Here is my morning before a visit to the hospital. What are some encouraging tips you can give the frey life family to help them before a stressful hospital stay or doctor’s visit?
Thanks so much for this! I keep having to have surgeries on my eyes to stop me going blind but they’re not working. I get really stressed out over trips and I end up having panic attacks and dissociating which isn’t helped by being traumatised when I was little by hospitals 😅💕
The Frey Life - I prep the day before - get my questions and notes ready. I also have a "Clinic bag" that I make sure to pack water bottles and snacks for my mom and I. We usually chat about the appointments on the ride home, I write down our new ideas and we research. Reach out to doctor with more valid questions after our own research. Being a medical mystery my whole life nothing really shocks me anymore. I laughed as you said - "ride out this wave" as that is my motto with my past year of medical fun and new diagnosis. Song I jam out to is "My Wave" by Keith Urban!! Check it out! 💜
My mom lives 2 hours away from me and she is going through cancer treatment. Abridge has been a blessing for us to have and use. She is able to send the file to me and my brother. The doctor (who is wonderful) even speaks to me on the recording, usually to tease me that my mom is a grown woman. Thank you so much for telling us about Abridge!
Sometimes I can’t believe how much I appreciate you guys. Your videos, you discussions, your regular blogs. I just really, really appreciate all the work that you do to bring these videos to us.
I m with you Rebecca. Ive been watching the Frey life for going on 5 years and I feel like they are ACTUAL friends of mine although to them we are all just random people watching their videos... I dont feel complete in my day if I haven't watched the Frey life.
I love the Wads! I watch Kim when I need to food prep. I watch your videos when I need to rest and have self care. I find I tend to flare when I watch your videos. I figured out eventually hearing someone be so in tune with their body and speak about their pain, gives me permission to listen to my body and recognize my chronic pain. And hearing someone rest and care for their body even when “broken”, gives me permission to rest my body and thank it for it’s abilities and accepts it’s limits with grace. Your authenticity gives me permission even “being so young” to “be so sick”. And it is an acceptance that is so healing. About once a week I catch up on your videos while sitting on a heating pad and consciously give myself grace.
I get myself a treat ahead of time... a Starbucks coffee or a pastry or something. It helps calm me down and focus on something nice before I have to act like a functioning adult. 😂
Hi Peter and Mary. My niece has CF and that is why I started watching your videos years ago. She is now 21 and has a baby boy. She watches your videos too. I listen/watch your videos after work while cooking, doing the dishes, and folding laundry. I get to catch up on you guys, and you help me get my chores done. I also listen to music all the time. I am not much of a tv person. I prefer to listen to music or read a book. You guys are so cute, inspirational, and just wonderful people. Thank you for sharing your journey. It means a lot to many people.
You give great advice. As a visiting nurse , once in a while I encountered a family member who kept a notebook about everything and I have to say. it was a bit intimidating, but also very efficient. It's good to keep telling yourself that you are in charge and not be pushed around or brushed off.
I have some daunting things I have to do in the next week or two. My mother is in a rehab facility for physical therapy after surgery. I have to make decisions regarding her insurance and finances and then explain everything to my mom and my siblings. Prayers appreciated.
Today is 11/25. The day before Thanksgiving and I got fired from my job 10/30 and it has been an emotional struggle bus for sure. It has also been a blessing. I've been home to get my kiddos in a better routine and we've been starting to eating healthier but with conflicting work schedules my husband and myself had been struggling to keep the house clean in anyway. But getting caught up on your videos and have been very encouraging and now my house is resembling a home again. I'm watching these videos in order and I've already had 7 videos on today. So slowly I'm getting caught up. Thank you for being you and encouraging even if you don't feel so good yourself.
I had two appointments today. I've found that it's helpful for me to have a list of tasks to do the morning of the appointment to take my mind off of the anxiety of being in public during this pandemic. And also to have tasks afterwards (like laundry folding or a phone call) to help me through my ocd contamination anxiety so that I'm not scrubbing in the shower more than necessary afterwards. It's still REALLY DIFFICULT but the distractions and music does help. Thank you for your ideas! I hope your appointment went well today!!!!❤️🥰
Great advice! I have an appointment coming up in a couple of weeks and I'm already stressing about covid exposure since we're in an actual hotspot. Going to try out your list idea for day of and especially your task idea for afterwards to keep me from obsessing over decontamination! Hope your appointments went well!
Sometimes you need those uplifting songs after the appointment, too. I find the drive home is typically more stressful than the drive there because I'm either stewing in new information or the lack of it! "This is not my only step/avenue/option, I can take time to be frustrated but after that I will come up with a next step because this is not the end"
I am, by nature, a “ Nervous Nellie”, so any ideas to alleviate nervousness and anxiety are most welcome! Thank you for sharing, Mary, and I look forward to reading the helpful tips that people have shared in the Comments. Great video! See you tomorrow at the hospital! 🤗❤️❤️🙏🏼😘🐕🐱
Tip I always try to remember or my parents try to remember when I go in or when my grandparents go in is to look things up before hand. By this I mean, call ahead, go online or find a hospital map and figure out what elevator or what section of the hospital you need to go to. Try knowing where you should park and which elevator and which section of the hospital you want to be in. This helps you have more time to just sit and breath before the appointment.
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I always take a plastic rosary in with me. It can go into any imaging machines and the repetition of it occupies my brain and allows my heart to pray. You don’t have to do the “Hail Mary”, but can change them to whatever prayers you want. Some people use each bead to pray for someone they know. Thank you for this one, Mary, you did a great job! PS That Abridge app is fabulous, thank you for recommending it! Love y’all!
your videos actually help me with peace and remind me to chill and be grateful for the little things and focus on that instead of the everyday insurance battles, drug stores and pa's and well you know the list lol , thank you so much for all you do
I just discovered I was somehow unsubscribed. I didn't even catch it. I feel awful! I was watching everyday, then I got sick and I guess I lost you then. Anyway - Hi! I love you guys!!! I have only gone to the doctor 4 times since this started. Three times I have gotten ill. I wear my mask, distance myself, wash my hands and use sanitizer!
Keep a running list in advance of concerns, questions so you can be sure you feel like everything was covered.....and always music! (retired Music Therapist ) ....;and dance ...in your head, with a finger...a toe....💃🕺🙏💖🌟. Clean in 10min sessions - with a timer 🙏😊 Thanks FreyLife 💟
Great tips! I had a very difficult day this week when my dr was running 2.5 hours late with no communication or apologies and I left the appointment in tears with no diagnosis, no treatment options and no pain relief. Then had a few minutes to scarf down half my lunch and get to my mri appointment only to be told an hour into waiting that one of the machines was broken and it would be a while. My blood sugar spiked to 270 (emotional stress) and I had no access to water. All together I spent more than 6 hours in waiting rooms and got very tired of reading books on my phone. So I learned always, always take water, phone charger, and more than one thing to do.
I put Frey Life videos on when I’m cleaning dishes sometimes...so funny you say that😊 I’m also a big fan of having music on when cleaning my mom always had music playing, and it rubbed off on me 💜
When I go to the hospital for an appointment especially a big appointment or for multiple appointments, I always bring a backpack with snacks, water bottle, phone, earbuds, phone charger, medications, sweatshirt, fidgets toys to help anxiety, extra masks, hand sanitizer, and any other necesseties. I also listen to my favorite playlist on the drive there to help calm me.
Thank you so much for the recommendation for ibridge. I shared it with my "senior" friends, I am one too!!! We all need help in the doctors office especially when we get older! You are a rock star my dear!!!
Going for gastroscopy and colonoscopy on Monday all by myself. My husband can’t come in. I’ll be there for about 5 hours alone. Love you guys and all of the Frey fam.
The timing for this is perfect, I have a surgery for endometriosis on Monday, and having diagnosed PTSD regarding my abdominal pain. Having to ground myself so often through the past few days. Been a bit terrified of it but these are brilliant reminders ❤
I hope the rheumatologist went well! I needed this video last week but I guess I will save it for next time I am super nervous for an appointment. A couple of things I do when I am nervous for an appointment: 1. Watch a handful of youtubers that I find reassuring or comforting 2. Meditate I use insight timer and have a couple of meditations saved for panic and anxiety that help 3. Journal or talk to myself sounds strange but they are both ways of kind of trying to work though whatever is underlying the anxiety
Mary this really helped thank You for caring You are so strong and incouring my husband and I listen to a Christian radio station it's always on in the car You're right that helps You guys are so sweet God Bless
I get a list of questions together a few days before. Make sure I have all my meds and dosage written down. The day of, if I'm nervous I love to listen to music and sing to my hearts content on my way to the appointment. For daunting tasks I love watching you guys while I do the task. If I'm caught up then I watch something else on UA-cam or Netflix.
I play some of the old Frey life video's to do stuff, I'm watching the December 2017 playlist. I do it while crocheting, decorating for fall, chores. Basically everything. 😂
I always try to repeat over and over “”Let go, Let God”. I surrender to a power greater than myself. I also remember that whatever I am doing, appointment, scans, whatever, it will be a matter of an hour or a day and I will be home again. I visualize myself home with treats that I have purchased after my appointment. Always treat yourself to some form of self care after any appointments
Thank you Mary really needed this video today. I have been avoiding the clinic due to covid and I'm avoiding my health issues. My problem is I have to see many specialists and it becomes overwhelming to me. I'm alone with these visits and I take the bus. When I go to the clinic if the doctor can find out what's going on with my pain disorders and Asthma. Then I get sent to the hospital for further testing. Mary if weren't for you I would keep avoiding my clinic visits. Mary I really appreciate you're encouragement thanks you. Have a bless rest of you're day and a pleasant clinic visit god bless.
Both hubbie and myself have been attending hospital appointments for different illnesses music really helps I’ve downloaded your recommendations on Spotify and also I always say my prayers daily especially for hubbie thank you Mary and Peter I love your daily vlogs
Mary! Thank you so much for your advice. You’re so young yet so helpful beyond your years. I have my major appointments with my renal and vascular doctors this month. This means to me that I find out if I’ll need more surgery, More medication, or if my physical condition is deteriorating. I am so so stressed out as always. Usually my blood work is fine but I am always, always so stressed out a month before until the results of my appointments. I have A limited amount of prescribed pain medication and anxiety medication that I get per month. I take them as little as possible but I always save them for my doctor and hospital appointments. I discourage my wife from going with me but she’s always insistent because I know she cares for me. I’m not much of a churchgoer but I set aside time every morning to pray for others and read scriptures from the Bible. It’s kind of funny because one of my friends is a pastor and I very rarely go to his church. That being said I’m going to try to incorporate your thoughts and feelings on how I can alleviate some of my anxiety before my appointments. Thank you so much for your ideas and insights. God bless you.
Hope everything went good at the hospital Mary . Thanks for a reminder to listen to some good Christian music while doing chores , ofcourse when I'm caught up on my Frey life videos !! Lol ✌️💛🧡🤎🙏🏼
Did Peter put on this editing when you saw the flower ? 😭😂😂 That was hilarious ans This is what I do... 🙄 😂 ( about putting on your video and doing something)
Mary I opened my phone and like always popped in on The Frey Life. And there you are talking about Abridge! I was recently diagnosed with cancer and this app is going to save my brain from exploding! I'm so thankful, you have no idea. Sometimes when life gives you lemons Mary shows up and teaches you how to make lemonade. Thank you for being there!!! 🙏❤❤🙏
Lynn L good luck on yoir joirney with cancer. Prayers sent yoir way for healing. I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer June 2017. Chemo had no effect on it. They approved Keytruda the same year so my insurance pays for the treatment every 3 weeks at 35,000. a pop. I believe God had something to do with approving the treatment in time for me to be able to have it. It is what is keeping me alive. Without it my doctor said I would not be here. I hope you have good luck with upur treatment. They have come a long way with treating cancers. It is no longer a automatic death sentence. May God bless you and get you healthy. Please pray for me also. Prayers are a powerful tool.
Hi guys🙂🙋♀️. Just watched your video Mary. I loved it! It was helpful to know the insights of another CF person going to the dr. Currently since COVID19 pandemic began,I have had 4 dr. appointments,1 sleep study and 1 hospital stay. Dr. appointments have been ok but I hate the crowded environment in the waiting area and feel nervous about accidentally picking up a sickness. I was hospitalized 1 month into the lockdown because I suddenly came down with a lung infection and was coughing up blood 2 days before Easter and had to spend my first Easter away from my family in the hospital and to make matters worse, I could not have my mom be with me because of Covid restrictions and it became my first hospital stay without anyone being with me at all and in an Adult hospital.😭😧 And my mom could not come to my sleep study in August for the same reason. Both my hospital stay and sleep study were not so bad,but it still made me nervous and scared a little.😐 Here is another tip for dr. visits. I learned this from my home nurse this year right before COVID19 hit to change my clothes after I get home and bathe or shower so I don't bring home any germs. Try that next time you go to the dr.'s Mary. Have a great rest of your day.
Hi! I like your songs, ive had countless times lately where im in the car & i think "dont forget that song" & then 2 or 3 other good songs come on before i get home & ive forgotten all the different lyrics im trying to remember to add to my personal playlist 🤯 which explains the many headache ive gotten lately. Such its good advice that you gave to transfer ahead of time, because altho i liked a little rush of having to transfer patients with only a 24 hour notice & i understand that sometimes even thats all a patient can do given emergencies, not all facilities may enjoy short notices. I liked it because i didn't mind the work that goes into it but also it opened up a new spot that another patient could take temporarily that allowed more time for life on a more convenient day & some patients were nice enough to let me know how happy it made them for us to convenient their lives❤
As a nurse, I’m not sure I would advise drinking that much water before certain lab blood tests. For instance, drinking lots of water will “water down” if you will, your sodium levels. I would always check with your doctor before hydrating before testing.
I don't usually have anxiety about the appointment itself.... my anxiety revolves around getting to my appointments on time. Since "my hospital" is an hour away, I have to make sure I keep travel time in mind, plus a bit extra just in case there's traffic. Then I have to find a place to park and walk down to the main building and be there 15 minutes prior to my actual appointment. So, I usually end up leaving at least 90 minutes (sometimes more it the weather is bad!) before my appointments just to be sure I'll be there on time.
when you are well hydrated the veins are easier for the phlebotomist to palpate. they feel like well cooked noodles. also be warm, that helps the blood flow.
Mary... You are such a strong woman! I haven't been on UA-cam in a while to watch my UA-camrs, I am so glad I am watching you today. Your singing is so holy! One of my favorite Christian songs is Your Great Name ! By Natalie grant. I also sing you're beautiful with my son before bed by phil wickham!
Hey Mary thanks for the great video I was wondering if you and Peter can pray for my mom she had to go by ambulance today and they don't know what's wrong and my sister's wedding is Saturday but great video as always and this helps me at my appointments
Music is a main help for me before appts, I also text my friend sometimes before my appts (not in the office or anything) but like in the car or while I'm waiting to be called in.
I listen to a podcast or familiar Netflix tv show GILMORE GIRLS or THE OFFICE US are my biggest loves on there. Ooooh bring stuff to keep yourself entertained while waiting like a book etc.
I met my first rheumatologist the first week of Sept. Got blood drawn the next week - and couldn't get an appt to discuss the blood results until Oct. 5. And this is all new to me. And my primary care dr's tendency to freak out does not help.
You can get your results straight from the lab. I use Labcorp. I just signed up for an account. You can access them 24 hours after they are sent to your doctor.
@@curlybibliophagist2 I did. I've had the results for weeks. I haven't been able to meet with the rheumatologist yet, though, to find out what she thinks they mean (if anything).
@@curlybibliophagist2 Thanks. This is only the beginning of a journey to figure out why some of my blood results are out of whack but I feel totally healthy.
Great conversation! I get nervous belly too even when it’s a “normal/good” visit. Also, I always talks to my Dexcom!! 🤪. Yes,yes, I know, I know! Hope the visit was good! Thanks for being you!
Thank you. I always get so weirded out before a pulmonologist appointment. Well, I get weirded out about most appointments except our local doctor. Once I'm out the door and in the car and we're on the road, I seem to settle down. Maybe your list will help. 😁👋💖
Anxiety is so hard on those appt. days. Most appts. I can't take my service dog. Since I'm alone and having test...no pup to calm me. The abridge app is awesome.
Bring a medication lists with you. I make sure I have the doctor name who prescribed. This gives the doctor more information and person to call if they want to change a medication. I have Lupus and this has been helpful for me.
I have to turn the music up loud and scream/sing LOL 😆 I probably look crazy to other drivers but it really helps get that nervous energy out!! And praying!
-In a sturdy portfolio, I keep a 1-page list of all my medical conditions, medications (and schedule), and allergies (makes it really easy for them to just make a copy of and have all the info), as well as business cards for everyone on my medical team, along with any appointment notes (I print mine because it's easier), a pen, and a folder with my most important medical records (diagnostic testing, etc.). It has done wonders for helping me prepare for appointments. I've even had people comment on how organized I was. (In case anyone's interested, I put mine together more or less the way Chronically Jaquie talks about in her video "How to get answers when you're chronically ill" - I tweaked it to work for me, but having a template example was extremely helpful for me.) -I also try not to be in a rush for appointments because it messes with my BP numbers, as that's something we're loosely monitoring. -If there's a chance that it might be cold inside (I've found this more common in hospitals than doctor's offices), I bring a blanket - I deeply regretted it the one time that I didn't, and the blankets they gave me to use weren't particularly comfortable and didn't really keep me very warm. -I always bring something to drink with me. -If bringing someone with me is an option, then I do it - sometimes my mom has questions that even I hadn't thought of. -I record my appointments - I don't have a smartphone so I can't use Abridge (when I eventually get one, I will for sure use that app - thanks for reminding me what it's called, Mary, as I had almost forgotten), so I use a regular recording device.
My visits are to a regular doctors office and when I go in for blood pressure check. They have to do blood work up. I am lucky if I only get stuck once. My veins are not visible so everything is done in the hand area.
Good luck Mary. I’m in hospital due to infection and pneumonia. . Can’t find out why my white count is still climbing? Both take care and God Bless all.
Can I ask you about advocating for a feeding tube for yourself? I have Achalasia, a rare condition of the esophagus where it's difficult if not impossible to swallow food, water, take meds etc... I'm getting worse everyday but my doctors are not listening to me about getting a feeding tube for the nutrition and to stay hydrated etc... Help?
By any chance, have you recently changed the way you download your videos? For a couple of weeks now, your videos are doing lots of stopping and starting and scrolling ...i thought at first it might be my internet (which is high speed) but I don’t seem to have a problem with other vlogs I watch, just yours. Just wondering 😉
have 2 visits at the hospital coming up over the next 3 weeks and very nervous! might have to have a Covid test before one of those visits though! I am chronically ill and very susceptible to catching everything and anything!
I always have been told to fast before my bloodwork, as no food or drink 8-12 hours prior to bloodtest. It’s not all tests that needs the fasting, but most of them. Is it different in USA?
You’re a strong women with a beautiful voice. I wish I had your strength when it comes to Dr’s appointments. I hope 🤞 your advice works for dentists also (high anxiety).
Here is my morning before a visit to the hospital. What are some encouraging tips you can give the frey life family to help them before a stressful hospital stay or doctor’s visit?
Thanks so much for this! I keep having to have surgeries on my eyes to stop me going blind but they’re not working. I get really stressed out over trips and I end up having panic attacks and dissociating which isn’t helped by being traumatised when I was little by hospitals 😅💕
Keep pressing on! Mary, think of me giving you a hug and letting you know everything is going to be okay.
@@caitlin6249 I love you very much. I just want you to know that
The Frey Life I listen and sing Fr Rob Galea (amazing worship singer/songwriter) “I Surrender To You”
The Frey Life - I prep the day before - get my questions and notes ready. I also have a "Clinic bag" that I make sure to pack water bottles and snacks for my mom and I. We usually chat about the appointments on the ride home, I write down our new ideas and we research. Reach out to doctor with more valid questions after our own research.
Being a medical mystery my whole life nothing really shocks me anymore.
I laughed as you said - "ride out this wave" as that is my motto with my past year of medical fun and new diagnosis. Song I jam out to is "My Wave" by Keith Urban!! Check it out! 💜
My mom lives 2 hours away from me and she is going through cancer treatment. Abridge has been a blessing for us to have and use. She is able to send the file to me and my brother. The doctor (who is wonderful) even speaks to me on the recording, usually to tease me that my mom is a grown woman. Thank you so much for telling us about Abridge!
I'll keep your mama in my prayers.
Sometimes I can’t believe how much I appreciate you guys. Your videos, you discussions, your regular blogs. I just really, really appreciate all the work that you do to bring these videos to us.
I m with you Rebecca. Ive been watching the Frey life for going on 5 years and I feel like they are ACTUAL friends of mine although to them we are all just random people watching their videos... I dont feel complete in my day if I haven't watched the Frey life.
I have one of those nerve racking appointments on Monday the 5th. Please everyone say a prayer for me to get a good report.
Praying Penny! 💖
*hugs and support* I hope your appointment goes well and it turns out to be a good one. Thinking about you!!!!❤️🤓
I love the Wads! I watch Kim when I need to food prep. I watch your videos when I need to rest and have self care. I find I tend to flare when I watch your videos. I figured out eventually hearing someone be so in tune with their body and speak about their pain, gives me permission to listen to my body and recognize my chronic pain. And hearing someone rest and care for their body even when “broken”, gives me permission to rest my body and thank it for it’s abilities and accepts it’s limits with grace. Your authenticity gives me permission even “being so young” to “be so sick”. And it is an acceptance that is so healing. About once a week I catch up on your videos while sitting on a heating pad and consciously give myself grace.
We always do something nice after the hospital to make it positive like lunch or get treats or nice drive .
I get myself a treat ahead of time... a Starbucks coffee or a pastry or something. It helps calm me down and focus on something nice before I have to act like a functioning adult. 😂
We do that too. Just finished my tests. Results on the 7th.
Hi Peter and Mary. My niece has CF and that is why I started watching your videos years ago. She is now 21 and has a baby boy. She watches your videos too. I listen/watch your videos after work while cooking, doing the dishes, and folding laundry. I get to catch up on you guys, and you help me get my chores done. I also listen to music all the time. I am not much of a tv person. I prefer to listen to music or read a book. You guys are so cute, inspirational, and just wonderful people. Thank you for sharing your journey. It means a lot to many people.
You give great advice. As a visiting nurse , once in a while I encountered a family member who kept a notebook about everything and I have to say. it was a bit intimidating, but also very efficient. It's good to keep telling yourself that you are in charge and not be pushed around or brushed off.
“No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus” makes me sob every time!! One of my favorite songs ever! ❤️❤️
I have some daunting things I have to do in the next week or two. My mother is in a rehab facility for physical therapy after surgery. I have to make decisions regarding her insurance and finances and then explain everything to my mom and my siblings. Prayers appreciated.
Today is 11/25. The day before Thanksgiving and I got fired from my job 10/30 and it has been an emotional struggle bus for sure. It has also been a blessing. I've been home to get my kiddos in a better routine and we've been starting to eating healthier but with conflicting work schedules my husband and myself had been struggling to keep the house clean in anyway. But getting caught up on your videos and have been very encouraging and now my house is resembling a home again.
I'm watching these videos in order and I've already had 7 videos on today. So slowly I'm getting caught up. Thank you for being you and encouraging even if you don't feel so good yourself.
I had two appointments today. I've found that it's helpful for me to have a list of tasks to do the morning of the appointment to take my mind off of the anxiety of being in public during this pandemic. And also to have tasks afterwards (like laundry folding or a phone call) to help me through my ocd contamination anxiety so that I'm not scrubbing in the shower more than necessary afterwards. It's still REALLY DIFFICULT but the distractions and music does help. Thank you for your ideas!
I hope your appointment went well today!!!!❤️🥰
Great advice! I have an appointment coming up in a couple of weeks and I'm already stressing about covid exposure since we're in an actual hotspot. Going to try out your list idea for day of and especially your task idea for afterwards to keep me from obsessing over decontamination! Hope your appointments went well!
Sometimes you need those uplifting songs after the appointment, too. I find the drive home is typically more stressful than the drive there because I'm either stewing in new information or the lack of it! "This is not my only step/avenue/option, I can take time to be frustrated but after that I will come up with a next step because this is not the end"
I don’t like medical appointments of any kind, I always feel stressed about going until I get there. Then, I think about the rest of my day. 🥰🌺
I am, by nature, a “ Nervous Nellie”, so any ideas to alleviate nervousness and anxiety are most welcome! Thank you for sharing, Mary, and I look forward to reading the helpful tips that people have shared in the Comments. Great video! See you tomorrow at the hospital! 🤗❤️❤️🙏🏼😘🐕🐱
Tip I always try to remember or my parents try to remember when I go in or when my grandparents go in is to look things up before hand. By this I mean, call ahead, go online or find a hospital map and figure out what elevator or what section of the hospital you need to go to. Try knowing where you should park and which elevator and which section of the hospital you want to be in. This helps you have more time to just sit and breath before the appointment.
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I always take a plastic rosary in with me. It can go into any imaging machines and the repetition of it occupies my brain and allows my heart to pray. You don’t have to do the “Hail Mary”, but can change them to whatever prayers you want. Some people use each bead to pray for someone they know. Thank you for this one, Mary, you did a great job!
PS That Abridge app is fabulous, thank you for recommending it! Love y’all!
your videos actually help me with peace and remind me to chill and be grateful for the little things and focus on that instead of the everyday insurance battles, drug stores and pa's and well you know the list lol , thank you so much for all you do
I just discovered I was somehow unsubscribed. I didn't even catch it. I feel awful! I was watching everyday, then I got sick and I guess I lost you then. Anyway - Hi! I love you guys!!!
I have only gone to the doctor 4 times since this started. Three times I have gotten ill. I wear my mask, distance myself, wash my hands and use sanitizer!
Keep a running list in advance of concerns, questions so you can be sure you feel like everything was covered.....and always music! (retired Music Therapist ) ....;and dance ...in your head, with a finger...a toe....💃🕺🙏💖🌟. Clean in 10min sessions - with a timer 🙏😊 Thanks FreyLife 💟
I love watching Kim from the WADS too!!
Great tips! I had a very difficult day this week when my dr was running 2.5 hours late with no communication or apologies and I left the appointment in tears with no diagnosis, no treatment options and no pain relief. Then had a few minutes to scarf down half my lunch and get to my mri appointment only to be told an hour into waiting that one of the machines was broken and it would be a while. My blood sugar spiked to 270 (emotional stress) and I had no access to water. All together I spent more than 6 hours in waiting rooms and got very tired of reading books on my phone. So I learned always, always take water, phone charger, and more than one thing to do.
I put Frey Life videos on when I’m cleaning dishes sometimes...so funny you say that😊 I’m also a big fan of having music on when cleaning my mom always had music playing, and it rubbed off on me 💜
Waiting times in the UK are usually long, so bring an e-book or an “Audible” book with you for sitting in the waiting room xxxx xxxx
When I go to the hospital for an appointment especially a big appointment or for multiple appointments, I always bring a backpack with snacks, water bottle, phone, earbuds, phone charger, medications, sweatshirt, fidgets toys to help anxiety, extra masks, hand sanitizer, and any other necesseties. I also listen to my favorite playlist on the drive there to help calm me.
Literally watching this while at the hospital hooked up to an infusion 🙂 Very glad I brought a post-fasting-labs snack...first food of the day at 2pm.
Thank you so much for the recommendation for ibridge. I shared it with my "senior" friends, I am one too!!! We all need help in the doctors office especially when we get older! You are a rock star my dear!!!
Going for gastroscopy and colonoscopy on Monday all by myself. My husband can’t come in. I’ll be there for about 5 hours alone. Love you guys and all of the Frey fam.
The timing for this is perfect, I have a surgery for endometriosis on Monday, and having diagnosed PTSD regarding my abdominal pain. Having to ground myself so often through the past few days. Been a bit terrified of it but these are brilliant reminders ❤
Yes, watching Frey Life videos is my favorite thing to do while doing chores! That’s what I’m doing right now 😂
I didn't think you were afraid of anything, Mary 💚
I hope the rheumatologist went well! I needed this video last week but I guess I will save it for next time I am super nervous for an appointment. A couple of things I do when I am nervous for an appointment:
1. Watch a handful of youtubers that I find reassuring or comforting
2. Meditate I use insight timer and have a couple of meditations saved for panic and anxiety that help
3. Journal or talk to myself sounds strange but they are both ways of kind of trying to work though whatever is underlying the anxiety
Mary this really helped thank You for caring You are so strong and incouring my husband and I listen to a Christian radio station it's always on in the car You're right that helps You guys are so sweet God Bless
I get a list of questions together a few days before. Make sure I have all my meds and dosage written down. The day of, if I'm nervous I love to listen to music and sing to my hearts content on my way to the appointment. For daunting tasks I love watching you guys while I do the task. If I'm caught up then I watch something else on UA-cam or Netflix.
I play some of the old Frey life video's to do stuff, I'm watching the December 2017 playlist. I do it while crocheting, decorating for fall, chores. Basically everything. 😂
Hope everything goes good at the hospital Mary
Getting ready for port surgery to replace my port with a new one. Will be sporting my Let’s do this shirt!! Always gives me courage
I get my test results on my brain MRI on the 7th and find out if I have MS on the 8th
Please pray for good news.
I always try to repeat over and over “”Let go, Let God”. I surrender to a power greater than myself. I also remember that whatever I am doing, appointment, scans, whatever, it will be a matter of an hour or a day and I will be home again. I visualize myself home with treats that I have purchased after my appointment. Always treat yourself to some form of self care after any appointments
Thank you Mary really needed this video today. I have been avoiding the clinic due to covid and I'm avoiding my health issues. My problem is I have to see many specialists and it becomes overwhelming to me. I'm alone with these visits and I take the bus. When I go to the clinic if the doctor can find out what's going on with my pain disorders and Asthma. Then I get sent to the hospital for further testing. Mary if weren't for you I would keep avoiding my clinic visits. Mary I really appreciate you're encouragement thanks you. Have a bless rest of you're day and a pleasant clinic visit god bless.
So funny. I’m behind a few days in watching your blogs. I put this one on while I’m washing the dishes. 😂😂
Both hubbie and myself have been attending hospital appointments for different illnesses music really helps I’ve downloaded your recommendations on Spotify and also I always say my prayers daily especially for hubbie thank you Mary and Peter I love your daily vlogs
Mary! Thank you so much for your advice. You’re so young yet so helpful beyond your years. I have my major appointments with my renal and vascular doctors this month. This means to me that I find out if I’ll need more surgery, More medication, or if my physical condition is deteriorating. I am so so stressed out as always. Usually my blood work is fine but I am always, always so stressed out a month before until the results of my appointments. I have A limited amount of prescribed pain medication and anxiety medication that I get per month. I take them as little as possible but I always save them for my doctor and hospital appointments. I discourage my wife from going with me but she’s always insistent because I know she cares for me. I’m not much of a churchgoer but I set aside time every morning to pray for others and read scriptures from the Bible. It’s kind of funny because one of my friends is a pastor and I very rarely go to his church. That being said I’m going to try to incorporate your thoughts and feelings on how I can alleviate some of my anxiety before my appointments. Thank you so much for your ideas and insights. God bless you.
No way I fell asleep watching them I’ll stick with the Frey’s they are way better !!!!!💜💜
Mary you are really on it I get anxiety just going for a regular Drs appt
It would be great if we could have Abridge here in the UK, but the App Store says it’s not licensed for the U.K. Hopefully we’ll get it soon xxxxxxxx
Thank you for sharing this. I have surgery next week and these were some great tips
Hope everything went good at the hospital Mary . Thanks for a reminder to listen to some good Christian music while doing chores , ofcourse when I'm caught up on my Frey life videos !! Lol
✌️💛🧡🤎🙏🏼
Thanks I’ve just moved to a new state. I will be seeing a new dr next week. Thanks for your info. Love music to get through.
Did Peter put on this editing when you saw the flower ? 😭😂😂 That was hilarious ans This is what I do... 🙄 😂 ( about putting on your video and doing something)
Mary I opened my phone and like always popped in on The Frey Life. And there you are talking about Abridge! I was recently diagnosed with cancer and this app is going to save my brain from exploding! I'm so thankful, you have no idea. Sometimes when life gives you lemons Mary shows up and teaches you how to make lemonade. Thank you for being there!!! 🙏❤❤🙏
Lynn L good luck on yoir joirney with cancer. Prayers sent yoir way for healing. I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer June 2017. Chemo had no effect on it. They approved Keytruda the same year so my insurance pays for the treatment every 3 weeks at 35,000. a pop. I believe God had something to do with approving the treatment in time for me to be able to have it. It is what is keeping me alive. Without it my doctor said I would not be here.
I hope you have good luck with upur treatment. They have come a long way with treating cancers. It is no longer a automatic death sentence.
May God bless you and get you healthy. Please pray for me also. Prayers are a powerful tool.
Sending best wishes to you from the uk xx
Hi guys🙂🙋♀️. Just watched your video Mary. I loved it! It was helpful to know the insights of another CF person going to the dr. Currently since COVID19 pandemic began,I have had 4 dr. appointments,1 sleep study and 1 hospital stay. Dr. appointments have been ok but I hate the crowded environment in the waiting area and feel nervous about accidentally picking up a sickness. I was hospitalized 1 month into the lockdown because I suddenly came down with a lung infection and was coughing up blood 2 days before Easter and had to spend my first Easter away from my family in the hospital and to make matters worse, I could not have my mom be with me because of Covid restrictions and it became my first hospital stay without anyone being with me at all and in an Adult hospital.😭😧 And my mom could not come to my sleep study in August for the same reason. Both my hospital stay and sleep study were not so bad,but it still made me nervous and scared a little.😐 Here is another tip for dr. visits. I learned this from my home nurse this year right before COVID19 hit to change my clothes after I get home and bathe or shower so I don't bring home any germs. Try that next time you go to the dr.'s Mary. Have a great rest of your day.
Hi! I like your songs, ive had countless times lately where im in the car & i think "dont forget that song" & then 2 or 3 other good songs come on before i get home & ive forgotten all the different lyrics im trying to remember to add to my personal playlist 🤯 which explains the many headache ive gotten lately. Such its good advice that you gave to transfer ahead of time, because altho i liked a little rush of having to transfer patients with only a 24 hour notice & i understand that sometimes even thats all a patient can do given emergencies, not all facilities may enjoy short notices. I liked it because i didn't mind the work that goes into it but also it opened up a new spot that another patient could take temporarily that allowed more time for life on a more convenient day & some patients were nice enough to let me know how happy it made them for us to convenient their lives❤
As a nurse, I’m not sure I would advise drinking that much water before certain lab blood tests. For instance, drinking lots of water will “water down” if you will, your sodium levels. I would always check with your doctor before hydrating before testing.
I don't usually have anxiety about the appointment itself.... my anxiety revolves around getting to my appointments on time. Since "my hospital" is an hour away, I have to make sure I keep travel time in mind, plus a bit extra just in case there's traffic. Then I have to find a place to park and walk down to the main building and be there 15 minutes prior to my actual appointment. So, I usually end up leaving at least 90 minutes (sometimes more it the weather is bad!) before my appointments just to be sure I'll be there on time.
Kim is hilarious on the Wads , she is a riot !! She has great recipes too .
Watching the Frey Life while prepping veggies. Life is good
Thanks for the encouragement Marie🤟🏻!
Mary literally just said what I am doing i am getting the laundry done while watching this haha
when you are well hydrated the veins are easier for the phlebotomist to palpate. they feel like well cooked noodles. also be warm, that helps the blood flow.
Mary... You are such a strong woman! I haven't been on UA-cam in a while to watch my UA-camrs, I am so glad I am watching you today. Your singing is so holy! One of my favorite Christian songs is Your Great Name ! By Natalie grant. I also sing you're beautiful with my son before bed by phil wickham!
I hope everything went well at the hospital Mary xxx
I love the abridge app. I use it at all my appointments. Love you guys. Joanna.
funny you mentioned abridge in this video bc we used it for the first time today. very helpful! thank you for mentioning it!
I love watching the Wads too!
Hey Mary thanks for the great video I was wondering if you and Peter can pray for my mom she had to go by ambulance today and they don't know what's wrong and my sister's wedding is Saturday but great video as always and this helps me at my appointments
Music is a main help for me before appts, I also text my friend sometimes before my appts (not in the office or anything) but like in the car or while I'm waiting to be called in.
I listen to a podcast or familiar Netflix tv show GILMORE GIRLS or THE OFFICE US are my biggest loves on there. Ooooh bring stuff to keep yourself entertained while waiting like a book etc.
The "im gonna get ya" at the end was cute
I met my first rheumatologist the first week of Sept. Got blood drawn the next week - and couldn't get an appt to discuss the blood results until Oct. 5. And this is all new to me. And my primary care dr's tendency to freak out does not help.
You can get your results straight from the lab. I use Labcorp. I just signed up for an account. You can access them 24 hours after they are sent to your doctor.
@@curlybibliophagist2 I did. I've had the results for weeks. I haven't been able to meet with the rheumatologist yet, though, to find out what she thinks they mean (if anything).
@@EsaLena1 hugs! I'll keep you in my prayers.
@@curlybibliophagist2 Thanks. This is only the beginning of a journey to figure out why some of my blood results are out of whack but I feel totally healthy.
I have to go to the Hospital every 19 days at the moment and one thing I can’t go without is a book and some change for parking my car.
Great conversation! I get nervous belly too even when it’s a “normal/good” visit. Also, I always talks to my Dexcom!! 🤪. Yes,yes, I know, I know! Hope the visit was good! Thanks for being you!
Hope your appointment at the hospital went well today🙏
Thank you. I always get so weirded out before a pulmonologist appointment. Well, I get weirded out about most appointments except our local doctor. Once I'm out the door and in the car and we're on the road, I seem to settle down. Maybe your list will help. 😁👋💖
Anxiety is so hard on those appt. days. Most appts. I can't take my service dog. Since I'm alone and having test...no pup to calm me. The abridge app is awesome.
Bring a medication lists with you. I make sure I have the doctor name who prescribed. This gives the doctor more information and person to call if they want to change a medication. I have Lupus and this has been helpful for me.
I have to turn the music up loud and scream/sing LOL 😆 I probably look crazy to other drivers but it really helps get that nervous energy out!! And praying!
Thanks for sharing the music. I needed it.
Sending love and good wishes for your hospital visit
I hated having blood drawn until I finally understood that it was my nervousness that made it hurt. Might what you're talking about be similar?
Good luck with everything mary
I write down questions about my health situation and talk about possible solutions. Including refill requests, etc. Don't want to forget anything!
-In a sturdy portfolio, I keep a 1-page list of all my medical conditions, medications (and schedule), and allergies (makes it really easy for them to just make a copy of and have all the info), as well as business cards for everyone on my medical team, along with any appointment notes (I print mine because it's easier), a pen, and a folder with my most important medical records (diagnostic testing, etc.). It has done wonders for helping me prepare for appointments. I've even had people comment on how organized I was. (In case anyone's interested, I put mine together more or less the way Chronically Jaquie talks about in her video "How to get answers when you're chronically ill" - I tweaked it to work for me, but having a template example was extremely helpful for me.)
-I also try not to be in a rush for appointments because it messes with my BP numbers, as that's something we're loosely monitoring.
-If there's a chance that it might be cold inside (I've found this more common in hospitals than doctor's offices), I bring a blanket - I deeply regretted it the one time that I didn't, and the blankets they gave me to use weren't particularly comfortable and didn't really keep me very warm.
-I always bring something to drink with me.
-If bringing someone with me is an option, then I do it - sometimes my mom has questions that even I hadn't thought of.
-I record my appointments - I don't have a smartphone so I can't use Abridge (when I eventually get one, I will for sure use that app - thanks for reminding me what it's called, Mary, as I had almost forgotten), so I use a regular recording device.
My visits are to a regular doctors office and when I go in for blood pressure check. They have to do blood work up. I am lucky if I only get stuck once. My veins are not visible so everything is done in the hand area.
I needed this blog today. I'm going on the 12th for my heart testing results and I'm a little nervous. This is only my 2nd visit with him.
Thanks Mary :)
I totally use UA-cam videos as sort of timers 😄
Thank you!
Good luck Mary. I’m in hospital due to infection and pneumonia. . Can’t find out why my white count is still climbing? Both take care and God Bless all.
I have U.C and I get terrified to go to the Doctor's.... I also worked in the Medical field for 18 year's.... I think that is why I am so nervous.
Wow. I watch the Wads too.
I enjoy your video i hope it goes good Mary when you go.
I hope everything goes all right for you.
Can I ask you about advocating for a feeding tube for yourself? I have Achalasia, a rare condition of the esophagus where it's difficult if not impossible to swallow food, water, take meds etc... I'm getting worse everyday but my doctors are not listening to me about getting a feeding tube for the nutrition and to stay hydrated etc... Help?
By any chance, have you recently changed the way you download your videos? For a couple of weeks now, your videos are doing lots of stopping and starting and scrolling ...i thought at first it might be my internet (which is high speed) but I don’t seem to have a problem with other vlogs I watch, just yours. Just wondering 😉
You guys are amazing! I don’t miss one day. I’m very thankful for your videos. 🤩
have 2 visits at the hospital coming up over the next 3 weeks and very nervous! might have to have a Covid test before one of those visits though! I am chronically ill and very susceptible to catching everything and anything!
I always have been told to fast before my bloodwork, as no food or drink 8-12 hours prior to bloodtest. It’s not all tests that needs the fasting, but most of them. Is it different in USA?
Mary...a great radio station to try is KLOVE...it is a Christian radio station.
You’re a strong women with a beautiful voice. I wish I had your strength when it comes to Dr’s appointments. I hope 🤞 your advice works for dentists also (high anxiety).