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Appointment for medical test before I go on holiday- what to do?

Posted , 7 users are following.

Christi53
Christi53

Im really confused about what to do about an appointment that has come through for before I'm due to go on holiday. I've talked in another thread about the fact that I have an appointment for my 3 yearly mammogram soon and, as usual, I'm beside myself with worry. The thing is that the results will probably come through only a few days before I'm due to to go. If the worst happened and the results were bad obviously I'm going to get called back which would probably be either while I'm away or shortly after I come back.

 I'm going round and round in circles trying to decide what to do. Do I go for the scheduled appointment and, if there's a problem then cancel my holiday? (I couldn't go away even if any follow-ups were made for when I returned as it would ruin my holiday anyway). Or do I cancel and re-schedule for after my holiday? 

I know it has to be my decision but I would really appreciate knowing how others would deal with it. At the moment I'm veering between getting it over and done with and hoping everything is ok and delaying it so that at least I get my holiday.

Any thoughts would really be appreciated.  Thanks

Christi53

0 likes, 30 replies

30 Replies

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  • jan34534
    jan34534 Christi53

    Posted

     I would go in and get it over with otherwise I would think about it during my holiday. The odds are is that everything will be completely normal and you can relax on your holiday. Have you ever had a mammogram you were concerned about? Or are you just in general and anxious person Where negative thinking might be scaring you?
    • Christi53
      Christi53 jan34534

      Posted

      Thanks for replying Jan. I suffer badly with health anxiety and always convince myself that everything will end in the worst possible way. I'm 64 and had my first mammogram 3 years ago at my daughter's insistence, before that I just stuck my head in the sand. I was convinced last time that the result would be bad but I got the all clear.

      I admit that I overthink things but I always think that my luck has to run out at some time. I've had some discomfort in one of my boobs lately but then Ive had that in the past. I've also read that sometimes mammograms give the wrong result and say everything is ok when it isn't.

      Christi x

    • jan34534
      jan34534 Christi53

      Posted

       In that case, I would suggest go for it. Sometimes anxiety will cause negative thinking and then fear will set in. ,  you feel paralyzed. Don't let fear and anxiety control your life. You are the one in control. It really helps to learn how to separate negative thinking from yourself. 

       I suggest you go to YouTube and listen to a meditation called detachment from overthinking,  and another one called clearing subconscious negativity.  I think they could really help you.

      I was a huge over thinker and everything was negative for me also. I am around your age and I've had anxiety since grade school. So I completely understand.  Breast discomfort is frequent and I've had that many times but that's  normally nothing serious. I would get tenderness even during menopause but everything is fine.  Sometimes I get that from doing some activity like lifting etc. If you had normal mammogram in the past, you have a very great chance of it being normal this time too. 

       keep in mind that our fearful and negative thoughts are not who we are. They are not based on fact or reality. Fear is worry about the future in the future does not exist at this time. Fearful and negative thoughts are fleeting  Random thoughts throughout the day. We need to acknowledge them for a few seconds then imagine them floating off and dissolving. We basically observe them and let them go. 

       there is a great book called mindfulness that teaches you all of this and help you regain peace of mind. Millions of people around the world have read it and on this site.  It's a very popular approach to anxiety and fear and it's a white book with a ball of string on the cover. I highly recommend it. You'll be just fine. You will have a wonderful time on your trip. Stay positive and  Live your life ! 

      🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸😁

    • jan34534
      jan34534 Christi53

      Posted

       That's an extremely small percentage of incorrect mammograms especially these days with way better technology 🙂

  • marleen85993
    marleen85993 Christi53

    Posted

    Hi Christi l agree with Jan just bite the bullet and do it.You would probably spend all your holiday worrying about it so get it over with.You will be fine.
  • lindalou60
    lindalou60 Christi53

    Posted

    Hi Christi53,

    Boy can I relate to you!!!  I got in a car accident 4 years ago and badly bruised my left breast from the seatbelt.  It has never felt the same since.  My health anxiety has kept me these last 4 years from going for a mammogram.  A month ago I foolishly went to a one on one session with a Medium.  When she was scanning my body to read my energy she  stopped at my breast. Long story short she said " not sure if it is just your fear I am picking up on or if there is alittle  something going on.  Either way  promise me you will go and do it."

     I have an appointment this Thursday and the fear and anticipation has ruined my summer and my vacation.  This week  has been hell for me with fear for this Thursday appt!

    I guess what I want to tell you is don't let your fear/anxiety win like I did!!! Make the appointment before your holiday.  All will be well and you will enjoy your holiday anxiety free!!!!  Take it from me, putting it off will just take away from your holiday and fill your mind with negative thoughts!! Just my opinion, but I am living the issue now and regret putting it off!!!!

    Good luck!

    • Christi53
      Christi53 lindalou60

      Posted

      Hi lindalou, sorry to hear that you've been dealing with the fear as well. It gets almost unbearable doesn't it. I wish you all the best for Thursday. Christi x

    • lindalou60
      lindalou60 Christi53

      Posted

      Thank you Christi53!!  I hope whatever you decide to do will give you some peace!!

      It truly is unbelievable what power the mind has over our thoughts when you think with your subconscious and not with your conscious, present part of your brain!  I can deal with anything that comes my way, but when it comes to my health my ability to reason locgically goes away!!  the older you are the more health issues will arise...I am 60 and I noticed my anxiety episodes are more frequent these last few years!!  

      Hang in there and I Hope you have wonderful holiday!!!

  • borderriever
    borderriever Christi53

    Posted

    Christie

    Get your tests done and put it to the back of your mind. Your results will take time to come back and by that time you will have had a nice holiday.

    My Wife just had hers done before going away for a month and when She returned the paperwork had not been sent. They generally are quick enough to find anything at an early stage. Do you not check yourself. Some ladies on here may explain how on site.

    BOB

    • Christi53
      Christi53 borderriever

      Posted

      Hi Bob,  That's another scenario that I hadn't thought of - having it done and then the results not coming through before I go on holiday. My anxiety is at its worst when I don't feel in control of something and, once I've had any medical tests done, I feel that the outcome is then totally out of my control.

      i will phone them tomorrow and ask if I'm likely to have my results before going away otherwise there would be no point in me going because I would spend the entire holiday imagining the letter lying on the doormat. As for checking myself......don't ask 😔   I really am hopeless!

      Christi x

  • borderriever
    borderriever Christi53

    Posted

    Hello Christi

    When I reached sixty then sixty five they gave me a whole load of tests and I had to wait for my results, yes it is out of our control. All I can say however is try and put your concerns on the back burner and accept when you get your Results and then show negative you will have hopefully less to worry about as far as your health is concerned.

    Sometimes if you ask the XRay they will give you a provisional result before you leave the clinic. You can as said ask your GP if getting the result before holiday is possible.

    Good Luck, have a nice holiday

    BOB

  • Christi53
    Christi53

    Posted

    Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your replies. I will make myself go and have it done on the date I've been given. I think I will phone them tomorrow though and ask if I'm likely to have the results before I go on holiday. Christi x

  • moira43918
    moira43918 Christi53

    Posted

    Christi. Go get it done before u go. Have a great holiday, try not to think about it until u get back. Not easy but try and have a great time. Mx
  • Christi53
    Christi53

    Posted

    I phoned the Breast Centre today and explained that I have a holiday booked for shortly after my appointment and I was worried about the results not coming through before I leave. Tha lady I spoke to said at the moment they are getting the results out around 7-10 days after the appointment. She also said that, if I hadn't heard anything after a week, I could phone and explain about my holiday.

    So I will go next Wednesday if I don't expire from anxiety by then 😕

    Thanks for your support everyone, I do appreciate it.

    Christi x

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