Bowel cancer fear. Again.

[Fishmanpa]

You could always ask for a referral to a bowel surgeon, who will at the least take a history and do a rectal examination. The surgeon may also order another fobt and schedule a colonoscopy. However, even if all that comes back clear, it will not be sufficient to dislodge a serious case of HA.

Treat the real illness as opposed to chasing a diagnosis that won't come. Recently, there was a member who was convinced he had lymphoma. For months and months he posted about nodes and doctors appointments and test after test after test. They finally did a biopsy, an invasive under general anesthesia biopsy and it was negative. He still is convinced they missed something :(

Positive thoughts

[luc]

Hi Puzzledlass. Please head the good advice from Fishmanpa and Hashnan

[puzzledlass]

I don't have health insurance, and honestly I don't want to be the person who always chases a diagnosis but I feel that until I KNOW this is or isn't cancer I can't really focus on addressing the HA.

I can't afford to go private, for this reason I know I must put my faith in my GP, eventually. I've decided that I will get another FOBT and if this is clear, I will leave this alone and get to work on the real illness: anxiety

If it's not clear I will get referred and then will need to put my faith in those specialists.

Yes I am incredibly worried. I write myself off every day. Every day I'm sure that I will die from bowel cancer.

[hanshan]

Hi Puzzledlass,

"I've decided that I will get another FOBT and if this is clear, I will leave this alone and get to work on the real illness: anxiety"

This seems good.

[puzzledlass]

Do you think it could be cancer?

[hanshan]

No more than I think that you will get hit by a bus if you take a trip into town today (or any day).

[puzzledlass]

My plan sounds reasonable yes?

[Fishmanpa]

My plan sounds reasonable yes?

Only if you follow through and treat the real illness after you get another negative result.

Positive thoughts

[puzzledlass]

Yes following through is a huge part of it!

[Fishmanpa]

Yes following through is a huge part of it!

When you get the all clear again, I will personally hold you to it! I want to see posts about treatment, therapy or whatever you're doing to heal. Know that I understand CBT and have used it myself for some depression and "scanxiety" so don't be surprised by a pop quiz

Time to take the Dragon by the horns and kick some butt!

Positive thoughts