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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: tommy246 on July 18, 2009, 01:55:51 pm

Title: Nervous before blood results
Post by: tommy246 on July 18, 2009, 01:55:51 pm
This is only my third hospital visit to get my results but i always get really nervous is this something most people go through i hope this feeling passes in time .
Title: Re: Nervous before blood results
Post by: Miss Philicia on July 18, 2009, 02:06:22 pm
When faced with repeat worry scenarios it's best to approach things rationally -- what exactly is it about this that worries you?  Your previous lab numbers are quite admirable, correct?  You're not yet on meds, correct?  OK, so one day when you get your labs done they'll go down, and one day you'll have to start taking meds.  So what, everyone does this.  Just recognize that it will eventually happen and try and get comfortable with it -- it won't be the end of the world when it happens.  Might happen this next lab draw, or it might not happen for three years.  Worrying incessantly will not change any of this, so give yourself some relief and just deal with it when it actually happens instead of allowing your mind to go crazy. 
Title: Re: Nervous before blood results
Post by: Inchlingblue on July 18, 2009, 02:18:59 pm
Miss P, are you a shrink?

If not, you've missed your calling ;)

So well said, above.
Title: Re: Nervous before blood results
Post by: Miss Philicia on July 18, 2009, 02:22:45 pm
:) it helps that I've sat on a shrink's couch now for 9 years though I only go once monthly now -- very Woody Allen you know!  And with a generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis one learns how to manage this stuff in a rational manner, which basically is what cognitive behavioral therapy is.  

I actually think it's fairly helpful for everyone to read up on this -- even if you don't go to an actual psychiatrist, just buy a book on it.  Managing "worry issues" will help you throughout your long HIV diagnosis.
Title: Re: Nervous before blood results
Post by: Inchlingblue on July 18, 2009, 02:34:54 pm
There's a new show on A & E (the people who brought you "Intervention"!) called Obsessed about people with severe OCD and using CBT to treat it.

But, I digress.....sorry OP@!