Waiting for calcium test results fills me with anxiety
Stress and uncertainty worsen my symptoms of hypocalcemia
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“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” — Popular proverb often attributed to Aristotle
Because of hypoparathyroidism, my body struggles to keep my calcium levels stable, which can lead to a lot of anxiety. Waiting for test results fills me with dread. It’s like standing near the edge of a cliff, knowing there’s a drop but not seeing what’s below.
Yesterday, my lab report showed that my calcium level was 7.2 mg/dL, which is below the normal range of 8.6 to 10.3 mg/dL. I’m currently waiting for the results of today’s follow-up testing. Even when my labs are marked urgent, they still take time to arrive.
As I wait, the world shrinks to a ticking clock, each second dragging on. My chest tightens, reminding me of the tension I can’t shake.
On days like today, I feel very tired and struggle to focus. My fingertips tingle, I experience muscle twitching and spasms (known as tetany), and my muscles feel like they’re refusing to work. Stress and anxiety seem to make my hypocalcemia worse.
Low calcium levels also trigger post-traumatic stress disorder from a life-altering calcium crash in 2016. My brain is electrified with racing thoughts that sometimes lead me to act out.
Facing the unknown stirs up real fear about what could happen. I worry that something serious might occur while I’m waiting for answers.
I can’t wait for the day when an at-home calcium monitor is available, like the one Tralyte Health is working on. Not having to wait for calcium testing would improve my quality of life by easing fear and uncertainty and bringing hope. I could focus on my life without the background noise of dread ticking like a clock.
Finding distraction
During times of anxiety and uncertainty, I remind myself that it’s OK to feel overwhelmed. Being kind to myself is the first step toward being more patient.
Columnist Bari Vapnek is riding the waves of hypoparathyroidism. (Courtesy of Bari Vapnek)
As I wait for answers, I’m keeping myself busy while avoiding exertion that could lower my calcium levels. I was having trouble sitting still, so I drove to the beach — my calm amid the storm. Learning how to combat stress and anxiety is crucial, especially during April’s Stress Awareness Month.
Listening to the waves and the beautiful sounds of nature, I’ve realized that even if bad test results crash over me like waves, I won’t let them knock me down. I refuse to be swept away by the tides of hypoparathyroidism.
This brave butterfly will never back down and will face each challenge courageously. Whatever waves come my way, I will continue to ride them.
Whether the news is good or bad, I will get by, I will survive. I will escape to the beach, observe the ocean’s beauty, and ride the crashing waves, never allowing them to swallow me whole.
Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is a strictly news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.
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