Just need a handhold & support

Good news about your CT scan next week Itsawelshthing. Have you ever had one before? I have had several. They may injection you with a contrast dye. It's been years since I had one but I will tell you my experience. It doesn't hurt but it made feel like I was burning for a few seconds and how can I put this it made my anus tingle . And afterwards my wee was bright yellow.

Not saying you will have the dye or its the same as I had nearly 4 years ago. But thought I would tell you just in case.

At least having the scan will show what is wrong. If it's not clear enough they may want to do a MRI which is a more in depth scan using magmatism. That doesn't hurt but is very noisy but you are gives head phones. You lie on the table and it moves you into a tube. The table moves as it does the scan. I don't like enclosed spaces so I have to stay perfectly still and control my breathing to get through it. They talk to you so that helps. How long it takes depends on where they want to scan.

Not saying you will have one but I always like to know what to expect from tests so I research everything and talk to people who have had these things done. That way I am not surprised or frightened.

I hope you have a diagnosis soon and treatment.

Good luck with the scan x

Appt next week for a CT scan. Was shaking when I got that letter. I am getting really scared now and fearing the worse... Phew, can't change whatever the outcome is though so I have to remain positive and just hope that IF it is serious, that it has been caught on time and it is treatable/curable.

Just a quick update my referral has come and I'm waiting for them to contact me. I may give them a call because I really don't want to wait any longer. I'm still not feeling well and now lost my appetite which isn't helping with my weight! I need to gain it not lose anymore.

Oh goodness Whiff, what an absolute ordeal you've been through! I'm sorry you are still going through such a rough time. It's horrible isn't it when you are feeling like rubbish 24/7 and no sign of getting any better. I am fighting through this as hard as I can and tbh if the news does end up being that I have something bad, I will fight that too. I've wasted my life being anxious and worrying constantly and now I genuinely have something to worry about, I wish I hadn't of bothered. Will see what's what but I am trying to prepare myself. X

Itsawelshthing I don't have your symptoms. But I do know what it's like to be very ill from a young age. I went to bed at healthy 29 year old mom of a 4 year old and 6 month old baby. Woke up not being able to control my limbs. I was terrified as you are. And understand very well the need for help and knowing what is wrong with you. This happened to me in 1988. I to know the feeling of test after test coming back negative but still being so ill. Luckily my late husband was brilliant and said we would life our lives to suit what you can do and lead a normal family life. Which meant me going out in a wheelchair chair so we could go out as a family.

You say you don't talk to you husband as it upsets him. But you must. He needs to support you and you both need to talk about your fears. It's the only way you will get through this. You married in sickness in health. To me and my husband they meant something. I think they do to you both as well . Getting ill at a young age isn't easy as you don't expect it until you are a lot older. Your mind always goes to the worst diagnosis. Also because of your age you can get medical staff being dismissive of your worries. One nurse told me "don't know what all the fuss is about you have post natal depression" . Which I didn't. ( I ended up in hospital for 3 weeks in 1988. Wasn't allowed to see our children because of their ages. No mobile phones with pics and videos . It was hell)

Luckily my GP never gave up on me.
Had all the neurological tests available. Been to all the best hospitals. I had drugs to mange the symptoms. I started to have seizures.

After suffering constant pain in my left arm and leg , seizures and memories lost . I am still here it's been 33 years. I moved house 100 miles to live in the north west and under a new neurologist . Finally after 32 years of seizures he gave me 2 little tablets and hadn't had a seizure in a year. He has other patients like me who can't be labelled. My symptoms are like a lot of different neurological disorders. He says my brain and body aren't in sync. Why am I telling you all this is because you may never know the cause of your illness but you can live a full life just not the life you expected to live. My darling husband died 17 years ago from cancer at the age of 47.

None of us knows what the future holds we have to live our lives the best way we can. And health problems even though are horrible to live with you can live with them I have learnt the hard way . I expected to die before my husband and it was a shock that he died first.

I have new health problems recurring UTIs and kidney infections since September. On the list to speak to an urologist. But because of Covid there is a backlog. I am not too thinking I have cancer as I wouldn't be so well in between attacks. Just finished my 13th course if antibiotics.

I know it's hard and your are frightened but don't give in . Your body is playing up but fight back be as postive as you can you have family who need you. They need to support you . Without my family I wouldn't still be here. You have to fight every day. You are young and stronger than you think you just need to believe in yourself.

You can get through this. And when you do get a diagnose no matter what it is you continue to fight. There have been times over the last 33 years I wanted to give up but you can't.

My husband made me promise to live the best life I can and I do. It's hard but still fight on. You can to .

B9exchange

You poor thing, I do think you might be over thinking this. GPs refer under the two week wait if they think you might have the slightest chance of cancer. As your GP has said there is no need for that, then that means she is as sure as she can be that you do not have cancer. You have had the tests that would have revealed it and they did not. So please put that thought aside. You are looking at something else, and we cannot help you with guessing diagnoses, but work with your doctor to find out what it is and the correct treatment fir it. Often you only find out what is wrong by ruling other things out.

I know it must be hugely frustrating for you, and I am completely sympathetic, but in a few months time you should have your answer and be on the road to recovery

It is very good news that your appetite has come back, so plan meals you enjoy. Treat yourself, buy some flattering clothes, and enjoy playing with your little boy, they grow up so fast, try to create memories with him. Keep us posted?

It's the weight loss that I'm getting worried about and abdominal pains I just come on my period so maybe that's what it is but I've been getting it before that. I don't know what else I can do to stop losing weight I'm eating so much food and drinking my husband's protein shakes in between meals to try and maintain or at least gain weight but nothing is working. We're all going out for the day so that is memories I guess.. I am just overwhelmed by it all. I've never been this ill or felt this ill before I just know something is off.

You poor thing, I do think you might be over thinking this. GPs refer under the two week wait if they think you might have the slightest chance of cancer. As your GP has said there is no need for that, then that means she is as sure as she can be that you do not have cancer. You have had the tests that would have revealed it and they did not. So please put that thought aside. You are looking at something else, and we cannot help you with guessing diagnoses, but work with your doctor to find out what it is and the correct treatment fir it. Often you only find out what is wrong by ruling other things out.

I know it must be hugely frustrating for you, and I am completely sympathetic, but in a few months time you should have your answer and be on the road to recovery

It is very good news that your appetite has come back, so plan meals you enjoy. Treat yourself, buy some flattering clothes, and enjoy playing with your little boy, they grow up so fast, try to create memories with him. Keep us posted?

I called the surgery this morning regarding my referral letter which I've not received yet. She left a note for the gp to call back, which she did and she said that I am on the waiting list! I'm not under the 2 week pathway as she said it doesn't warrant it. I said but I'm losing a significant amount of weight and if what I've got is sinister then it will be too late, but apparently I don't meet the criteria due to my age and my other tests are clear.. I am absolutely devastated and fuming! Looks like I may have to pay privately at a private hospital for both procedures which will cost me just over 3k.

My dentist recommended vit b when I had to take a course of strong antibiotics and I think I must have been deficient as they made me feel so much better. If this is your problem they will work quickly.

You really are going through the mill aren't you? I think when anything like this is going on you are bound to feel worried and anxious but you've done exactly the right thing by speaking with your G.P.
While I'd never presume to give anyone medical advise, I can share that some years ago my son was experiencing lots of stomach problems and various tests all came back negative. Eventually he was seen by a consultant who tested him for coeliac disease again...previous blood tests had been negative. After some further tests, a firm diagnosis was given but all in all it took 6-9 months before this happened.
The advice given by Madwoman11 is really good. Take care

Hi everyone thank you all so much for your replies so far I really, really appreciate it so much. I am married but I don't like to talk to him too much about my issues because it upsets him. He gets very upset which I understand so I try not to do it. I can be very irrational sometimes but that's only because I am scared.
The GP actually said that I may have an ulcer, she said she's not referring me because she thinks I have cancer, she's doing it because there's something else that's less sinister which makes me think this referral is not 2weeks. Did you also have weight loss @madwoman11? It definitely burns up my throat, ears, and my stomach area. I am on probiotics at the mo to try and sort my gut out.. Completely ruined. I kept wondering post IBS but weight loss is not associated with that. X

It's no wonder you are stressed and anxious. I have had similar to you and it was caused by severe acid reflux which lead to an ulcer hence the dark poo - blood. I had the same symptoms as you.
I'm not an expert though, but while you are waiting for further treat your tummy very gently. No alcohol or smoking. Nothing with wheat in it (check labels carefully) for 8 weeks, and just small meals. Don't eat anything for 4 hours before bedtime. Try some anti acids (ask you GP) and take a big glug of Gaviscon before you go to bed. Have some organic yogurt each day. Try things to deal with stress such as medication.
It's worth a try but the gut takes time to heal. Only medical experts can give you a diagnosis though. All the very best I'm sure you will soon be back to yourself.

Just sending you a hand hold and to let you know that people care

It's very worrying when there is unexpected weight loss but it's good that all your tests are negative, as already suggested probiotics are a good idea .

Having a colonoscopy should put your mind at rest and it's not as bad as you think and soon over

Come back and share the results with us and take care of yourself

It sounds as if you are a single mum, so natural to feel anxious when you are poorly, so not surprised that you had a panic attack.
Your GP has checked everything and referred you to the hospital, so on the ball. Picking up the vit B deficiency is good and you are on your way bringing levels up, but perhaps it takes time for your body to reset.
Your tummy bug was horrendous and was hard to clear, so again not surprised that your nutrient levels are a bit down.
If you are prone to IBS, then this is bound to flare after a bug.
I have a daughter who is a single mum and also has all kinds of tummy troubles.
I don't want to give you duff advice, so will just send you a hug, and hope the hospital are able to sort you out and put your mind at rest.

Sorry pressed too soon, a major Stomach bug can upset your gut, try to get some gut friendly yogurts or go to a Health food shop they can advise something that will re balance the flora.
As to the Colonoscopy that you may or may not have to have, that is a doddle and no need to worry, they usually tell you the results straight away too.

You are doing all the right things, whilst it’s good to check your Pooh, a couple of days would be enough.
You have found what seems to be the main problem, so now you need to stop stressing, stress can cause many problems too.
Take the meds for the Vitamin deficiency and I’m sure you will soon start to feel better.
There are plenty of self help videos on YouTube to help with destressing, it might be an idea to start listening to some of them when you have some quiet time with your little boy.
Hope you get better soon.

Froglady

I sued to have to have B12 injections every 3 months, that was after 5 injections in 2 weeks as a loading dose. Now I don't need to have them.
B12 can be a problems for vegetarians and vegans I've heard as it can mostly be in meat eaters diets. Marmite has B12 and is veggie but Bovril isn't veggie.
Hope you get it sorted.

I am not a vegetarian nor vegan so I thought that was strange. I love marmite I have it at least 4 times a week. Thank you so much, I hope so too. Just waiting on that referral letter now. I am taking supplements of vit d and b12 every day to try and bring up my energy in case that's what's causing it.

I sued to have to have B12 injections every 3 months, that was after 5 injections in 2 weeks as a loading dose. Now I don't need to have them.
B12 can be a problems for vegetarians and vegans I've heard as it can mostly be in meat eaters diets. Marmite has B12 and is veggie but Bovril isn't veggie.
Hope you get it sorted.