Top tips for managing anxiety around tests and procedures
It's not unusual to have questions and concerns around having medical tests and procedures, and some people may feel very anxious about this. This might be because they are phobic around needles, have ‘scanxiety’ (anxiety around having scans), or just not really knowing what to expect during the test or procedure.
We asked members of our Facebook group for their ‘top tips’ for what they have found helpful to prepare for tests and procedures, and what they have found helpful to reduce any anxiety they feel. Here is what they told us. Thanks to everyone for sharing their tips.
Preparing in advance
I made a playlist of happy or motivational songs that I could play when I was waiting for appointments or whilst having treatment to try and take my mind of it.
- If possible, visit the team who will do your test or scan before your appointment to discuss your anxiety with them.
- If you are having a scan and feel anxious or claustrophobic, talk to the team. They might be able to show you the machine and talk you through each step of the procedure so that you know what happens during the scan.
- Talk to the team about what would be helpful for you on the day. Do you want them to talk to you and try and distract you? Do you want them to explain exactly what they are going to do or would you prefer not to know. This might also help them to know how to treat you on the day, to make it easier for you.
- Write a list of questions about what you'd like to know before any appointments so as not miss anything. This alleviates any worries after the appointment.
- I read about the procedure and asked questions in advance to that nothing unexpected happened.
- You can ask your team if you can use numbing cream for your skin before having a blood test or any procedure with needles.
- I visited a hypnotherapist and listened to recordings too. I used the techniques in various situations such as throughout chemo or when having a PICC line inserted. It helped me feel calmer and more in control.
- I searched for positive experiences from other people on the Lymphoma Action closed Facebook group.
I sometimes try to do a mindfulness session in the car on the way to hospital using an app (I'm not driving!) You could also try to focus your mind using the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique. In this, you focus on 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel (even sensation of your clothes on your skin), 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. You can also vary the order depending on your environment.
What might help on the day
- I need something to really distract me from my environment. I found I couldn't concentrate on books but I download films onto my phone and watch them.
- I found magazines with short articles are easier to concentrate on than books, and they provide a distraction.
- You can use visualisation techniques: close your eyes and take your self off to a favourite place in your mind.
- Listen to nice soothing music when in the scan. (The scan team might be able to play this music for you - you can always ask them).
I wish I’d taken an eye mask for my pet scan. When I opened my eyes, I panicked because of claustrophobia. if I’d had an eye mask on, I’d have been none the wiser. I was lying there trying to keep my eyes shut, but it’s hard not to open them when the bed starts moving.
- You may be more comfortable having a scan - such as an MRI - wearing your own clothes rather than a hospital gown (and you can ask your team if that is possible). If this is possible, make sure to wear clothes that have no metal in them - trousers with no buttons or zips, and a slipover bra instead of a wired, hook and eye one.
- For needles, I look away and concentrate on reading any poster or signage on the walls.
One thing I did when I went for any appointments was slap some make-up on, put my wig on and pick out a fabulous pair of shoes to wear. It made my less anxious as I was in control of me! My shoes were a talking point at every appointment, even the ladies on reception used to look at my feet to see what shoes I’d got on! It just reduced anxiety for me as the focus was on something else for a little while!
This information comes from our Facebook users and online support meeting members, and is a list of suggestions from the community based on what they personally found useful and what they would like to pass on to others. This is not intended to be medical advice and is not a replacement for advice from your medical team. If you are looking for specific guidance for your own personal circumstances always consult your medical team.