The Stress of Medical Tests: 3 Tools to Manage "Scanxiety"
- Dr. Isabelle Amigues
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you live with a chronic illness—or have faced a serious diagnosis in the past—you likely know this feeling: Life feels normal until a test appears on the calendar.
Suddenly, the "What Ifs" take over:
What if something shows up?
What if the treatment isn’t working?
What if everything changes again?
In the medical community, we call this "Scanxiety." Whether it is a PET scan, an MRI, or routine labs, this stress is a natural human response. You aren't weak; you are simply a person who cares deeply about your life.
The good news? You don’t have to stay trapped in the spiral. Here are three practical tools to help you navigate the wait.
1. Name the Fear to Tame the Fear
Many people try to "stay positive" by pushing fear away, saying things like, "I shouldn't feel this way." But fear is like an alarm—ignoring it only makes it ring louder.
When fear stays vague, it feels enormous. When you name it, it becomes something you can work with. Ask yourself: "What exactly am I afraid of today?"
Is it the possibility of a recurrence?
Is it the fear of losing control?
Is it the thought of starting a new treatment?
Write it down. Once the fear is on paper, it is no longer a monster in the dark; it is a specific concern that you and your medical team can address together.
2. Remember: The Test is a Tool, Not a Verdict
It is easy to view a lab result as a "judge" delivering a sentence. In reality, tests are information-gathering tools.
Doctors do not order tests because they assume the worst. We use these tools to:
Confirm treatment is working.
Catch minor issues early.
Adjust medications for better results.
Provide reassurance when markers are stable.
Testing is actually an act of hope. If your doctor truly believed nothing could be done, they wouldn’t be testing. Testing means there are options, and we are looking for the best path forward.
3. Create a "Scenario Plan" for Different Outcomes
Anxiety loves to focus on the worst-case scenario. You can quiet that noise by gently walking yourself through the actual "Next Steps" for different outcomes. This reduces the fear of the unknown.
If the Result Is... | The Plan Is... |
Clear or Stable | Wonderful. We continue forward on the current path. |
A Minor Change | We have the data to adjust your dose or lifestyle. |
A Significant Shift | We pivot. There are more treatment options today than ever before. |
Once you’ve done this practical work, allow yourself to visualize the best outcome. Picture your doctor giving you good news. Visualization works best when it is built on a foundation of honesty, not denial.
There Is More Hope Than Ever
We are no longer living in the medical world of the 1990s. In fields like Rheumatology and Oncology, the pace of innovation is staggering.
New therapies emerge almost monthly. If a test shows that a change is needed, remember: You are living in the medicine of "Now." And "Now" holds more tools, more research, and more paths to healing than at any other time in history.
A Final Thought for the Waiting Room
If you are waiting on results right now: Take a slow breath. Your job is not to solve every "what if." Your job is simply to take the next step. The test is a tool, fear is a normal part of the process, and whatever the result, there will be a plan.
You are not alone in this.
Are you in need of a compassionate rheumatologist who will listen and work with you toward disease remission? If you're searching for the best direct-care rheumatologist in Denver, UnabridgedMD is here for you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006
or call 303-731-4006
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