Reply to Breast biopsy--patient comfort around anxiety

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[quote=Anonymous]Because of dense breasts, Washington Radiology recommended that I start having breast MRIs. I went for my first one last week, and they found an abnormality that now needs a hollow needle biopsy under MRI guidance.

I am in the process of scheduling the biopsy and getting my pre-procedure instructions. I have a history of medical trauma--a procedure that was done with inadequate anesthesia and a separate medical error that led to a great deal of short-term pain and the need for a follow-up surgery. I therefore have a great deal of anxiety about procedures and surgeries, especially when I do not have a prior relationship with the medical provider. It's not ideal, and I would prefer just to put on a brave face. Unfortunately, it's not that easy: When readying for an epidural injection for pain management, a nurse almost canceled my procedure and sent me to urgent care because my blood pressure was too high. I do not have generalized anxiety. It's just medical anxiety that I haven't been able to  overcome with mindfulness or CBT.

I would like to take a benzodiazepine prior to my procedure. Unfortunately, Wash Rad requires consent on the day of procedure and won't allow me to complete the consent process after taking meds. The only option they are offering for anxiety management is to arrive 90 minutes early, complete the consent form, take the meds, and then sit in their waiting area until they reach efficacy 60-90 minutes later. It's stupid and embarrassing, but I am afraid that I will just openly sob in their waiting room or run out the door in that time. I'm also afraid of the aforementioned blood pressure spike and being sent home without completing the procedure. They refuse to do the consent process on a prior date, they don't offer IV meds other than contrast, and I am not permitted to leave the facility between taking meds and the procedure.

Are there other radiology facilities that are a bit friendlier to those with medical anxiety? Has anyone with anxiety had a calm and successful experience with Wash Rad? If so, how did you manage things? [/quote]

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