I went to the GP & said I have Gallstones, IBS and I'm menopausal - she said I can only treat one thing

[KatyMac]

So I showed her the large(ish) lump in my tummy and said well I think one of them caused this - can you just treat the one you think it is

But instead of one of those three causing it - she suggested it's a 4th possibility a hernia

Which will be fun!

[KatyMac]

To be honest I've gone downhill during today - I know feel poorly

I've lost inches rather than weight although between 5th and 19th May I lost 7lbs then put them all back on again a week later!

[APermanentlyExhaustedPigeon]

I’ve had IBS for 20 years, tried all sorts including FODMAP, just got worse and worse, eventually also diagnosed with gallstones. Since having my gallbladder out, my IBS has settled hugely, not perfect, still certain foods I avoid, but soooo much better. So maybe some hope on that front at least?

[Roomba]

Agreed, if a GP can't deal with more than one issue per appointment (and I do understand why) they should be booking you in for the next available appointment to discuss the other issues if they're anything like this!

My dad had this, didn't go to the dr for 10 years then went with a list and got told to pick one issue - so he chose the knee that was giving him pain. He got a new knee, but his prostate cancer went undiagnosed and has now spread because he was never asked about those symptoms again and he's not good at going to the GP!

[KatyMac]

Raised levels in my bloods for ovaries/uterus 2 week pathway for gynae and another appt with a different GP today i who might know more about the hernia

[AbigailisFarty]

Do you mean you have a raised C125 blood test result?

That can be caused by all kinds of things but you need further investigations. You said you'd had a scan not long ago? What was that for and what did they say?

You do need fast tracking because although your symptoms could be something entirely minor, they could also be ovarian cancer. Don't be dismissed by your GP- any lumps, weight loss, weight gain etc round your middle need looking at and not assuming it's a hernia.

[KatyMac]

It was just a phone call I'll know more after my appt today

[KatyMac]

Scan was for gallstones and checked my liver

Blood test in March the markers were fine I think but i'll check

[AbigailisFarty]

I think it's very bad practice for the drs (assume it was a receptionist?) to give out information like that over the phone. Is that what happened? Or did the dr call you?

Blood tests that are primarily for cancer and show a raised level should not be discussed in an off-hand way by phone. C125 can be raised for all kinds of reasons such as benign cysts, endo and other gynae issues. It's not a reliable test even in advanced cancer. so don't worry.
But still- whoever gave you the results should have just said you needed to see the dr to discuss.

[KatyMac]

The level is 41 so only slightly raised

Prob not a hernia

pretty pointless appt as I need to wait for the scans

[welshmist]

Did you mention the enlarged glands you were talking about?

[KatyMac]

Yes but of course typically they had disappeared over night! And I do feel a bit better today - who knows

Possibly just oddly shaped fat!

[KatyMac]

I had swollen glands again last night - I vaguely remember this being an old me/cfs symptom so it may well not be connected

The lump is marginally bigger when dh/dd go out I may try and photo/record it so I can judge accurately if it's growing

[leghoul]

A hernia in that location is quite rare - have you had previous surgery there?
You can get hernias in odd places but youre describing exactly where your gallbladder is. You can get a palpable gallbladder with gallstones.

[leghoul]

Is it painful?

[KatyMac]

No only surgery was an ectopic many years ago

It is sensitive rather than sore unless my waistband is on it

It aches if I stand or walk too much

Oh and it bloody hurts if a doctor presses on it! Along with a line under my ribs

[KatyMac]

My urgent appt is on Tuesday

My belly is growing - someone who saw it 2 weeks ago was astounded

[mrsreynolds]

Katy...I would be trying to get seen today at the Drs.

Ask for an emergency appt. Say you will come down at the end of surgery and wait.

[KatyMac]

Sorry my urgent appt is at the hospital on the 2 week pathway

So I'm ok with that bit - I guess

[welshmist]

think I would be phoning gp or heading to a and e. Is it painful, hows your appetite?

[KatyMac]

It's sore to prod or if a waistband is on it - it aches at the end of the day

My appetite went in jan/feb with the arrival of the gallstones so nothing new

Seeing the gynae on tuesday at 9am seems reasonable as my 'first' appt was wed last week

[welshmist]

Well tell gynae on Tuesday how shocked friends/family are at the growth of your lump... have you had an ultrasound yet?

[KatyMac]

mid July on a Saturday

Seems odd but it was booked before the blood result arrived

Do you think they will scan on Tuesday?

[mrsreynolds]

Have you got photos of how quickly your stomach as grown?

[KatyMac]

No - I tend to avoid full length photos

I have taken some a few days ago but it's not much different today - 2 weeks worth it is

You can't see it at all when I sit down I just look fat

Reckon when it's all over it'll be because I'm just fat - but I'd rather check