Patient portals can create serious problems when the results are not normal (see prior post). Patients may freak out and endure days or weeks of fear…and maybe even despair…before they sit down with their doctors and learn the news is not near as bad as they’d thought. For other patients, the news is as awful as they thought…and they lived with the news for too long before having an opportunity to discuss options with their doctors.
A Healthy Approach to worrisome online test results includes:
Breathe. Seriously, take a few deep breaths to center yourself and slow down your reactions.
Recognize the uncertainty. Remind yourself that the results still need to be interpreted by your physicians in the context of your unique condition. Until then, you cannot be sure what the results mean for you.
Do not consult the internet. No website has information about your case. It’s a mistake to draw conclusions about yourself based on information that may not relate to your situation and/or is outdated.
Call to move up your follow-up appointment. If not possible, your physicians’ staff now knows to reach out if another patient’s cancellation opens an opportunity to call or see you.
Ask for support. Tap your usual circle of family and friends. If still distressed, let your physicians’ staff know, so they can do what they can to help through the waiting.
(From Healing Hope) I have too much living to do today to put my life on hold…I have today. While waiting…I’ll live and see.
Illustration by Emma Mathes
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