It is totally normal to feel heightened anxiety around a scan. Everyone worries a scan may mean getting bad news. Even though you tell yourself things are likely to be fine, understandably, scans are associated with bad news. If you suffer from scanxiety you are not alone.

I am nearing the end of my ten years for getting MRIs after my brain surgery. Currently, my spacing between scans is three years. I am about a year away from my next scan, and I am definitely already feeling nervous about it occasionally. You would think that perhaps being so far removed from treatment would lessen the anxiety, and maybe it is slightly less than it used to be, but it is definitely a reality of life after brain tumor diagnosis.

Realizing that anxiety around the scan is normal, it is good to take steps to help you get through the experience. One thing I have found extremely helpful is that my neurosurgeon’s office always schedules my office visit with the neurosurgeon to discuss my MRI on the same day as the scan. That way, I only have to wait a few hours for results, and I don’t fall into the issue of trying to read the radiologist report on my own and assuming the worst. They do this as a courtesy because I travel a fair distance to see my doctor, but I would hope that if you were to request this setup to assist with your anxiety that your doctor’s office would accomodate your needs.

I would also recommend waiting to hear from your doctor before reading the radiologist’ report if you can. I have had multiple circumstances where the radiologist and doctor have not agreed. Typically, the doctor has been correct when this has occurred, and multiple scans have happened. I think that the radiologist’ unfamiliarity with your situation can make a big difference.

I know to lean into my coping tools when anxiety is higher. I know that when anxiety spikes, it can be harder to utilize your tools, so I recommend practicing them regularly in advance so they feel normal and not like a reach at the moment you need them. For me, physical exercise and time outside are huge helpers. You may find journaling and meditation to be more useful. Or perhaps breathing exercises and talking about your feelings will help you manage your stress. Whatever that looks like for you, plan it out and know that as you near that scan date, you will need to lean into these assistances.

Also, medication is a great option to get through the scan anxiety, especially if the actual scan is a challenge for you. My mom had a prescription for every scan that she went into a tube, and that was an immense help for someone with a cancer diagnosis going through regular scans who struggled with claustrophobia and scan anxiety.

I find it important to recognize that the stress is normal and expected. If I am struggling with anxiety around a scan, that is not a failure. I find that if I am accepting of the fact that the night before I may struggle to sleep, I do much better. I remember to offer myself grace and that hard things really do feel awful. I don’t need to somehow not feel the strain of thing. Managing anxiety does not mean that it doesn’t exist.

I do try to remind myself not to stew over it in advance. Worrying about a scan months or a year away is not at all helpful or productive. I tell myself that I am feeling well, so the likelihood of the scan being clear is high. I remind myself not to miss out on today’s good moments worrying 5 tomorrow’s troubles.

When I take my kids to get a vaccine, I always plan a treat for them after. Sometimes, that is a treat to eat. Sometimes, it is something pleasant to do. I find it helps all of us get through the day and have something to look forward to. It may seem silly or simple, but planning a positive reason to get up in the morning may help with making it through a very long day of medical procedures. I’d love to hear your favorite treats to help encourage yourself through a long doctoring day.

Some good references for scanxiety (most are for cancer but relate to ongoing scan situations):

https://www.maggies.org/about-us/blog/tips-for-managing-scanxiety/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/article-scanxiety%3fgoogle=amp

https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2023/02/what-is-scanxiety