Wait With An Ill Friend While He Gets Test Results

Test results. It is so nice to have a friend nearby when you are waiting for the results.

If you ever thought life was moving to fast and you wanted to slow time down, all you have to do is start waiting for some test results. Time seems to stand still when you have to wait for those test results from your doctor or the lab. Is there a better way to spend the time than sitting by the phone?

If you have a friend with a chronic illness it may seem like they are always waiting for the test results for something. And there are seasons in our illness when there are a lot of labs or tests like MRIs or CAT scans that are being done. There will be times, however, when a test is major. It may be a spinal tap that will tell her if she has multiple scleorsis in addition to diabetes. She may be waiting for test results following a biopsy to see if she has cancer on top of her lupus.

Test results change lives. And it is a time when the clock seems to stop as we wait to see what will (or will not) be fitng. And she needs a friend.

Not every person wants someone sitting around with them. Your support may be as simple as texting her a few messages during the day while she is waiting, whether it be a simple encouragement message, a scripture you are praying for her, or a silly joke.

If she needs company while she waits for the phone to ring, ask how you can best support her. Does she just want you there to watch a sad movie and grieve with her a bit? Does she want you to try to be a goofball and get her mind off of things? Or will that drive her crazy? Does she want you to bring a bottle of wine, or a good old-fashioned milkshake?

If they are not good news, does she need a cheerleader who says, “You are going to fight this!” or does she need someone who hugs her and cries along with her and says, “This is just so unfair. I wish I had answers why this is happening to you. . .”

Ask questions. Ask her what she needs? Share these ideas with her and ask what sounds the most appealing to her (different personalities may want different things). But overall, be aware that test results can be debilitating to a person’s spirit sometimes. Be there and take your cues for. Her about what she needs most while waiting for those test results.

TWEET THIS: Things TO SAY to an ill person #17 Do U want me 2 come over while U wait 4 test results? #iiwk12

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-ljc

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