In case I haven’t harped upon this enough in the last few days, I’m having an ultrasound this afternoon. And I’m a little nervous.
Long story short: after my recent pelvic exam, my doctor suspects I have fibroids. I’m having an ultrasound today to confirm the diagnosis, so we can figure out a treatment plan. I’m glad to know that there’s a reason for my monthly misery — irregular periods, painful cramps, and other symptoms. I’m glad to know there is a wide variety of treatment options available.
But I’m still nervous about the test. Let’s be honest: I get kind of anxious any time I make an appearance at the doctor’s office. When I was in last week for my physical, my blood pressure was WAY higher than normal, thanks in no small part to nerves. I’m sure it’s up today, too.
Tests and treatments can be scary — even if you already have a good idea of how things will go. For me, it gives the back of my head a chance to whisper and worry. What if they find something else wrong with me?
Here’s what I’m doing to help combat my nerves:
- Research. Yesterday, I looked up the website for the testing facility, and learned a little more about the folks who would be doing the ultrasound. Then I looked up the test itself, and learned how an ultrasound works, and what the procedure will be like. I now have a general idea of what to expect from the time I show up until I’m all done.
- Research part two: talking to someone who’s been through it. I’ve had at least four friends tell me about their own (or a family member’s) experiences with fibroids. It makes me feel better knowing that lots of other women go through the same thing, and find relief.
- Bring a friend along. Even if she can’t come in while I’m getting the ultrasound, I’ve got company for the drive and the wait. I don’t have to go through this alone.
- Ask questions. I’m chatty when I’m nervous, so I’m sure I’ll be yammering away at the folks at the imaging center. I’ll ask plenty of questions, so I know what’s going on.
- Be honest. I’m planning to tell the technician that I’m nervous… just so he or she knows. I did the same with the nurse midwife who did my pelvic exam — and she was very good about giving me a play by play of what she was doing and why.
- Examine my feelings. I’m big on introspection, and trying to figure out why I’m feeling the way I feel. And I think the thing I’m most afraid of right now is that big what if: what if there’s something really wrong with me? What happens next? But it’s something I just have to put aside for now, until my doctor gets the results of the ultrasound. I won’t know anything today, so the worrying is kind of useless.
What do you do when the nerves attack?