View Full Version : Back from the doctor, and somewhat worried...
So I just got back from the doctor to discuss my blood test and stool sample results regarding my abdominal pain that I've had for over 7 weeks now, and I am really feeling panic setting in.
My blood results were fine except for that I was low in Vitamin D, and my stool sample showed no signs of inflammatory bowel diseases... Now this should all be good, except for I mentioned to her something new that I've been experiencing for the last week or so which is some mild pains in my rectum (sorry...).
It doesn't hurt to actually go to the toilet, but I get sometimes some mild stabbing type pains, although stabbing is probably too strong of a word as the pains are quite mild, but definitely there however and have only been there for the past week or so. I also, in the same area, keep getting a sensation there which I can only describe as a similar sensation to when you are just about to pass gas, and you can almost feel it there moving and about to come out...
Anyway, sufficed to say, when I mentioned this, she actually became quite concerned and her literal words were this:
"you've mentioned that cancer is a fear of yours, I think based on what you've just said, we should get you examined properly" and she then referred me to a gastroenterologist...
I am really worried that what I told her about my rectum pains have triggered a big warning sign in her head because that's how it seemed. Prior to me telling her about that, she was smiling, positive etc, and once I mentioned the pains, she became very serious....
Now I have weeks and weeks of waiting to even see this gastroenterologist.... :(
MyNameIsTerry
01-10-15, 10:39
Steve,
The first thing that springs out at me here is that you have weeks & weeks. They don't mess around with possible cancer red flags, you would be up there quickly. There is a target referral time for cancer and it's shorter than that.
Your GP knew before that you had a cancer fear AND that you have HA. Having a cancer fear makes no sense in influencing a GP to send someone for tests. They look for the flags and symptoms, not our fears. Having pains in that area can be a sign of many things and perhaps she could have done a better job of explaining why she wanted to refer you.
She could also have meant "I want to get this diagnosed by a specialist to confirm to that you that it is X and NOT cancer as you fear". But again, she would have to explain her reasons.
Both my dad and brother have been referred to a specialist due to lumps in the past. On both occasions the doctors were straight with them. They said it could be anything from minor to cancer, but the odds are it would be more likely minor. The specialists said they had to tell people this so they are not misled and make sure they actually see things through.
If your GP saw a definite red flag for cancer, would they refer you off without telling you so that you get a big shock when you see a specialist? Wouldn't that be pretty unprofessional of the GP?
Steve,
The first thing that springs out at me here is that you have weeks & weeks. They don't mess around with possible cancer red flags, you would be up there quickly. There is a target referral time for cancer and it's shorter than that.
Your GP knew before that you had a cancer fear AND that you have HA. Having a cancer fear makes no sense in influencing a GP to send someone for tests. They look for the flags and symptoms, not our fears. Having pains in that area can be a sign of many things and perhaps she could have done a better job of explaining why she wanted to refer you.
She could also have meant "I want to get this diagnosed by a specialist to confirm to that you that it is X and NOT cancer as you fear". But again, she would have to explain her reasons.
Both my dad and brother have been referred to a specialist due to lumps in the past. On both occasions the doctors were straight with them. They said it could be anything from minor to cancer, but the odds are it would be more likely minor. The specialists said they had to tell people this so they are not misled and make sure they actually see things through.
If your GP saw a definite red flag for cancer, would they refer you off without telling you so that you get a big shock when you see a specialist? Wouldn't that be pretty unprofessional of the GP?
I hear what you're saying, but I think it's more to do with the way her whole demeanour changed when I mentioned the rectum pain... Prior to that I think she was ready to send me on my way with an "I think it's just IBS" diagnosis, but once I mentioned that pain, she definitely seemed more concerned...
I asked her straight if this sounds like it could be cancer, and the only thing she would say was "at your age, it's very unlikely", which I fully take into account, however it still worries me.
Also when I said weeks and weeks, when I asked her how long it would take to get a referral, she said "a few weeks"... I don't know if this is fast or not to be honest because I've had referrals that have take 3 months before lol.
MyNameIsTerry
01-10-15, 11:13
But with what you have described to her, wouldn't IBS still be a possibility?
With the new symptoms, it could be that the tests required are outside the remit of a GP and a specialist is needed. So, a flag to a GP, but a flag saying it needs someone with access to better testing to establish the diagnosis and tell the GP how to treat it and start the treatment off for them?
But with what you have described to her, wouldn't IBS still be a possibility?
With the new symptoms, it could be that the tests required are outside the remit of a GP and a specialist is needed. So, a flag to a GP, but a flag saying it needs someone with access to better testing to establish the diagnosis and tell the GP how to treat it and start the treatment off for them?
That's what I'm thinking too but it's the fact that she said "Now you said you were worried about cancer the last time I saw you... let's send you to get this checked properly"... why did she have to mention cancer specifically?? That's really what has set me off. She brought up my cancer fear and tied that into the new symptom I was talking about :/
MyNameIsTerry
01-10-15, 11:43
It could be argued that because you raise fears of cancer, and that she assumes you are worrying yourself to death over your current physical symptoms, she wants to resolve the issue once & for all and put your mind at rest.
Some of the guys with HA will understand how common this is more than I will but I know I've seen a fair few threads on here where GP's are sending people for hospital tests/referrals to specialists to reassure them it is nothing serious. Ironically, this is another reinforcement of an obsessional mental health problem and reassuranced is again short lived, but perhaps this is what she is doing and only doing it because you have told her your fears about cancer?
It could be argued that because you raise fears of cancer, and that she assumes you are worrying yourself to death over your current physical symptoms, she wants to resolve the issue once & for all and put your mind at rest.
Some of the guys with HA will understand how common this is more than I will but I know I've seen a fair few threads on here where GP's are sending people for hospital tests/referrals to specialists to reassure them it is nothing serious. Ironically, this is another reinforcement of an obsessional mental health problem and reassuranced is again short lived, but perhaps this is what she is doing and only doing it because you have told her your fears about cancer?
This particular GP I've never actually seen about my anxiety before really... She's one of the partners there and is very nice but I purposely booked my appointment with her this time so that I'm not simply dismissed by some of the ruder staff there... but she really has no idea about how anxious I've gotten in the past unless it says it on her computer lol.
I've just booked a private appointment with the gastroenterologist as I actually can't wait a month to be seen... without HA sure but it will destroy me. There goes another £250...
I have this too and have just been for blood tests, your symptoms are exactly like mine. I think doctors should be very wary of even saying the C word as it triggers people with HA into fear mode. They should just say lets get this checked for your police of mind, which is what my doc said about my bloods, as she knows I have HA. I think more and more that it's likely to be just a change in my IBS symptoms, as it will be with yours. My tests are for colitis, inflammation and coeliac, also ovaries. I'm still worried though and my HA takes over when I get the pains, that's when I wonder what else it could be. However, like you I've had it for about 7-8 weeks now and it's not worse, in fact some days it's a lot better but that is also like IBS. I only worry when it hurts it I have to rush to the loo, I get scared then but I've been saying this for weeks and still no worse. I've changed my diet to a less 'healthy' bran and greens based diet to a bland diet. Maybe try that?
I have this too and have just been for blood tests, your symptoms are exactly like mine. I think doctors should be very wary of even saying the C word as it triggers people with HA into fear mode. They should just say lets get this checked for your police of mind, which is what my doc said about my bloods, as she knows I have HA. I think more and more that it's likely to be just a change in my IBS symptoms, as it will be with yours. My tests are for colitis, inflammation and coeliac, also ovaries. I'm still worried though and my HA takes over when I get the pains, that's when I wonder what else it could be. However, like you I've had it for about 7-8 weeks now and it's not worse, in fact some days it's a lot better but that is also like IBS. I only worry when it hurts it I have to rush to the loo, I get scared then but I've been saying this for weeks and still no worse. I've changed my diet to a less 'healthy' bran and greens based diet to a bland diet. Maybe try that?
If you don't mind me asking, are you getting the rectum pains also? Mine are quite mild but there on and off throughout the day... not the kind of 'jump out of your seat' pains like some have described, but less painful. Also a feeling constantly like I want to pass wind i that area but I don't :/
It could be argued that because you raise fears of cancer, and that she assumes you are worrying yourself to death over your current physical symptoms, she wants to resolve the issue once & for all and put your mind at rest.
Some of the guys with HA will understand how common this is more than I will but I know I've seen a fair few threads on here where GP's are sending people for hospital tests/referrals to specialists to reassure them it is nothing serious. Ironically, this is another reinforcement of an obsessional mental health problem and reassuranced is again short lived, but perhaps this is what she is doing and only doing it because you have told her your fears about cancer?
You are so right about the reassurance thing, doesn't last long really. We need it constantly though and also to relate to others with similar plights as U.S. 😏
---------- Post added at 11:59 ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 ----------
If you don't mind me asking, are you getting the rectum pains also? Mine are quite mild but there on and off throughout the day... not the kind of 'jump out of your seat' pains like some have described, but less painful. Also a feeling constantly like I want to pass wind i that area but I don't :/
Yes I am, not severe, more nagging on and off. Along with cramping at times, dull aches in tummy, bloating etc. all apparently can be from IBS, a few on here have said. You taking any painkillers for it?
You are so right about the reassurance thing, doesn't last long really. We need it constantly though and also to relate to others with similar plights as U.S. 😏
---------- Post added at 11:59 ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 ----------
Yes I am, not severe, more nagging on and off. Along with cramping at times, dull aches in tummy, bloating etc. all apparently can be from IBS, a few on here have said. You taking any painkillers for it?
I'm actually not, and I know this sounds weird, but I kind of prefer to be more aware of any pain I'm feeling, just so I know if it's actually getting any better or any worse... I've been prescribed Colofac but I don't know if it's helping to be honest :/
Her demenour might have changed because maybe she thought: she has got her tests that prove she is ok and now she starts with something else.
I went to the hospital yesterday, the doc was lovely to start off with but as soon as I started asking questions about other things that were concerning me, he started to not be quite as nice.
Xxx
Sigh... I dunno... I just wish my symptoms would at least EASE a bit so I know it's at least heading in the right direction...
Her demenour might have changed because maybe she thought: she has got her tests that prove she is ok and now she starts with something else.
I went to the hospital yesterday, the doc was lovely to start off with but as soon as I started asking questions about other things that were concerning me, he started to not be quite as nice.
Xxx
That's what I think too, she'll have seen on the computer regarding the HA and just thought, get it sorted once and for all. Hark at me dishing out advice to one and all, only wish I'd listen to me ��
The GP wanted to do a rectal exam today while I was there but I declined as unfortunately I was kind of planning to go to the toilet as soon as I left so probably not the best time for her to go poking around down there lol
What did she say when u declined it?
What did she say when u declined it?
I didn't so much decline it, but more told her that I kind of need the toilet so maybe now isn't the best time for it to be done? Was thinking more for her sake...(sorry for the details btw lol), but she said that's fine and she will make a note for the gastroenterologist to do it when I see him.
HopelessWorrier2011
01-10-15, 14:34
Hi, my Doctor sent me for further investigations to put my mind at rest, and nothing more as I kept remembering new symptoms and he knew I wouldn't be satisfied until I had full investigations. I'm thinking the same may have happened here. Being examined can only be a good thing as there is marvellous odds that everything is fine and your mind will he eased. Good luck xx
You're being tested purely and totally for reassurance but your HA mind cannot see it that way. What is an attempt to help you put this behind you (pun intended), will now cause you to worry unnecessarily until the all clear... and then for only a short while unfortunately.
Positive thoughts
You're being tested purely and totally for reassurance but your HA mind cannot see it that way. What is an attempt to help you put this behind you (pun intended), will now cause you to worry unnecessarily until the all clear... and then for only a short while unfortunately.
Positive thoughts
Yep, pretty much... that's why I've just shelled out more money to be seen privately on Monday instead of waiting 6 weeks :(
it'll be ok KayeS...sounds to me too that the doctor is referring you for peace of mind...my doctor has done the same in the past...believe me I know much of a struggle this can all be...HA is horrible, it steals your happiness and your enjoyment of life...hopefully you can get over this soon
it'll be ok KayeS...sounds to me too that the doctor is referring you for peace of mind...my doctor has done the same in the past...believe me I know much of a struggle this can all be...HA is horrible, it steals your happiness and your enjoyment of life...hopefully you can get over this soon
It's stolen my happiness for over a year now... This time last year it was something else... I just want this to go away.
Greenman50
01-10-15, 18:32
Hi Mate
I agree with Terry and Fishmanpa .
Its just routine to put your mind at rest ..,really it is .
With HA the wait is awful but we all go through it in our lives stay strong it will be naff all but IBS .
Hi Mate
I agree with Terry and Fishmanpa .
Its just routine to put your mind at rest ..,really it is .
With HA the wait is awful but we all go through it in our lives stay strong it will be naff all but IBS .
I keep telling myself that, but it's just that I don't think she was going to refer me until I mentioned the new pain lower down...
MyNameIsTerry
02-10-15, 05:31
You get pain down there with IBS. I think this has been covered in the other thread on the last page when I clicked on that one instead of this one by mistake. I've had roids since my early twenties from my weightlifting days (common in lifters) and I would get pain down there and various sensations from them so I don't think you should think cancer when IBS people say they get it people like me with roids.
A question I have which is really best answered by people on here who understand testing remits - would you have to be referred to a gastro for cancer testing in that area of the body? Wouldn't it be an oncologist? OR isn't it actually just your GP that starts the tests and then refers you off? I'm wondering whether a referral to gastro is because the GP needs a specialist and if she thought cancer, could have started her own tests anyway...as if it's the latter, it's more evidence against these worries.
Having read all the posts I honestly think your referral is purely to set your mind at rest that there is actually nothing sinister happening to you.
I have a similar problem which sounds ridiculous, and that is a fear of constipation, been with me for 40 years.I take bulk agents and have never had a problem.I have had numerous stool tests and only 4 weeks ago had a flexi, and everything was clear. I had to wait 5 months for that procedure and it was on my mind daily.
The doctor never really suspected anything but thought if I have the test my anxiety which is partly related to this condition, would go away, but of course it hasn't because it is a deep rooted fear and that's the feeling I get with you that it is very deep rooted with you and I doubt you can concentrate on much else at the moment.
it's horrible isn't it. I am nearly almost certain you are fine but I would suggest you get specialist therapy to change your thought pattern.
You get pain down there with IBS. I think this has been covered in the other thread on the last page when I clicked on that one instead of this one by mistake. I've had roids since my early twenties from my weightlifting days (common in lifters) and I would get pain down there and various sensations from them so I don't think you should think cancer when IBS people say they get it people like me with roids.
A question I have which is really best answered by people on here who understand testing remits - would you have to be referred to a gastro for cancer testing in that area of the body? Wouldn't it be an oncologist? OR isn't it actually just your GP that starts the tests and then refers you off? I'm wondering whether a referral to gastro is because the GP needs a specialist and if she thought cancer, could have started her own tests anyway...as if it's the latter, it's more evidence against these worries.
I've had a few people suggest haemorrhoids to me but it just seems very coincidental that with all my other stomach/bowel issues lately, that I'd also suddenly develop those too just to add to it all...? What does it feel like to have them? There's definitely nothing external that I can see...
The reason she referred me to a gastro was basically because she's investigated all she can now, via blood tests and stool and urine samples, ruled out inflammatory bowel problems or allergies, and I guess the next step is to actually look inside for other things... :/
---------- Post added at 10:32 ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 ----------
Having read all the posts I honestly think your referral is purely to set your mind at rest that there is actually nothing sinister happening to you.
I have a similar problem which sounds ridiculous, and that is a fear of constipation, been with me for 40 years.I take bulk agents and have never had a problem.I have had numerous stool tests and only 4 weeks ago had a flexi, and everything was clear. I had to wait 5 months for that procedure and it was on my mind daily.
The doctor never really suspected anything but thought if I have the test my anxiety which is partly related to this condition, would go away, but of course it hasn't because it is a deep rooted fear and that's the feeling I get with you that it is very deep rooted with you and I doubt you can concentrate on much else at the moment.
it's horrible isn't it. I am nearly almost certain you are fine but I would suggest you get specialist therapy to change your thought pattern.
I've no doubt the worry is making things worse, but I've been in therapy since January out of my own pocket... and still going every week...
Piles can be inside or outside .Sometimes they bleed other times not.
What form of therapy, if I may ask and was that via a referal as you say it's out of your own pocket so I guess not via your GP
MyNameIsTerry
02-10-15, 10:56
Yeah, it might be a BBC cameraman up your...:D Been there, had that done. I remember one of my old bosses once joking he had them down one end & up the other like being on a piece of string :D
Roids are just uncomfortable. They can bleed as Ricardo says or they can weep so you feel like you are sweating down there. You tend to know they are there when you go the toilet if they are inflamed as it will be uncomfortable when you pass a log (:D) and it can leave you feeling a big sore sometimes. It depends if they are inflamed though. They never go, I've had mine nearly 20 years but I had more problems with them in my early twenties and despite all the anxiety in my thirties, thhey have rarely troubled me.
If you have digestive issues and you are straining or running a lot, roids are a very likely thing you will end up with. Straining causes them. I find the runs makes them inflame more than straining does. So, if you have been having problems in that area, it's possible. However, your GP can easily check for those by having a quick look for external and inserting a finger to check for internal. They tend to refer for those if they think the internal ones are causing problems, like mine did earlier on. They are easy to treat though.
Piles can be inside or outside .Sometimes they bleed other times not.
What form of therapy, if I may ask and was that via a referal as you say it's out of your own pocket so I guess not via your GP
Well it's actually just counselling, talking with someone, but to be honest, and I thought this prior to started although I went in totally open to it working, I really don't think I'm the kind of person that benefits from therapy.... In the same way I could never be hypnotised lol.
---------- Post added at 11:01 ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 ----------
Yeah, it might be a BBC cameraman up your...:D Been there, had that done. I remember one of my old bosses once joking he had them down one end & up the other like being on a piece of string :D
Roids are just uncomfortable. They can bleed as Ricardo says or they can weep so you feel like you are sweating down there. You tend to know they are there when you go the toilet if they are inflamed as it will be uncomfortable when you pass a log (:D) and it can leave you feeling a big sore sometimes. It depends if they are inflamed though. They never go, I've had mine nearly 20 years but I had more problems with them in my early twenties and despite all the anxiety in my thirties, thhey have rarely troubled me.
If you have digestive issues and you are straining or running a lot, roids are a very likely thing you will end up with. Straining causes them. I find the runs makes them inflame more than straining does. So, if you have been having problems in that area, it's possible. However, your GP can easily check for those by having a quick look for external and inserting a finger to check for internal. They tend to refer for those if they think the internal ones are causing problems, like mine did earlier on. They are easy to treat though.
I've been weight training for over 13 years so I guess I fit the bill for getting them but to be honest, what you've described doesn't sound like I do :/
MyNameIsTerry
02-10-15, 11:25
Maybe not, but what I mean is the pain you feel could be something other than cancer. Your GP would have checked for something as simple as roids normally, but since it has only just come along she decided to refer and they will probably check anyway if they suspect it. But it's more an example of how pain down there could be something other than cancer.
I still think your GP is just trying to get to the bottom (:)) of it for you and this is the most comprehensive way. She may have experience of HA and know that it will otherwise be lots of visits for symptoms so she can get the info she needs all in one go and use that to deal with future visits, if required.
I think we also need to not do any "mind reading" with them. Thats one of the Cognitive Distortions, for a start. But there has been a couple of occasions where my GP has been a bit short with me, and I only see him for his follow ups (or did when I was going) but I put it down to a GP under stress on that day since we can't control our behaviour 24/7 and anger is well known to remove certain cognitive defences that normally guide us.
I didn't wanna say on here as I didn't want to tempt fate, but actually yesterday and the day before, my abdomen pain had improved a bit and I was feeling really hopeful about it but today it's back to being in pain again. Honestly right now I am SO FED UP with this, I really am at a very low point with how I'm feeling. I just want to get on with my life and enjoy it like I see everyone else I know doing.
I really thought it was improving and then bam, I wake up in pain again today. Fed up, anxious, sick of it all.
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