Long time NMP reader, but this is my first post. I am a 40-year-old female and have been suffering from HA since I was little - this was massively exacerbated by my father's passing due to pancreatic cancer in 2016.
I've been experiencing diarrhoea (especially in the morning and after eating), stomach and abdominal pains, belching, a sensation of fullness (my stomach feels hard, if that makes sense) and lack of appetite for 4 months. The stomach pains are particularly bothersome. I initially thought it could be a virus as my partner was experiencing similar symptoms (he seems better now).
I was diagnosed with IBS in 2013 but this feels very different. I am pretty shattered all the time, though this is probably due to the anxiety.
After initial mismanagement by an out of hours dr (who prescribed antibiotics for a kidney infection I did not have), I ended up having LOTS of tests (blood tests, stool tests, 2 abdominal ultrasounds, a colonoscopy and an abdominal and CT scan with contrast) which found absolutely nothing.
Needless to say I have been extremely anxious throughout this and have been concerned about GI cancers (bowel, pancreas etc). I calmed down a little after the CT scan; seeing friends and my therapist has also helped.
As I am still getting symptoms, I am now seeing a new gastroenterologist who has recommended an endoscopy as well as more blood/stool testsThe endoscopy will be in 4 1/2 weeks (even though it will be done via a private provider) and my HA has come back with a vengeance (of course, I am now worried about stomach cancer). I even asked my gastroenterologist whether the CT scan would have picked up this sort of issue (I seem to understand it could) but he ignored my question (he was about to go on holiday so probably didn't want to start engaging with my HA).
Any tips on how to cope with the wait? I realise I've had a TON of tests and that cancer is unlikely, but I can't help feeling worried.
HA is so horrible.
Thanks
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