to be upset by this letter?

[TotorosOcarina]

Firstly months ago I had problems with my bowels, very painful cramps, vomitting etc... I also had a rectal bleed.

I had a sigmoidoscopy and they said nothings there, everythings very healthy, you bleed was down to a 'burst pile'

So now about 5 months later, after case closed - everythings fine (no more pains or anything) I get a letter this morning from 'xxx hospital' (one of the leading cancer hospitals) saying:

You have an appointment at the clinic with Dr XZY to discuss your diagnosis and treatment, you will be met by a clinical nurse. You may have tests on the day or on following appointments and blood tests.

Enclosed is a leaflet all about the hospital, cheamo, radiotherapy etc...

So I am reeally scared that something is wrong and some wires have been crossed somewhere and theres something I'm supposed to know that I don't!

So after bringing about 5 numbers I manage to piece together that a referal was made back in May and this is just an appointment for investigations.

AIBU to think this letter is NOT worded like that and it implies they know something I don't?!

And also that if I've been told everything is OK that its odd to send this letter anyway?!

Yanbu! How inconsiderate & inappropriate. Good luck! Let us know how you get on. It does sound as if some wires were crossed somewhere.

I would call the clinic asking for an explanation. It could easily be a standard screening letter that they send out to people and it has a little too much information (chemo etc.) If you've had bowel problems you could have been selected for studies, for example.

Ring them, immediately. Explain that you've received this letter and you need to know what's going on. You should be able to get through to a secretary who can access your letters/info and be able to set you straight.

Good luck x

(perhaps inappropriate to say, but I LOVE your nickname)

I called and all they could tell me was that it was to do with my rectal bleeding (which was a pile)

then the doctor receptionist told me it was 'going way back to may' and it just said that Dr XYZ had said 'she would be happy to see me regarding my intermitant bowel problems'

So it doesn't sound like its regarding anything new, but just the problems I was having months ago.

But the letter reads nothing like that.

Did you speak to the receptionist at the hospital? Do you have a consultant that you can track down as their secretary will have more information than the receptionist [hopeful]

I have the name of a doctor but have never met them, I was also told I was refered by 'Mr soand so' who I have never heard of and neither had my GP receptionist (who is my mum! lol)

Yanbu, I'd have been scared to receive a letter like that out of the blue!

HTH, I had similar symptoms to you years ago.

I was referred to a gastro-enterologist who told me I needed a camera investigation in case of cancer. I was pretty terrified, although it was made clear it was a prelim. Only in my early 20s at the time and felt I couldn't tell my parents or anyone else as I knew I'd have to carry all their worry before I could deal with my own (long story).
Anyhow - I don't know if you'll need one of those camera things, but if so, be reassured it is not painful, just a bit uncomfortable. Thankfully that made it clear my problem was not due to a growth (cancer or otherwise) - one of the signs of this can be old blood passing in your poo (but that doesn't guarantee you have cancer, so if anyone else reading has that, don't panic). Fresh blood, espec from a pile is not usually a recognised sign (of c'), but they like to check these things out thoroughly.

I then got referred to a dietician and apparently my problem is IBS. Massive changes of diet later, and I am much better - mostly symptom free.

However, from my past experiences, it might be a good idea to call the Hospital and ask to speak to the consultant (whose name should be on the letter)'s secretary. They are usually helpful, although unable to answer most questions (not being a medical consultant themselves!), they can take a message and try to come back to you. I've often found that has worked well for me (although it may depend on the consultant & the trust concerned).

I hope all works out well for you.

I had a similar experience on Wednesday, call them, it will only prey on your mind otherwise. Fingers crossed for you

I would hope that if there was any sign of something seriously wrong, they wouldn't have waited until now to see you for a problem 'going back to May'!

YANBU to be upset and worried though, it was shockingly insensitive of them to send out a letter/leaflets like that with no explanation, and to not be able to give you any reassurance or information when you were understandably alarmed by it. Sounds likely it's just a standard letter and no need to read anything into it about your particular situation. I agree maybe try to talk to the consultant's secretary and explain why you're worried, and how strange it seems that this suddenly turned up after so much time.

My mum called in and took the letter, she is the receptionist at my GPs and she is going to try and chase it up Monday.