can we have a worried and having tests thread?

[Nerf]

Just that really. Panicking I have bowel cancer and at the start really of tests. Would be nice to do some mutual s
handholding.

[Le1890]

I'm a

[Le1890]

Im sorry you are having a tough time. What makes you think you have bc though?x

[olaflikeswarmhugs]

Sorry your going through that op
Dh found a "scabby" as he put it mole on my back . I've not made a gp appointment yet I'm always too late and they're al gone

Have you spoken to your gp ?

[Nerf]

Are you going to the gp though - we have a skin specialist one apparently.
You might have the same?
Slight anaemia, bleeding, discomfort, been told I'll be referred. Weirdly, I'm sort of furious too because things are finally good (work, family, finances) and I really don't want to not get to enjoy this part of our lives.

[gingeroots]

excellent idea for a thread .

Everyone says that the tests and waiting for results bit is worse than getting the diagnosis you fear . Having been through this myself I agree . Also you feel as though you have to put a brave face on it and can't talk to people because ,of course it might turn out to be nothing much .

And of course often you're just in shock .

Not knowing what you're dealing with is torture .

But I know that's little comfort .

[insanityscratching]

Hi nerf I'm plucking up the courage to go to GP's and scared. I've had no bowel trouble, regular as clockwork and no bleeding until a couple of days ago when I had horrendous cramps and diarrhea and have been passing blood ever since. Dh is away with the car and don't have the energy to get to GP's on foot so will go tomorrow when I have the car. I'm hoping it's some horrendous bug I've picked up or food poisoning as it started out of the blue and dd has had cramps too.

[DontWannaBeObamasElf]

Hello, I'll join too if you don't mind! Had loose bowel movements for a few weeks on and off, passed blood once yesterday so my lovely GP has sent me away with a sample kit. Feeling pretty tired too.

[Handsup]

Not bowel related but breast lump related - appointment with the breast clinic tomorrow. I think about it first & last thing at night.
It's weird but I don't want my mother or husband to come with me.

[Nerf]

Hands up - I had an appointment like that and it was so good - answers there and then and access to a consultant. Maybe write down some questions? I saw my mammogram/ultrasound and was allowed to ask what the funny spots were on it (I knew I would have gone home and worried about it). Good luck.
The worst bit is straddling normal life with absolute fear.

[Nerf]

Been referred now waiting for appointment.
Worst thing is dh saying if I die he'll give up work to look after children - erm not the reaction I wanted and then I had a mild tantrum over him giving up work and setting a poor example to the dcs and why couldn't my mum look after them!

[feelingfitter]

I'm currently mid diagnosis. Soooo frustrating. I may or may not have OC. In the meantime if the cyst bursts and it turns out to be OC, then it spreads and that's a whole different story. Need two more scans before they will do biopsy/removal/diagnosis.

The worse part definitely for me is the 'is it, isn't it' period. All the tests so far are pointing to the likelihood that it is. Then again it may be nothing. (Hopeful)

[feelingfitter]

Also have abdominal mass coming off the cyst (great )

BTW I need to name change, I certainly don't feel fitter

[Nerf]

OMG fitter that's so stressful. How likely that it bursts? What do you / would you know?
Definitely not knowing is awful. You end up snappy and stressed but having to carry on.
Just realised we won't get insurance if I don't know by half term for going away - was going to book a last minute holiday.

[feelingfitter]

It could burst at any time. I've been told if I get bad pain or feel at all unwell then to call ambulance and get to a&e ASAP. Sleepless nights a plenty at the moment.

As you have no diagnosis yet Nerf, won't you be able to get it without disclosing? Never been in this situation before so have no idea.

Hope you can get away for a nice break and relax.

[wfrances]

me and ds 10 waiting on tests, so will join you.
ds waiting for dx on optic nerve swelling
im waiting to see upper gi surgeon to find out if he can fix my broken stomach ( in 2 weeks)
and a colorectal consultant for tests to dx bowel problems
urgent referal take 6 months here- unless i pay !!!

[Nerf]

I think you have to disclose waiting on specialist referrals or tests.
Really sorry you have such a stressful time.
What are the possible outcomes with the optic nerve?

[wfrances]

nerf - they told us there could be many reasons.(which means they dont know).
ct and lumbar puncture and routine bloods normal.
weve got instant access to pead neuro and ward if anything changes.
eye consultant in 9 days to see if its worse /better/same?

[feelingfitter]

Wfrances 6months I am getting stressed out about things and I was referred under the TWR system for urgent tests.

I'd be doing all I could to go private if that were the case. What a nightmare.

[Nerf]

Six months is scary. It's horrible isn't it, can't think what to do to take my mind of it.

[wfrances]

gp has written again to see if theyll bring it forward ,if this doesnt change anything , i will get a private consultation-
no way can i wait until december - im wasting away, my hair is falling out, periods are stopping ect..

[wfrances]

sorry posted too soon
but my last bloodwork -end of july came back normal so my gp thinks this is why theyr making me wait ,because im not anemic -yet!

[feelingfitter]

I feel so blessed to have three brilliant GPs that are on my side. I can call at any time if worried about delays and they get right onto the hospital consultant/secretary to sort it. This has happened twice already.
All I want is for them to say all is ok, I'm fearful of a rupture which could change everything. Doesn't help that everyone seems to go on holiday during the month of August either lol.

I hope you get some answers soon and yes I agree dec is too far away.

[Nerf]

Bloody hell that's awful. Agree a good GP makes a difference - at least you feel cared for medically.

[Nerf]

I'm reading so much into 'symptoms' and need to avoid google.

[feelingfitter]

Nerf it's so easy to go searching on Google and it always brings up the worse case scenario first. Please try and avoid it, at least until after you have seen a doctor and have a better idea whether you have cause to fear the worse IYKWIM

After my ultrasound, that's when I turned to google. She sent me home with the report and I googled every single sentence she had written. She had warned me the report made for scary reading, but, she knew I would google anyway so was very open and honest about her findings and what they could possibly mean in the long run. Google helps me understand things better. It also gave me the opportunity to go to the next appointment armed with all the appropriate questions which was a great help to me. That appointment with all the questions in hand, was also the first one I took someone along with me, up until then I had wanted to do it alone. Having someone else there to fire off those questions for you is definitely a good idea.

Sending calming thoughts your way and to everyone on hear playing the waiting game. X