TW: Bit Graphic and long (apologies!)
Earlier this year, I became very unwell. One morning, I woke up and was violently sick—both ends (I know, yuck). Initially, I thought it was just a stomach bug. However, my symptoms quickly became concerning:
• My stools turned white—not pale, but completely white like chalk.
• This progressed to diarrhea that was unlike anything I’d ever experienced: clear liquid, like water, with absolutely no substance.
• This went on for four days.
I felt terrible, looked deathly pale, and visibly aged. A pregnancy test came back negative.
I contacted my GP and got an appointment with the paramedic at my practice. It was actually the most thorough check-up I’ve ever had. During the consultation, I shared my family’s cancer history, which includes multiple cancers. Most recently, my mother passed away. Her diagnosis came so late that cancer had spread throughout her body (stomach, liver, pancreas, and more), making treatment impossible. We don't know where the primary cancer was located.
The paramedic ordered a range of tests:
• Bloodwork: Full blood count, liver function tests, CA125, celiac, and diabetes tests.
• Urine and stool samples (stool collection was particularly challenging).
• FIT test (for blood in the stool)
When the results came back, everything was within normal ranges except for:
• ALT (liver enzyme): 105 u/L (normal range: 0.0–35.0).
• Serum total protein: 78 u/L (close to the upper limit of 80.0 but still within range).
I'm in my early 30s, and given my healthy lifestyle (occasional wine, good diet, regular exercise, normal weight), the high ALT result alarmed me.
At my follow-up, the GP initially said my results were normal. I pointed out that I've seen my results in the NHS app, and I know I have elevated ALT, I expressed my concerns given my family history. Only then did the GP perform a physical exam, finding:
• Extremely tender stomach
• Back pain
The GP ordered repeat liver function tests, adding AST this time. Results:
• ALT: 60 u/L (improved but still above normal).
• AST: 31 u/L (normal range: 0.0–35.0).
The GP told me everything was fine because the ALT had decreased. By this point, my gastrointestinal symptoms had subsided, but I still didn’t feel reassured. I pushed for further investigation and was referred for an ultrasound (internal and external).
The scan showed no issues with my liver, stomach, or pancreas. However, they found a 3cm hemorrhaging ovarian cyst.
When I returned to the GP (was seen by different doctor this time), I was told the cyst was “normal” and to come back only if I experienced pain.
Although my symptoms have improved, I can’t shake the feeling that something was missed. Every time I have abdominal pain or a change in bowel movements, my anxiety flares up. I admit my mother’s illness has made me hyperaware of missed opportunities. She was twice sent home from A&E and told to wait for the letter for the CT scan, despite already having sepsis, which ultimately caused her death. I nursed her at the end of her life in my 20s. Watching her go through that left me terrified of missed diagnoses.
AIBU to think something was overlooked earlier this year? Should I push for more investigations, or is it truly a “wait and see” situation now?