Hello, my friends. Today was the day. If you have read here for some time, you are familiar with my OCD and Health Anxiety diagnosis. My annual mammogram is a trigger for my anxiety. It is just what my mind decided to latch onto. This year I handled the anticipation much better than in years past, partly due to the tools my therapist and psychiatrist have given me. Partly because of the medication I take to treat my OCD. And partly because of the love and support from family and friends that helped me look at this annual appointment differently.
I dread my annual mammogram. Not the test itself, but rather the fear of what the results could be. My friend Danielle helped me to change my thinking about it. Now I try to think of it as maintenance for my body, as something I can do to keep myself healthy. I liken it to my annual physical, dental, or eye doctor appointments. None of which give me anxiety, by the way. I go to it, and I can cross off my list. And so today, I went. Danielle and Steve went with me. It was quick and painless. And the results were good. Thank You, Lord. I made another appointment for next year, said a prayer of thanksgiving, and got some lunch and a coffee.
I am home now, showered, and on the couch. Relieved, thankful, and happy that I did it and didn't let my anxiety stop me. If you have a concern about any medical test, I get you. Try to look at it a different way. You are taking care of yourself. And you will be relieved and glad you did!
Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!
Thanks for visiting!
Billie Jo
So happy for a clear mammogram and that you were able to manage your fears. Enjoy your Friday!!
ReplyDeleteBTW...love the mask.
DeleteHugs! I hate those appointments too and any other appointment really. My anxiety kicks into high gear and my BP goes up! I'm way past due for a mammo also... guess I'll take this as a reminder to call and make an appointment soon.
ReplyDeleteThis was encouraging - thanks for being willing to share. I have basically given up on all "routine" tests, exams, etc. Maybe not the best idea....so, I appreciate your encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you feel anxiety like this at appointments. That is understandable. And glad to hear the test was Ok. Part of my crown fell out, and have to go to the dentist next month, which I'm not looking forward to, mainly because the expense of it all. It's good that it's getting better for you with each year. Sending a comforting hug your way. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I'm so glad you were able to do it and get it checked off! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt always is a good feeling when certain appointments are over...I know I have to have them done, but I don't feel relief until the results are in. So glad you had someone to go along...that really helps! I've been keeping a quote as the wallpaper on my phone to remind me to fight my anxiety: It says: "Maybe the thing you're most scared of, is exactly what you should do." Now, I'm NOT doing any skydiving any time soon (no heights for me, thank you!) but there are some things I need to do...this gives me a little boost to move forward. Sending hugs, Mary
ReplyDeleteSo glad everything is OK! I hear you about anxiety of medical tests. Me too! I am glad that your husband and friend went along to give you support. Now you can relax and have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh my dear, I completely get the OCD thing! I recently was diagnosed with a mild case (not enough to be medicated) but if I had not addressed it I would be in the same boat as you. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! And hooray for good results. I need to be scheduling a colonoscopy. It's not something that makes me nervous, but I hate spending my day that way. But I better get at it - it's maintenence, like you said.
ReplyDeleteThank God for good results! So happy your appointment went well and that you had a good support team with you. I was called back for additional screening after my appointment last month. I had to wait a week for the follow up appointment. It was stressful and I prayed and thanked God everyday I would receive a good report and after a two hour appointment I received good results. I almost fell to to my knees with thanksgiving after the nurse came back into the room and said everything was normal. It was such a relief - I felt like I could breathe again. Relax and have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it went well for you! Keeping the anxiety level down, and the results! That is a great way to look at it, maintenance for your body. Have a relaxing weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo~ So glad that everything turned out okay! It has been almost three years since my mammogram, I struggle with anxiety as well. I love the idea of thinking of things like that as, maintenance, maybe it wouldn't be so hard, I should make that appointment. Have a wonderful Saturday! Hugs, Barb
ReplyDeleteMedical anxiety is terrible. I have it myself. I need to take .5 of Xanex before I go to any medical appointment. Right now I am.awaiting the results of my blood work and am very nervous awaiting results.
ReplyDeleteI'm a conundrum when it comes to things like mammograms. I was traumatized by one especially brutal one, and I'll never go back to that place again, but but I can't say anxiety about that keeps me from doing them. That said, I don't get them done very often. Other medical things can give me anxiety, and when I've asked if I can take something before the procedure, I'm often looked at like the request is over the top. In fact, most recently I asked the doctor exactly that, and she told me it was. So I suck it up and deal. I wish doctors were required to be compassionate about anxiety. The lack of compassion I've sometimes received just makes it a hundred times worse, it seems. Good for you for getting this unpleasant task done. I'm glad it's behind you.
ReplyDeleteYou go, Brave Girl! I’m so glad you got through that and with great results! I totally get it, though. But it’s such a great feeling when it’s over and things come out ok.
ReplyDeleteWOW, this encouragement was for me,I am anxious for any Dr. appt., Giving thanks with you for a great report!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!,
Sue
I'm so proud of you and thankful I could be there for you!!! You did great!! Love you! xo
ReplyDeletewe might be twins with that dreaded mammo. I am glad you went and did your best!! May God bless you and keep you healthy :)
ReplyDeleteAmen to all of this and I'm so glad it went well! xo
ReplyDeleteI hear ya on anxiety about medical tests! I'm 55 years old and finally had my very first mammogram this spring. It took a life changing health scare last fall to shift my mindset and get me going on such things. I've never been a person who goes to the doctor, until it's something bad enough that I'm in Urgent Care. I didn't even have a primary care provider before last fall. But since then, I've been getting caught up on all the years of things I avoided. It's been scary before, and huge relief after. The one thing that anxiety still keeps me away from is the dentist. It's like I hit a brick wall and just can't do it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got this done and that everything was okay. =)
I am glad you were able to check this off and it didn't take over your whole day. Proud of you!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got that checked off your list! I need to get an appt - mine is coming up! Take care!
ReplyDelete