Scaredy_Cat
22-12-17, 16:39
Hello, and thanks in advance for ready. I'm basically posting here because, like many who will ready this, I believe that I have a serious illness (cancer). I'm 29 years old and I have suffered with health anxiety (HA) for some time but on this occassion I believe I am right to be concerned. However, I have suffered with HA for so long that I just don't know anymore. I'll quickly sum up what's been happening:
- Suffered with diarrhea, cramps and urgency for years and was diagnosed with IBS in around 2010
- 2016 saw blood in stool for first time
- 2017 finally referred to gastro
- Calrprotectin stool test shows very high inflammation in my bowel, sent for colonoscopy for suspected IBD
- Colonoscopy stopped half-way through due to too much pain (Dr decided to stop). Found no sign of IBD
- Armpit lump that is painless and has been there for at least 2 months. GP doesn't know what it is and has referred me for an ultrasound scan.
Before the colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist said bowel cancer is highly unlikely and that this is "almost certainly IBD" - I'm yet to see him again. He also said (in a letter to my GP) that I have an "almost phobic fear of bowel cancer". He didn't know about the lump in my arm as I forgot to mention it (it wasn't as big then).
So that's what's happened so far. I am so terrified and have diagnosed myself with bowel cancer and secondary lymph node cancer. I know an armpit lump can be anything, but I think infections are usually painful and isn't, and it's getting bigger, and Google seems to tell me that if it's painless and gets bigger, it's cancer. Also, my arm feels tired.
I'm so convinced that I have this and I'm just wondering if my fears are justified. As I mentioned, on this occassion I think they are, but I've had HA for so long that I just can't tell anymore. All thoughts on the matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
- Suffered with diarrhea, cramps and urgency for years and was diagnosed with IBS in around 2010
- 2016 saw blood in stool for first time
- 2017 finally referred to gastro
- Calrprotectin stool test shows very high inflammation in my bowel, sent for colonoscopy for suspected IBD
- Colonoscopy stopped half-way through due to too much pain (Dr decided to stop). Found no sign of IBD
- Armpit lump that is painless and has been there for at least 2 months. GP doesn't know what it is and has referred me for an ultrasound scan.
Before the colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist said bowel cancer is highly unlikely and that this is "almost certainly IBD" - I'm yet to see him again. He also said (in a letter to my GP) that I have an "almost phobic fear of bowel cancer". He didn't know about the lump in my arm as I forgot to mention it (it wasn't as big then).
So that's what's happened so far. I am so terrified and have diagnosed myself with bowel cancer and secondary lymph node cancer. I know an armpit lump can be anything, but I think infections are usually painful and isn't, and it's getting bigger, and Google seems to tell me that if it's painless and gets bigger, it's cancer. Also, my arm feels tired.
I'm so convinced that I have this and I'm just wondering if my fears are justified. As I mentioned, on this occassion I think they are, but I've had HA for so long that I just can't tell anymore. All thoughts on the matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks