bowel cancer - can't think of any other reason for bleeding - help

[late]

Seen gp seen consultant now having to wait until for an appointment for further test and told it may not be until September. Sorry but can you help? Symptoms are blood pouring when using the loo, bad stomach pains, loss of apetite and therefore losing weight. It has to be cancer doesn't it? Had bad piles for years but it has to be cancer doesn't it? Why are they waiting so long for the tests, know they are busy but is it because it is too late for me? GP not any use.

Dont really have anything else to add but wanted to wish you luck with your gp. Definitely ask for a second opinion if you dont get anywhere, you cant wait 6 months to get an answer.
Good Luck.

In view of the ridiculously long waiting time, you might feel like getting something dne privately. Lifescan do something called a 'virtual colonoscopy' that is a CT scan of your entire colon.

late, how did you get on with the GP? I would second CountessDracula's advice..my FIL ended up in hospital very seriously ill with dehydration during a flare-up of ulcerative colitis. If you get no joy from your GP I think you need to find another route to get seen urgently. Good luck.

Late - please make sure you tell you GP how much you're worried and that you're worried it's cancer, so s/he can explain what's going on to you.

I've had a couple of endoscopies, so I can tell you what happens if you would like some detail. They're fine and nothing to worry about. I even had one (making 3) to help with research when I was a young medical secretary in a London teaching hospital. The doctor paid me and took me the medical students' bar!

Late tell your GP about the weight loss. This is a symptom which a doctor should take note of. Everyone with bloody diarrhoea is anxious, not all are losing weight. I agree that Crohns/colitis sound likely. If consultant thought cancer you would be having tests sooner. If your symptoms are getting worse (more pain, more frequent diarrhoea) tell your GP or ring consultants secretary or, if desparate go to A&E

Cancer is often the first thng we all think of but the least likely diagnosis. Drink lots of fluids and take care

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There was a feature on BBC1 Breakfast yesterday about Colon Cancer, and the experts were saying that you must not ignore signs such as bleeding, even though there are many other causes of bleeding.

Here's the website of the organisation
\link{http://www.coloncancer.org.uk/\Colon Cancer Concern) . There are details of the Infoline, where you can chat with a nurse about your symptoms etc.

Oops..

Colon Cancer Concern

sorry, not been too well only just coming back MN. Hoping to read what look like very interesting responses later today, managed to see a different doctor who was surprised at weight loss and blood loss and is sending me for a stomach scan and said the September appointment is for an endoscopy (sp?) but that he will write as he doesn't think I should have to wait that long to get the test. Don't know how long it will be before they call me up for the stomach scan. When I have time I'm going to look up endoscopy don't know what it is. Problem is so much to do with little children and so little energy with not being able to eat anything without feeling sick and hate have to then go to the loo. Sorry thanks again will read later Thank you all.

So sorry to hear what you are going through Late but glad you've been able to see another doctor. Hopefully you'll soon find out the cause. An endoscopy btw is where they put a camera down the throat which gives a view to the entrance of the stomach and of the oesophagus (sp). It can be done with or without sedation. hth

just had chance to read your postings and again A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL, lots of useful and helpful responses you are all so caring and thoughtful. It's taking my mind of the cancer worry a bit which is helpful as I was beginning to feel that I was spirraling towards depression. So thank you all again and hopefully now the tests will be very soon if not then I will go to A&E as has often been suggested.

late, I had an endoscopy a few years ago and it was fine - I was sedated so didn't really know what was going on, it didn't hurt and was all done with in a matter of minutes. I didn't even need to get into a hospital gown and was in and out of hosp within a morning.

do take a look at this \link{embarrassingproblems.com \embarrassing problems}webpage which covers lots similarly sensitive stuff in a practical way.

whoops

All the best late - hope you get the answers you need xxx

Late, how are things?

Sj xx

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not sure, she posted yesterday on various subjects so i assume so.