During your medical visit, your physician has recommended that you undergo a particular test or procedure. Although your doctor probably gave you quite a bit of information about what to expect, it is common to have additional questions once you leave the office. Unless you happen to have a friend or family member who is a physician, it can be very stressful to have many questions and no immediate answers.  

It is important to follow some of the stress management strategies to help you cope with this situation.

Taking control of the situation means preparing a list of questions to ask your doctor about the procedure.  It also involves planning ahead for the scheduled test. Will you need to arrange transportation? Do you need to take time off from work? Will you likely need to stay for other tests?  Discuss the procedure and responsibilities with your loved ones to help you feel prepared. Planning ahead often brings an increased sense of control and less stress.

Learning what is beyond your control means conserving your energy for the day of the test or procedure itself. As long as you are following your physician's instructions exactly, there is nothing more you can do about certain specifics, such as the length of the test or how it will feel.

If you are feeling anxious about the test, try some meditation exercises to calm yourself and ease your mind. You also may benefit from practicing relaxation exercises on the way to the medical facility. Breathing exercises and visualization may be done while waiting for the procedure to help keep you calm. With time, you will learn which stress management techniques work the best for you.