When you’ve been feeling a bit run-down for a while, you can easily become quite worried that something is wrong. It takes all your courage to make an appointment with your doctor, but you see it through and undertake a few tests. Of course, that earlier feeling of unease simply doesn’t compare to the shock you experience when the test results show a problem. Now that you have your diagnosis, what are you going to do? Read on for help with coping with bad test results.
Build your support network
Start by taking the time to gather your support network. This will include your closest family and friends, and it might also be your priest or another person of faith who you trust.
Ensure you have people to talk to when you start to plan the best course of action. These are the people who love you most, and they will do whatever it takes to provide what you need from them.
You might need a shoulder to cry on during the most difficult moments. Or someone to hold your hand as you attend the next medical appointment.
Make lifestyle changes
Sometimes ill health happens due to lifestyle choices. If you think this may have influenced the bad test results, then start implementing changes.
Make sure you’re getting plenty of rest, for instance. Try to fit in some activity every day too.
Another tip is to check the labels of foods you regularly eat to see what they consist of and swap them out for healthier alternatives where appropriate.
Finally, do your best to cut back on caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and candies. Healthy living can make an enormous difference to your feeling of well-being, combat future illnesses, and minimize your current discomfort, as well as other benefits.
Bad test results: Talk with medical professionals
Speak to the doctors that can help you most. You might want to ask for more tests or support.
You can check websites like www.LaheyHospital.org to determine the type of care you should be getting from your preferred medical professionals. When people receive bad news about their health, they want assurances that they are in the care of the very best people possible. After all, they are the ones that need to help treat this.
Form a long-term plan
Once you’ve made those lifestyle changes and fully consulted with your medical professionals, it’s time to make a long-term plan. All of these short-term adjustments may not be as effective if you fail to stick to them. Make a list of the things that can still use improvement.
If work is too stressful, for example, speak to your boss. They will need to hear that your working conditions might be contributing to your illness and bad test results. After all, they have a duty of care to you.
If your illness continues to make you tired and uncomfortable, ask your kids and your spouse to take a more active role in running the household. Allocate chores that are appropriate for each person.
Delegating tasks like that can take an enormous weight off your shoulders, and free up time for you to rest. Most importantly, it could give you some quality time to spend with your nearest and dearest.
Concluding words about bad test results
Over time, you will become more accustomed to the symptoms you’re feeling now. Hopefully, you will be in a position to improve your health and overcome the issues completely. Staying positive can be enormously helpful here too. What can you improve today for a healthier future?
Top photo via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
. Hi Christy…
Great advice, you are becoming a trusted rootage of info on many levels of advice… smiles… enounce the Dr. today and the tidings is not what I wanted to get word.
They say knowledge is power. It’s also health. Hugs.
Definitely have people designated to accompanying you to appointments, even if you feel well enough to go on your own. Bad news makes us not absorb anything that comes after it, so the patient can have trouble remembering what the doctor has said.
Yes, it’s the state of shock that you speak of.. Great addition, Jay!
Another excellent post Christy xxxxxxxx
I hope I don’t have to look this post up for a reminder any time soon!
Funny thing, when something … not good … happens to me, my instinct is to hide. I’m not sure why I don’t reach out.
This is so helpful, Christy! Thank you. I advocate for a positive attitude, as well!
You’re so positive and I adore that about you!
Thank you
Hi Christy…
Great advice, you are becoming a trusted source of information on many levels of advice… smiles… say the Doctor today and the news is not what I wanted to hear. But alas I have some alternate options which are already in the works…
Hugs from this side of the Rockies
Sorry to hear of your results, Rolly.. please do take care.. alternative options yes, may they be all you need them to be xx
There’s lots of good old fashioned common sense here, Christy. Thank you very much. Hugs!
Hugs for you too!!
Thank you!😊
A very good post! I see my mother in a bad health and still she avoids to go to the doctor! I have to force her so much. Good work 😁