2 week referral

Hello Greyduster, not quite sure if we have exactly the same problem, but I did post recently about my bowel problems, so you have my every sympathy!

Thank you, Phoenix. I'll try and have a look at your thread.

Maybe your doctor picked up that you are concerned about the, well irregularity, and didn't want you to wait too long? I went with exactly the same issue, so I understand the discomfort and the underlying worry. in my case all was declared as it should be and some 'stuff' prescribed to ensure complete emptying. Please try not to worry, I didn't find the camera procedure ipainful or even embarrassing, more interesting really. At least you will have your answer quickly. Please let us know the outcome and again, try not to worry.

She's a very good doctor - I was lucky to get to see her because I only rang up this morning, and appointments with her are like winning the lottery (even if the outcome isn't!). She had a charming Malaysian medical student with her and I was more embarrassed for her than I was for myself, but they have to learn it all, don't they?

Best to be checked out - so good that it will be dine and dusted before your holiday. She will have fast-tracked you because of your age - sorry! She is doing the right thing for you.

Greyduster, sounds like you and I are in the same boat. My colonoscopy is on Tues. I was on a two week referral as well. I have a feeling it is something to do with targets. Like you my postal screening came back normal. I have had one before when my diverticulosis was diagnosed. Not looking forward to it this time as I have read the accompanying literature and it has unsettled me to say the least. I was okay until I read it!

Greyduster...I think it is fairly normal to be seen within two weeks for this. My husband was in the same situation...clear postal sample, but a change in bowel habit. He was told that he would be seen for the endoscopy within 2 weeks as this was the target time for referral.

I will not ask you to "spill", nandalot as I am feeling quite sanguine at the moment! I have also had a colonoscopy before and the worst part I remember was the laxative beforehand. I will be thinking of you though. Hope it all goes well.

Thank you, Greyduster, and for you.

I expect she thinks that if there is nothing to worry about you would rather know as soon as possible. Good luck!

I am very grateful for all your input - apart from my daughter and d-I-l, who I don't want to tell because they'll worry - my best friend has been very ill recently and has enough problems without knowing about mine, and my eldest niece, who I am usually happy to share things with, is getting over surgery herself, so I wouldn't want to give her anything else to dwell on.

I too have an appointment for a colonoscopy but at the end of August. Having read about others experiences on here, I was concerned about the laxative part, but my letter doesn't mention that at all. My postal screening too came back clear. I'm not worrying about it, just slightly concerned re the actual procedure. Sure it will be fine though.

Yes, this speed can be worrying. I went to se the GP on Wednesday about arranging another routine 3-year DEXA scan and I just happened to mention in passing a blistery patch I've had on my chest for several years, that keeps coming and nearly going.

She immediately brought in another colleague who examined it through a hand-held microscope-like instrument and they took it in turns to look at it and comment to each other about blood supply and roots

An appointment arrived the following day for the dermatology clinic on August 3rd which is just under two weeks. I've not told anyone as I'll wait and see the outcome of the referrel.

I don't want to scare you but I always had clear bowel test results and had examinations which GP declared showed nothing wrong.I arranged private consultation and colonoscopy and was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. I wouldn't worry about the laxatives, compared to other procedures it is nothing.

I have colonoscopies following a biopsy yes prep isn't great but it's.doable I think it's the thought of test is worse than the test itself you are offered something to relax you if you want I don't bother because I feel I can cope which I do I have to have gastroscopy in Aug and am not looking forward to it but just think procedure won't last forever and if any problem found it hopefully can be treated hope all goes well

Any post that starts with "I don't want to scare you, but....." Thanks harrigran - I think! I hope your treatment is going well .

harri I apologise for my last post. Apart from the last sentence, it could have been a better response. If I don't like the answers, I shouldn't be asking the question!

Greyduster I now feel it is better to meet things head on, it never entered my head that I might have cancer, the diagnosis was a great shock but being a private patient the consultant was very kind.
I have had my chemo postponed for a week because of an infection but I am getting there, only two more cycles to go.
Hope all goes well for you.

I send you every good wish, harrigran.

My DH had similar problems last Xmas and was booked in for urgent colonoscopy, which made us feel very twitchy particularly as DH has had treatment for prostate cancer. It revealed the problem as being Diverticulitis much to our relief. Your diagnosis could well be the same, so try not to worry! Easier said than done I know, but urgency doesn't necessarily mean serious. Good luck

Harrigran, sorry to hear about your results but pleased that you are now getting the right treatment. All best wishes.?
Had my colonoscopy today and results were more of the diverticulosis I had before though symptoms had changed. Good luck to Greyduster and NonnaW. Not as bad as I had feared. Laxative part was as expected, and I didn't get any sleep last night. I opted for sedation as I was a bit stressed and my BP was going up a bit. Main discomfort was , how to put it delicately, wind, which made me wince involuntarily which made me feel a total wimp. Staff at the local hospital couldn't have been kinder and friendlier. Well done NHS. They even gave me pictures to take away so I now now what my colon looks like!

nandalot very pleased to hear you had a good outcome - I was thinking about you today. ?

Just an update - went to the hospital this morning for an assessment, and colonoscopy is on the 17th. Could have had it done next week but we are on holiday from this Saturday, so more or less straight away when we come back. I am going to try and forget about it until we come back, but I think it will be on DH's mind more than mine, and I am going to have to tell DD (which I didn't want to do) as we'll have to rejig child care arrangements. Hey ho!

I hope all goes well for you both. Harrigran your words 'it never entered my head that I might have cancer' struck a chord with me. About 2 years ago, my DH went to the GP as he was getting up a lot in the night to go to the loo. He had tests and a biopsy for prostate cancer and when we went for the results, it never entered our heads that the doctor would say it was cancer, but he did. There is no cancer in his family and he lives quite a healthy lifestyle. It's such a shock to hear that word. It's not that we thought 'why us' - why not us?. He is doing really well now