Convinced I have pancreatic cancer

[pulisa]

Two weeks wait for a private endoscopy? That would mean there was no urgency.

[WiseMonkey]

A private consultant will give you "the works" so if you can cope with the anxiety of more tests/procedures and you will accept his opinion at the end of investigations then it will be a good investment. The danger will be allowing yourself to move onto another biggie...

My chronic pain condition involves nerve endings but doesn't sound like what you are experiencing.

Glad the hypnotherapy was soothing if nothing else x

I'm glad your specialist review went well and the 2 weeks will fly by. Endoscopy/gastroscopy is a simple procedure (I've had a few) and the specialist will discuss the findings with you afterwards. I recommend having the sedation, which doesn't put you out completely but just relaxes you enough to make it comfortable so you can follow commands. They take biopsies of various parts of the esophagus and stomach which you don't feel. The specialist will discuss the results with you after the procedure.

Private specialists are very thorough (their reputation depends on it) so you get the best care. I'm fortunate enough to have medical insurance so can also see specialists if needs be.

Like pulisa said you will have to accept the specialist's opinion and move on from this issue, knowing that all is well. Good luck with it all x

[Inanna]

Hi

Thanks for the replies

Pulisa, that's a good point. I'll add it to my list of things when trying to think positively. One of the others is that the consultant said "stomach cancer is vanishingly rare". Its good to have something to cling onto when you are spiralling.

Wisemonkey..it's hard to think all will be well when you have so much going on internally... Gurgling , bubbling stomach and guts, bowel urgency, sire abdo and ribs... Something is not right and hasn't been for 5 weeks. Hopefully, I will get a diagnosis and it will be benign and treatable.

Thank you all again

Inanna x

[Inanna]

Hi

well, I am still experiencing pain on my left side, under the ribs. Sometimes it goes to the front , and sometimes to the back, but almost always the left side. The pain can be like someone has run a cheese grater down the inside of my ribs , and sometimes feels like someone digging up and under my ribs ( usually when the pain is at the front)

As if that’s not enough, I have also been bleeding for the last 6 days ( I am on hrt). I’ve emailed my meno clinic, but not had a reply. It could be totally unrelated, I just don’t know.

Im so tired of feeling ill, and not knowing what’s going on inside my body, I’m trying really hard to stay positive, but I’m struggling so much. I feel like I’m in limbo. I’m due for my cervical screening this week, but I’ll have to cancel it if the bleeding doesn’t stop ��


sorry to be such a whinger

Inanna x

[WiseMonkey]

Stress and anxiety can wreck havoc on your hormonal system especially during pre or menopause. The stress of everything can really get you down and make you tired, especially if it's been going on for ages as yours has.

I'm having issues with my stomach (rumbling, bloating, gas pains etc) so will be going back to my specialist soon. A while ago he suggested a gastroscopy/endoscopy, I had one 2 years ago which showed a bit of inflammation but that's all. He thinks it could be functional dyspepsia but it maybe some gastritis, which is what you may have too. Specialists are thorough in their investigations, ruling out anything sinister then you can begin on healing yourself and dealing with stress.

I have autoimmune issues (CFS) so have lots of weird stuff going on. I've had various stomach/IBS issues for over 30 years but it's all been benign.

ps. I also had an abdominal MRI late last year which was all clear

[pulisa]

I think it's important to only have tests based on clinical need though. Some private consultants can take advantage of the patient's HA and run tests for reassurance purposes only. Quite apart from the expense it's not the best way to manage HA in my opinion.

[WiseMonkey]

I think it's important to only have tests based on clinical need though. Some private consultants can take advantage of the patient's HA and run tests for reassurance purposes only. Quite apart from the expense it's not the best way to manage HA in my opinion.

I'm sure this is true in some cases. Unless you've had symptoms for several months, tests would not be recommended. If you have medical insurance then the expense is ultimately yours so your not draining the national health system.

[pulisa]

Over here the NHS is happy to offload serial surgery attenders to the private sector if they can afford it but having easy access to tests just perpetuates the problem. At least it doesn't drain the NHS as you say, WM..just the patient's bank balance and often having numerous tests is what they want whether they are needed or not.

[WiseMonkey]

Over here the NHS is happy to offload serial surgery attenders to the private sector if they can afford it but having easy access to tests just perpetuates the problem. At least it doesn't drain the NHS as you say, WM..just the patient's bank balance and often having numerous tests is what they want whether they are needed or not.

The public health system down here (NZ) has been way overstretched for some decades so we were encouraged to take medical insurance when we started working. It's cheap when you're young then the cost goes up as you age. Personally I wouldn't be without it especially as I have some chronic autoimmune issues. I have specialist and surgical cover only. My fiance has the same.

The way I look at it is, I've taken responsibility for my own health care because I can afford it and hopefully will continue to do so. My daughters also have private medical insurance through their work.

[Inanna]

Hi

Thanks for all of your replies, it's an interesting topic, about private health care and tests.

I absolutely do want to know I have explored all avenues, and hopefully get a diagnosis. I don't know if my consultant is just doing test to keep a revenue stream, or because he thinks it might be something, but I'd take the former in a heartbeat.

So, I have been doing a little work myself. I did the bicarb of soda burp test, and I didn't burp at all. Not sure if it's a good test, but anyway, that could indicate low stomach acid.

I've also cut out gluten for now. The last thing I'm trying , ( because someone pointed it out), is not drinking hot drinks, as the pain started as soon as I had my decaf coffee. So if there is gastritis, it's like pouring hot water on an open wound.

This morning I had a cup of cooled ( to tepid) peppermint tea , and I have to say, so far, I don't have any significant pain. Hope I haven't jinxed it.

Thank you all again

Inanna x