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 have needle-phobia, ‘scanxiety’ (anxiety about having scans), or just don’t really know what to expect during the test or procedure.

We asked members of our Facebook Support Group for their ‘top tips’ on what they have found helpful if they are feeling anxious. Here is what they told us. Thanks to everyone for sharing their tips.

Preparing in advance

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 to miss anything. This alleviates any worries after the appointment.

“ 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 off it.

Helen

I read about the procedure and asked questions in advance so 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. You could also try to focus your mind on 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste.

Liz

What might help on the day

I need something to really distract me from my environment. I find I can’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 yourself 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.
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 me less anxious as I was in control of me!

Angela