twisted bowel poss and holiday for little girl go or not?

[bmacca]

Hi all,

First time I've been on here in years, really need some sound mumsnet advice. I've been really worried about a swelling on lower left tummy since last mid nov, gp did the usual oh it's just IBS fobbing off 😡 (I knew it wasn't) as swelling more in one place and felt unwell in myself. They wouldn't refer me for 3 months as blood tests OK, under 40 and hadn't lost weight (even though had a distinct swelling in one place 🤔)

Last week I was finally referred to colorectal surgery -- good news consultant doesn't think it is being caused by a tumour etc which I was terrified of (though she did say never say never) but likely a twisted bowel... she said imagine a twisted animal balloon and the air gets stuck (ouch!!) long story short she has referred me for an urgent CT scan (next tues) to confirm her suspicion or any other issues presenting in such a way.

I'm glad to be finally getting somewhere with a diagnosis stupidly googled twisted bowel though and now scared silly bowels now moving on liquid diet and with movicol so I cant have a complete obstruction (breathes).

Anyway the problem is I booked for me and my little 7yo girl to go to Venice together on a girls hol for half term (19th Feb). I'm now worried to go away in case something happens and I end up in hospital and she would be alone. We would lose all the money if we don't go and cant afford to rebook (don't think insurance covers pending medical investigations) and she is SO SO looking forward to it, it was her xmas present from santa 💔 weve had a shit last year I was doing an MA so she was in clubs every school break and her step dad is just not great with her compared to our little boy (another story) and I just really got her the holiday for xmas to try and make things up to her feel so bad now this has happened :(

what should I do? I asked the consultant and at the time she said I should be OK (that was based on her educated guess of what is wrong without being able to see inside), but who knows what the CT could show or how unpredictable bowel issues like that could be and the risk away from home...

really need a break myself after the stress of walking around for 3 months + with a huge diagnosed tummy swelling.

Oh bless you. I have had bowel obstructions from scar tissue from previous surgery, it's not nice and it can kind of rumble on in a subacute way which sounds like it is with you. If it helps any, I managed to get health insurance to cover me in case it worsened when away...I think using the diet you are will help as well. Not sure if it is the small or large bowel...Maybe make a plan just in case it does worsen, would the insurance get you home for example? So it will be easier for you to plan. I hope you get to go. I have also been away in a similar state and it is a bit worrying. I guess the scan will tell you more. If you have had previous abdominal surgery it could be adhesions (internal scar tissue) catching on the bowel.

Had you declared your condition/ symptoms to your insurer? If not you need to contact them and let them know. You may need to pay an additional premium.

Yes, I was surprised as even mentioned the obstructions, surgery for them and how recent, it was quite comprehensive. It only added a small premium, same with husband for Crohns. It was called Get Going - as you see it has stuff about the medical conditions on the site also. We found it through a site which selects suitable insurance based on health etc.

www.getgoinginsurance.co.uk/travel-insurance

Did symptoms appear after you booked both travel insurance and trip?

If so, you may be covered for cancellation and it might be worth a call to your insurers.