Even though Maggie was reassured by medical staff that her operation would be straight forward, she found it difficult not to worry.

Several days after surgery, apart from feeling a bit sore, she was absolutely fine. After it was all over she realised what effect her sense of doom may have had on her husband. For several months now he had been aware of her concern over this impending procedure.

When mentioning her pessimistic reaction to anything of a medical nature to the radiographer she received the best bit of advice she'd had in ages.

The radiographer said she always thinks of what her grandmother used to say whenever she was worrying unnecessarily, "don't trouble trouble till trouble troubles you".

It made Maggie think of the many times over the years she had worried needlessly, and not just about health issues. As so few of her fears have ever come to fruition it seems like a dreadful waste of energy and emotion.

Not looking for trouble doesn't suggest that people should ignore health warnings. But there is a possibility that if you live in a constant state of anxiety it will not only affect you, your family may also suffer. Maggie recognises that the fear she feels is at its strongest when her life is running along smoothly. She describes herself as a born worrier with a natural tendency to feel distressed. This latest unwarranted scare has helped her to recognise her need to find a way of combating those fears and anxieties.