by Wendy
Waiting is challenging in the best of times. We tick off the slow workdays before vacation. We get impatient when the person ahead of us in the fast food drive-through seems to be requesting a farm-to-table chef’s tasting menu – and all we want is coffee. We become annoyed with flight delays or when we can’t board multiple metro trains because they’re all so packed. But I think the worst is waiting for medical test results. I hope you have no idea what I’m talking about: that call from a doctor telling you something is wrong, then the horrid cycle of nervous testing, then nervous waiting to get the results, then nervous consultation, and sometimes a few more rounds before some kind of resolution. For those of you who are dealing with anything like this, I’m sorry and it’s not fair and you don’t deserve it. I’m not a doctor and have no medical advice to give, but I can share my own experience of what I did to try and stay relatively calm in this situation.
At some point, I had to limit surfing the internet for medical info. It’s very important to educate yourself and ask your doctor all of your questions. But you know the internet. If you look hard enough, it seems like you’ll always find confirmation of far-fetched fears and worse-case scenarios. You can also usually find some inspiring stories, as well as candid and irreverent accounts (which can be reassuring) – but sifting through content sometimes made me anxious and prone to negativity. I needed to take breaks and instead use online time to plan future trips or shop.
I made exercise and nutritious food more of a priority. It made me feel like I had control over some aspect and usually did help me feel healthier. Going for a walk outside and getting fresh air often helped take the edge off. Of course, I also indulged when I really needed a treat (hello McFlurry. Nice to see you, pizza). And I usually unwound with a nightly glass of wine – but that’s me. Again, you must follow your own doctor’s orders when it comes to this stuff – and be honest with him/her about your current diet/habits/state of mind so they can make specific recommendations to help you.
Share your venting and anxiety with those you trust. You don’t have to be tough all the time. Rally the people you can count on to listen and help cheer you up. Or who will laugh at your inappropriate jokes and commiserate with your desire to run away. My dear husband Jack puts up with way more than his fair share of this and I am forever grateful. My sisters and parents are also amazing – our whole fam really locks ranks and shores up support whenever anyone is in a crisis.
Focus on your work, your hobbies, good movies, good books – whatever truly absorbs your attention for awhile. Praying, meditation, yoga or pilates can be good options. Go for a day trip and get a change of scenery. I started watching reruns of Gavin & Stacey season 3 to take my mind off my worries. This Brit comedy always makes me laugh, and I recommend it to anyone with a warped sense of humor who still appreciates an unconventional love story and eccentric but supportive family.
Finally, it’s cliche but I think it’s beneficial to stay positive. Breathe. Remember how strong you are and remind yourself over and over that you can do this, you will bounce back. Wishing you all health and happiness.