Waiting for tests and results

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MYSELF WHILE WAITING FOR TESTS AND THEIR RESULTS?

Keep as active as possible every day. This is important in order to prevent your body becoming unfit or out of condition. Lack of fitness can make pain symptoms worse. And pain researchers have discovered that we improve and heal while we move about. Long periods of rest do not help the body to manage persistent pain well.

There will be some days when the pain is severe. But, even on those days, it will do no harm to do parts of your activity programme or stretch-and-strengthen programme (see Chapter 9). If you are not certain what to do, or how to keep active, talk to your doctor or physiotherapist.

HOW CAN I COPE WITH WAITING FOR TEST RESULTS?

Waiting can be very difficult because worrying thoughts go through your mind. Some patients describe the waiting, and the lack of a definite diagnosis or cause, as ‘soul-destroying’.

It is understandable that you and your family may become preoccupied with the pain because it can take over your everyday life. But the downside of this preoccupation is that the pain may then affect you and your activities even more. Generally, if a doctor or specialist has assessed you, they will order a test urgently if your symptoms and the results of a clinical examination suggest that something could be seriously wrong.

So, how do you cope with feelings of fear, anxiety and depression while waiting for test results? Here are some suggestions:

•   You could read more about managing your moods in Chapter 14 of this book.

•   You could write down your worries in your notebook and check them with your doctor, physiotherapist or hospital specialist.

•   You could share your worries with someone you trust. Then ask yourself: did sharing your worries with this person help? If so, how?

•   You could contact a self-help group (see the Useful Information section at the back of this book). Then ask yourself: did the group help? If so, how?

WHERE CAN I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION IF I DON’T FULLY UNDERSTAND THE ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS?

There are several options. You could:

•   Ask the questions of your doctor or specialist again.

•   Ask the questions of another member of your healthcare staff, such as your physiotherapist.

•   Ask a self-help group for possible solutions (see the list of groups under Useful Information at the back of this book).

•   Ask a patient liaison and advice service (PALS) to help. You may find PALS in your local hospital, where you had your tests or investigations.

•   Check a reliable, helpful website (see the list of websites under Useful Information).

CHAPTER SUMMARY

•   Blood tests are not usually helpful in finding a cause for chronic pain.

•   X-rays and scans can sometimes help explain some of the reasons for chronic pain.

•   Ask your doctor or specialist about the investigations and exactly what the results mean. This will reduce your anxiety, and help you manage life better, despite the pain.

•   Remember to keep physically active while waiting for tests, investigations or results. It’s important to be active, despite the pain, in order to prevent other pains developing from tight, inactive muscles and joints.

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