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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Waiting between test results and Dr appointment - anxiety when we see the RESULTS 😣yet have to wait for appointment! Test anxiety anyone?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Middleburg, FL

When my husband was dx with Brain Tumor the phrase Scanxiety was common for pts that had to wait on their results after an MRI (Thankfully at MD Anderson it’s always the same day).
I’m sure most of us have our bloodwork results within days with our appointments a week or so out. Not checking them isn’t realistic when you receive messages in RED alerting you to concerning results.
How do you manage these situations?
So many red flags this time
Thank you👑

July 12 (edited)
 · 
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MyLupusTeam

"Resultsxiety" is absolutely real — and for someone managing lupus, seeing red flags in your bloodwork before you can talk to your doctor is genuinely stressful. First, a gentle reminder: abnormal markers in lupus don't always mean a crisis. Some values fluctuate regularly with lupus and your doctor will interpret them in Show Full Answer

"Resultsxiety" is absolutely real — and for someone managing lupus, seeing red flags in your bloodwork before you can talk to your doctor is genuinely stressful. First, a gentle reminder: abnormal markers in lupus don't always mean a crisis. Some values fluctuate regularly with lupus and your doctor will interpret them in the full context of your health history.

That said, here are some ways to manage the wait:

- Call the office — Don't wait for the appointment. Ask if a nurse can review the flagged results with you and offer any initial guidance
- Write everything down — Note which results concerned you and any symptoms you're experiencing so you're prepared when you do speak with your doctor
- Limit repeated checking — Looking at the results over and over tends to increase anxiety without adding new information
- Use distraction intentionally — Music, a walk, or connecting with others who understand lupus can help break the anxiety spiral
- Practice breathing exercises — Simple deep breathing can genuinely calm the nervous system during stressful waits Also worth considering — if your provider offers telehealth options, a quick virtual check-in might be available sooner than an in-person appointment. Many MyLupusTeam members have found telehealth really helpful for exactly these kinds of situations.

Sending strength your way 👑 — you're clearly a seasoned advocate for yourself and your family. That matters enormously.

July 12

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