Struggling with upcoming MRI

[Mike_N]

Gday all. 

35M, and expecting to be a first time father in June, after my Wife and I trying for last couple of years. 
Been on a bit of health kick, as I wanted to be able to keep up with being a parent. 
Did have a bit of health scare last year, which has flared up my health anxiety. 

Recently, went for a routine eye check as I wear corrective lens, and referred to a Glaucoma specialist. Turns out I’m lucky enough to not have it, however the specialist recommended I do a brain / eye MRI to exclude any tumours etc. 

Lovely specialist, said she doubts that’s the problem but wanted to rule it out. 

The thing is, I’m struggling with the what if and could be scenarios. To my anxiety driven mind, it seems like that’s what the cause is. And so I’ve been delving into information on the internet and fueling that interpretation rather than thinking positively: if it was serious I would have been told to go to ER , etc etc. 

Just really struggling to bounce back from this darker line of thinking, but as I’m about to be a dad, have an amazing wife, I just get caught up in the bad what if scenarios. 

I know there’s no point in stressing about it til I’ve done it. But (and there it is) the ‘the what if’ is eating me away. Work mates have picked up on it. I’ve just sort of mentioned got a bit on the plate and leave it at that.

Thanks for letting me vent. 

[Summer Rose]

Hi Mike N

Sorry to hear that health anxiety is getting on top of you at present. I can empathise given the situation you’re in and the stage of life you’re enjoying.

I’m pretty sure that a lot of people would feel the same as you in this situation (me included!). You are not alone.

I would try to remember that there is no evidence of anything nasty going on and try to limit the time you spend thinking about the “what ifs”. Allow yourself a small amount of time and then try to push on through.
Try adding or increasing your exercise, great for lifting your mood. Spend time doing things you enjoy to help balance out the worry time. And, of course, eat well and try to get good sleep.

I would also suggest you stop Googling for medical information. If you have questions talk to your specialist or your GP. At least this way you’ll be receiving credible information that relates to you.

If you do see someone to help you with anxiety, might be a good time to check in. If you don’t, have a chat with your GP (suggest a double appointment) to explore if you might need further support.

I wish you all the best with your efforts to reduce your anxiety and the outcome of your MRI.

Kind thoughts to you

[Mike_N]

Thankyou for such a lovely reply. 
The reason for the MRI is due to a bit of compression seen on my nerve. That’s it, however, enough to have triggered my health anxiety. 

Part of my get healthier goals has been exercise. It does absolute wonders for the body and mind.

I’ll try to keep off doctor google.

MRI is scheduled tomorrow morning. 

Procedure itself isn’t too worrying. Seems like alot of noise and staying still for 30 mins or so. 

Just worried what they’ll find. 

Even our pregnancy journey has had its ups and downs. And I’m trying to be the support my wife needs. But this latest appointment just buckled me.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Mike N

I get it.  I've recently been through the same situation.

An MRI is painless.  The noise is annoying and loud but they should offer you a choice of music, which gets piped into the machine.  From my experience, the technicians will not tell you anything except the timeframe for when your specialist should receive your report and images.

After my MRI I kept super busy with my hands, house cleaning as I recall.  Don't know why but being busy with my hands helped keep my mind quiet and being exhausted helped me sleep!  I was "lucky" though in a way, as there was a rush put on the results, and I only had a 24hr wait. I kept telling myself I would "cross the bridge if I had to", wait for evidence and pushed the negative thoughts out of my mind (well, as much as possible!).

Hope your wait for results isn't too long.   Hang in there.  

Kind thoughts to you

[Mike_N]

Just finished the MRI. 
The procedure itself wasn’t too bad at all. 

Now just have to wait and see for the results. 

[Summer Rose]

Good luck!  I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers x

[AA33]

Hi Mike_N

I hope all went well for your MRI.

Fell like I need to vent as well as I'm in a similar space. 36M with 2 young kids and yes I always wonder about similar scenarios. I lost my dad to leukaemia back in 2012 and watched him say goodbye to 2 little kids he had in a second marriage and now I have it in my head and always picture myself in his shoes. 

I avoid doctors because I am so bloody afraid of what I could be told and I am literally ruining my marriage/ life in the process. I struggle to not have anyone to talk to because once the words come out of my mouth of the symptoms that I have I feel like it becomes real. It's happened 3 times now in the past where I experience symptoms and will eventually end up at the doctor who will refer me to a specialist then once I'm told it's nothing the symptoms suddenly go. It's still so hard to grasp that I could be experiencing symptoms like this that end up being nothing.

A couple of years ago my eyes started experiencing astigmatisms in light, I went to the optometrist and they said it was nothing really and once I figured it was ok I left it, I didn't notice it much after that until my cousin's husband told me he was diagnosed with MS after experiencing and eye issue. I didn't ask him what it was otherwise I would've panicked. Since that day I have been freaking out, I have started experiencing lightheadedness/ vertigo after they mentioned luckily they picked it up early and not too late when he could've fainted and my wife mentioned one symptom of pins and needles- surely enough the day after I have it constantly. I knew enough was enough so I went to my GP who has prescribed anti anxiety meds and for me to get an MRI for my peace of mind. I am on edge and picturing worst case scenario more so for me not being here for my kids. I even freak out writing this thinking "what if someone with MS sees this and writes that's exactly the symptoms I had". I know this is a lot but I needed to get it off my chest.

Thanks