remember? See detail.

Description : Is there a plan to make medical terms easier to remember? See detail.

Last Answer : In this case, yeah, just calling it brain freeze. Or do you mean something else?

Older jellies: do you hate to talk about medical stuff?

Description : Older jellies: do you hate to talk about medical stuff?

Last Answer : Oh, yeah. I don't like it. I am just as sure as I can be that nobody wants to hear the details of my hemorrhoid surgery. So many older people just want to go on and on about their medical issues and I ... there is blood in it too. Or no I think that's just a small tear in a blood vessel near Myanus.

Medical person: what is my doctor looking for?

Description : Medical person: what is my doctor looking for?

Last Answer : It sounds like a full blood work up. “what is my doctor looking for?” You don’t have answer (what they’re looking for) before the tests

What medical term starts with Ch or K and is followed by Malformation?

Description : What medical term starts with Ch or K and is followed by Malformation?

Last Answer : Chiari malformation sounds like it might be what you’re looking for.

How weird is this (medical question)?

Description : How weird is this (medical question)?

Last Answer : Weird movement in the chest, wet hacking cough….....Hmmmmmm

Do you think my medical condition is turning off guys?

Description : Do you think my medical condition is turning off guys?

Last Answer : Honey I regularly shit the bed due to a medical condition and I still have a guy sleeping in that bed next to me every night. You’re gonna be OK.

Will you help me decide whether to seek more urgent medical attention?

Description : Will you help me decide whether to seek more urgent medical attention?

Last Answer : I'd go, you're in pain and they will probably do an ultrasound or scan given your recent surgery. Who knows, it could be something completely different like gallbladder pain or??? Given your history ... nagging, sometimes severe pain and often flare up after eating as well. Good luck, let us know!

What's the last medical mistake that happened to you or your family?

Description : What's the last medical mistake that happened to you or your family?

Last Answer : My primary care physician never ordered a PSA test (prostate specific antigen, that can be used to indicate prostate cancer.) for me during my supposedly complete physicals. He had read about a ... sheet. Instead my doc focused on cholesterol and other things which were never a problem for me.

Not sure which medical plan I should choose?

Description : Not sure which medical plan I should choose?

Last Answer : If you know you have to have an expensive procedure done, why would you go for a higher deductible plan now – unless you can’t swing the $90 a month. It seems like a no-brainer to me. Is the $125 a month from the employer a contribution to a HSA?

Have you ever had anxiety so bad that you put off a medical procedure?

Description : Have you ever had anxiety so bad that you put off a medical procedure?

Last Answer : answer:I'm in the same boat as I'm beyond anxious at times, and also need dental work (lately, extractions) from time to time. Just the thought of calling the dentist to schedule the work I need done ... my book. (Apologies if I sound too tough love , but I'm not always good at showing sympathy.)

What medical scan is for muscles?

Description : What medical scan is for muscles?

Last Answer : *be. Sigh.

Our medical community is failing us and we really need your help. Can you have a severe sinus infection without a fever?

Description : Our medical community is failing us and we really need your help. Can you have a severe sinus infection without a fever?

Last Answer : answer:Yes. I was sick for a short while, never had a fever that I noticed, but had drainage for a few days and thought I had a cold . Shortly (a couple of days maybe?) after it ... . Maybe the office will call him in a antibiotic to the pharmacy? Maybe try some antihistamines in the meantime?

Do or can , people go to the United States for medical tourism (details inside)?

Description : Do or can , people go to the United States for medical tourism (details inside)?

Last Answer : answer:I'm pretty sure you need to be a resident of the state for assisted suicide. Oregon is one state that has assisted suicide. I think even I, an American, has to move there, live ... brittany-maynard-right-to-die-laws/ Here is a Wikipedia too. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide

I've just learned that there is a website that uses crowdsourcing to help people solve medical mysteries. What do you think of that idea, and would you use it?

Description : I've just learned that there is a website that uses crowdsourcing to help people solve medical mysteries. What do you think of that idea, and would you use it?

Last Answer : I would use it as a resource but not accept its findings blindly or without further verifcation.

Have you ever looked through your medical chart and been shocked at something that was written on it?

Description : Have you ever looked through your medical chart and been shocked at something that was written on it?

Last Answer : answer:Can't say that I have. I've never really had the occasion to look at my medical chart but I feel - and hope I'm right - that my doctors are honest with me and that ... This was upsetting until a later eye doctor rediagnosed the problem but I could understand where the misdiagnosis came from.

What medical condition could make you shrink this much?

Description : What medical condition could make you shrink this much?

Last Answer : Spinal disk degeneration is a major issue.

Can we sue for medical malpractice (long details inside)

Description : Can we sue for medical malpractice (long details inside)

Last Answer : answer:Contact a lawyer. This is inexcusable. Usually a lawyer will take the case and charge you nothing, he just gets a portion of what you are awarded or what is settled for. I think the ... but there must be some sort of recourse for people who are truly damaged by a doctor's incompetence.

What do you know about Lyme Disease and its reputation in the medical community?

Description : What do you know about Lyme Disease and its reputation in the medical community?

Last Answer : answer:Unfortunately there is too little known about Lyme disease. For a whole year I took care of a friend who had it, and I know first hand. First, it's blood borne through ticks, but although the medical ... have a disease that's legal to treat in this country. I'll post more if I think of it.

Should individuals acquire baseline medical evaluations? If so, which ones?

Description : Should individuals acquire baseline medical evaluations? If so, which ones?

Last Answer : If you are male and over 50 get a PSA test done when you have your physical. If your doc says you don’t need it, ask him if he knows his PSA number. If he’s under 60 and says “Yes”, kick him in the balls.

Help I have a number of "pending" medical issues (United States)

Description : Help I have a number of "pending" medical issues (United States)

Last Answer : I would not worry about it- go ahead and take advantage of the insurance while you have it. Under the Affordable Care Act, you can buy into the federally funded Pre-Existing Condition Insurance ... will not be able to deny care or charge insane rates for adults with pre-existing conditions.

Bit of a medical question. Is pressure in the chest (certainly heart-related) in keeping with a hiking trip (hilly terrain) in pants during a heat advisory while carrying the party's water supply?

Description : Bit of a medical question. Is pressure in the chest (certainly heart-related) in keeping with a hiking trip (hilly terrain) in pants during a heat advisory while carrying the party's water supply?

Last Answer : It’s never a good sign. You clearly were pushing it to the max. I would follow up with a physician just to be prudent

EMTs and other first responders: is a medical alert necklace also useful, if someone doesn't want to wear a bracelet?

Description : EMTs and other first responders: is a medical alert necklace also useful, if someone doesn't want to wear a bracelet?

Last Answer : answer: American Medical ID recently surveyed emergency medical professionals ranging from first responders to paramedics. Among the results: * More than 95 percent of respondents look for a medical ID during emergencies ... , and 68 percent look for an ID on the patient's neck. American Medical ID

What non-medical items have helped you with your chronic pain?

Description : What non-medical items have helped you with your chronic pain?

Last Answer : answer:I don't have fibromyalgia, so I can't really imagine what you are going through. The only chronic pain I have is my back. I have had a really bad back since I was a ... using is indistinguishable from any number of medieval torture devices. My back is hurting just thinking about it.