Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
345079 tn?1299202476

Getting through a test Thursday

I have to go and have a choleocystogram on Thursday. Basically the inject a radioactive isotope in me and then wait for it to get to my gallbladder and take xrays as it goes through. It takes atleast 1,5 hours. I have already cancelled it once. I have had an endoscopy, ultrasounds and even a CT scan and nothing has shown that its my gallbladder despite all the symptoms and pain. I am TERRIFIED of this test. #1 because the last time I had the radioactive stuff injected it freaked me out thinking of it being in my system and I passed out. #2 because I am going to be trapped. I have to stay for the whole test and that freaks me out. I cant leave if I have too or need too. Those situations cause me to panic. #3 When I had my endoscopy that reassured me many times that I would not be awake and would not remember anything but the ativan they give me in the IV didnt even phase me and I was awake and remembered every awful second of it. I can still feel it in my throat at times. So that makes me even more anxious about trusting people doing the tests.
I need to get this done but I know myself. I will cancel the day off or before. My husband never trys to talk me into going to any tests he is fine with me cancelling so in a way its nice he doesnt make me but I think I need his help in talking me into it.
I am sooo freaked out about it already that come the day I know I am going to be a complete wreck!
20 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
345079 tn?1299202476
Thank you Jaybay! I am hoping to finally get some answers too.
Helpful - 0
82861 tn?1333453911
I've had that test (HIDA scan) and even though you have to stay still for quite a while, it's a whole lot better than an MRI.  No claustrophobia factor.  I don't know if they used a different contrast than the MRI, but the HIDA scan was no big deal.  No burning or flushing or anything weird - none that I can remember anyway.  Mostly I remember it being incredibly boring.

This is an important test when all other imagining studies show normal but you have gallbladder symptoms.  I didn't have stones either and the HIDA scan measured a low, but normal ejection fraction, and I did experience slight nausea when they administered the drug to make the gallbladder contract.  That's an important symptom so make sure you report it if it happens to you.  I ended up refusing to leave the hospital until a surgeon did an exploratory lap on me.  I KNEW something was very wrong no matter what their stupid tests had to say.  I was right.  No gallstones but my gb was so infected it was ready to rupture and I had tons of adhesions obstructing several areas of small bowel.

Good luck to you and try to focus on breathing slow and deep if you start to wig out.  You can do it!  :-)
Helpful - 0
345079 tn?1299202476
My husband got the call last week about them rescheduling and forgot to tell me till last night!!!
Helpful - 0
1492418 tn?1289149263
o man a practice run i guess :)
Helpful - 0
345079 tn?1299202476
hahaha got myself all worked up and its next Thursday!!! I have however decided that I am going to go no matter what!
Helpful - 0
1492418 tn?1289149263
ssssooooooooooooo?????
Helpful - 0
1348686 tn?1310654243
I apologize for the above repeat posts.  Apparently I had a malfunction with my computer!!!  Just another day at the office,,,,,
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Good luck, Alison and Jul.  One reason I came here and what I am seeing that might help is the connection to others - and understanding / support for our anxiety issues.  I am learning that one of the worst things one can do when you have anxiety is isolate yourself.  It makes everything that much harder to deal with - as it it's not isolating enough!  This board is a godsend for folks like me, whose usual supports (family, friends) are over my constant anxiety and 'health dramas.'  I am too and am finally doing something about it.  Come back when you can after your tests, and let us know how things went, and get your round of applause for Dealing.  Anne
Helpful - 0
1348686 tn?1310654243
Anxiety really is awful....I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!  I think this forum is great because you can honestly see that you are not alone and you can communicate with people that really do understand.

O.K. so I am going to suck it up and get my test done.  I think we are all going to be O.K.   I recommend Chakra Healing it really does help me relax.....

Just know that with the right treatment we can all overcome anxiety.  It is a tough road but it can be done.  We will all get through this.  Keep your heads high and fight on!!!  Lots of luck to everyone!!!
Helpful - 0
1348686 tn?1310654243
Anxiety really is awful....I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!  I think this forum is great because you can honestly see that you are not alone and you can communicate with people that really do understand.

O.K. so I am going to suck it up and get my test done.  I think we are all going to be O.K.   I recommend Chakra Healing it really does help me relax.....

Just know that with the right treatment we can all overcome anxiety.  It is a tough road but it can be done.  We will all get through this.  Keep your heads high and fight on!!!  Lots of luck to everyone!!!
Helpful - 0
1348686 tn?1310654243
Anxiety really is awful....I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!  I think this forum is great because you can honestly see that you are not alone and you can communicate with people that really do understand.

O.K. so I am going to suck it up and get my test done.  I think we are all going to be O.K.   I recommend Chakra Healing it really does help me relax.....

Just know that with the right treatment we can all overcome anxiety.  It is a tough road but it can be done.  We will all get through this.  Keep your heads high and fight on!!!  Lots of luck to everyone!!!
Helpful - 0
1348686 tn?1310654243
Anxiety really is awful....I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!  I think this forum is great because you can honestly see that you are not alone and you can communicate with people that really do understand.

O.K. so I am going to suck it up and get my test done.  I think we are all going to be O.K.   I recommend Chakra Healing it really does help me relax.....

Just know that with the right treatment we can all overcome anxiety.  It is a tough road but it can be done.  We will all get through this.  Keep your heads high and fight on!!!  Lots of luck to everyone!!!
Helpful - 0
1348686 tn?1310654243
Anxiety really is awful....I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!  I think this forum is great because you can honestly see that you are not alone and you can communicate with people that really do understand.

O.K. so I am going to suck it up and get my test done.  I think we are all going to be O.K.   I recommend Chakra Healing it really does help me relax.....

Just know that with the right treatment we can all overcome anxiety.  It is a tough road but it can be done.  We will all get through this.  Keep your heads high and fight on!!!  Lots of luck to everyone!!!
Helpful - 0
345079 tn?1299202476
Thank you so much Anne! Your words have helped alot. I cant believe you have had 3 MRI's. that is a huge thing right there! Good for you! I was suppose to have one and chickened out.

I think due to the fact that I have had quite a health history to date I should be much better at handling stuff like this but instead I think its made it worse. I have had a tumour removed off my ovary at 15, appendix out 19, pregnancy at 20 with pre-e and postpartum hypertension for 6 mnths afterwards, 2 other pregnancies with complications from tachycardia throughout, gestational diabetes, HELLP and pre-e and ended up back in the hospital after being sent home with baby, re-admitted with insane blood pressure without baby :( for weeks. Then super high BP for a year later. 3 foot surgeries on the same thing, my ortho surgeon didnt take enough bone the first time, screwed up the second time and tried to fix screw up third time only to leave me with a painful messed up foot. Hysterectomy, pancreatitis caused by medication for anxiety. Oh and I could go on and on but I wont! lol With my dad dying at age 40 and it was just me and him, my mom and sister lived somewhere else. As soon as I walk in the doors of the hospital I feel like I am leaving after being told he was gone all over again. Ugh. I better stop typing I am babbling now.
Thanks so much to everyone for your help!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, Alison - You were so supportive to me a couple of days ago, I wanted to respond and support you, although I'm still in the early stages in this community.  Although I'm having a tough time right now myself, not practicing what I preach, I guess, I know that the answers I have seen above are right on target.  I especially like what Nursegirl wrote about pre-medicating.  Planning ahead and talking to the nurses and docs about your needs.  I often write something up where I address the concerns and fears I have, and while the doc may not have time to read it, it can be an effective 'cheat sheet' for you to use as a way of remembering what it was you want to tell them, as that stuff can fly out of your head when you're nervous.  I don't know what this test is, but it doesn't sound that bad - the other stuff discussed there sounded worse.  I have a pituitary tumor, so I've had 3 MRIs with contrast dye.  I was freaking out before the first one, not because they put a football type helmet on you and shove you into an enclosed donut hole (but in the interest of full disclosure, I had an 'open' MRI.  However,now that I lack insurance / family assistance, it would have to be a closed one from here on in!).  What I was bugging about was the contrast dye.  I knew someone who'd had a reaction to it, and I was terrified.  I discussed it ahead of time w / the nurse and radiologist, and they were great.  I've had 3 now, but that first one was scary city.  One time, I was having a tooth out, and the DDS put some topical stuff on my gum prior to having the novocaine.  In a flash I was up, pounding on the chair and running toward the door.  I was yelling, in abject fear, although I'd already had several teeth out previously.  I insisted it was the topical stuff they put on that gave me the reaction, but my surgeon, who knows me well and who is great, assured me it was anxiety.  I vote for pre-meds if available and a full discussion up front w/ the doctor and/or a nurse who works w/ him or her ahead of time.  Also, don't forget family or friends who can assist - drive you home, guide you through it, whatever.  Also plan for afterwards - after being guided as to how you might feel, plan something nice for yourself.  I always had milkshakes after tooth extractions, in bed, like a Queen.  (Now I hear dairy is frowned on as it breeds bacteria or something.).  In any event, do your 'due diligence,' inquire about meds, and surround yourself w/ supportive helpers.  Treat yourself well.  And thanks for helping me the other day.  Anne
Helpful - 0
345079 tn?1299202476
Thank you nursegirl, that helps alot. I cant imagine being awake for an ERCP. yikes! I am allowed to take a couple of klonopin prior but if I do then I will have to have a ride. Which I can try to work out. They gave me two full ativan before my foot surgery in October and it didnt phase me at all. But I was less nervous for that as I knew I was going to be asleep. Silly I know.

jul04 I had a CT scan for my pancreas. I have to admit that was one of the easier tests I have done by far. When they inject the contrast you will have a really quick warm sensation and they will tell you it feels like you just peed your pants but you didnt. Its true, it feels like that but only very quickly. Then the test is super quick. I walked home from mine. They use the contrast so often that the chances are super slim for a reaction.

I wonder if I am uncomfortable too because it doesnt take place in the xray department but in the basement of the hospital in Nuclear medicine?

Thanks so much girls, I really do need to just do it. I just wish they had a way to speed it up by atleast an hour!!!
Helpful - 0
1348686 tn?1310654243
I know how you feel.  I have to to for a ct scan with contrast on my pancreas and I have been pushing it off.  I know once I get it done I will feel great that I did it but I am concerned about having a reaction to the contrast.

I know the odds of having a seriouse reaction are small but you know how it is with anxiety.  It is always the worst case scenerio.

I think we both should just have the tests and get it over with.  I think we will feel better...

Lots of luck to you.....
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
The thing with a "twilight" sedation is that you ARE still somewhat awake, and different people experience different levels of memories/awareness.  When I had my ERCP (similar to an endo) when my gallbladder was being worked up....I remember just about every minute of it, and the overall experience was definitely not pleasant.  Being a nurse, I know that from now on...I need to really express to the medical team that I may need a higher dose of medication due to anxiety....they are usually happy to accomodate you.  You can even come up with a signal (ie a "thumbs down" signal)
ahead of time that you would give to the nurses if you were not doing well and unable to talk....like in a scope situation.

There are no guarantees that you will remember nothing, but you can certainly be more comfortable if you stress to the doctor and nurses your needs and fears.  The test you're scheduled for is really not too bad.  Not too many medical procedures are exactly "pleasant", but I think you'd be pleasantly surprised.  It most definitely would not be anything like the endoscopy....much less invasive.  

Try not to let the anticipatory anxiety get you to a place where you don't go.  I know that's hard....but just think of the importance of the test, and concentrate very hard on the feeling of accomplishment you'll have after you get through it!  That's a great feeling!   Have you asked your doc about premedicating?  Taking a sedative before?  That can be very helpful....definitely inquire about it!

Good Luck!
Helpful - 0
345079 tn?1299202476
Thank you for your reply! It took me 15 years to get my wisdom teeth out because they always said it would be difficult and I cant handle being put in the "twlight" state. So finally last year I told them to call me the day before so I would spend days anxious and decided to do it fully awake. It took no time at all and was easy as pie! Now if everything could be like that I would be happy. But after the endoscopy I am just way worked up. I will try and work on the "I WILL handle it" and hope that helps.
Thanks again
Helpful - 0
1492418 tn?1289149263
wow, can't say what i would do  either, i am alot like you in that i often bail. a few months ago i had to have an endimitriol biopsy. When i walked into the room the first time i bailed and left. the next time i decided to "face the fear and do it anyway" another book i use, i somehow got thru it, and was glad to get it over with but now i need to go to the dentist with a tooth i am sure is doing damage, but can't even bring myself to make the appt. that i will probably cancel at least once lol. I don't know if this will help or hurt your decision but my good friend never had anything show up on tests but somehow got them to do the surgery anyway cuz she knew and was in so much pain and there was a gallbladder issue they found when they got in and removed a section of it and she is fine now. I guess my point is not to let them off the hook and how you feel and how much pain you experience will help you decide if you can handle this test. You know enough tools to probably get you thru the test but its the anticipatory anxiety that is getting to you if you are at all like me.  One thing i pulled of a "feel the fear" cd i was listening to was a mantra, No matter what the situation I will handle it. I am alive today because I have always handled it. I may not like it or be comfortable but I WILL handle it. Let me know how it goes!!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?