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40 Y/o Male - 10 Weeks constant pain - no diagnosis

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mike15001
mike15001

Hi,

I've had 10 weeks of constant abdominal pain. It started with nausea and abdominal pain, and has gotten progressively worse. The first few weeks I was told it's a stomach bug. Then I was began to get constipated about week 4. Then week 6-7 started to lose weight -  lost 12 kg in 3 weeks. GP referred me for a colonoscopy at week 7. However they only did a flexi stigmoidoscopy for some reason and found nothing in that. He referred me back for a full colonoscopy and they have scheduled an outpatient appt instead. Pain just getting worse and no pain killers work. GP mentioned possible obstruction, which can only be one of a few things. Before this I was healthy, maybe 4 or 5 kg over ideal weight and balanced diet.

Any thoughts appreciated as this process has been slow and painful.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • anthony10484
    anthony10484 mike15001

    Posted

    You really need to press your GP to put some urgency on the endoscopy examination and make sure that it is carried out from both ends - gastroscopy as well as colonoscopy.  You might not have bowel cancer but there is obviously something wrong and it needs to be sorted as soon as possible. 

    Did your GP carry out a blood test as part of his diagnosis procedure?  One of the markers for bowel cancer is the CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) level in the blood.  If a blood test has not been carried out then ask that one is done with specific reference to the CEA level.  If such a test has been carried out then make sure that it did include an appropriate test. It has to be said that while this level does not provide an absolute indication of the existence or otherwise of bowel cancer, it does give a good initial indication.

    Good luck and I hope your problem is one that is easily cured.

    • mike15001
      mike15001 anthony10484

      Posted

      Many thanks for your reply. I've had 2 blood test but I'm not sure what they were for. I'll folow that up.
    • mike15001
      mike15001 anthony10484

      Posted

      Spoke to GP this morning who said neither blood test tested for CEA levels. But said if they did, they would refer me on same path they've referred me on anyway. Thanks for the tip. I'll find out more wednesday.
    • anthony10484
      anthony10484 mike15001

      Posted

      I'm a little surprised by your GP's response.  If the CEA level is low (2.5 micrograms per litre or less) then I would expect the tests to be looking for something other than bowel cancer but if it is high (greater than 5 microgram per litre) then you should be being tested for bowel cancer with a higher degree of urgency than seems to be happening.
    • mike15001
      mike15001 anthony10484

      Posted

      Getting tested for CEA levels this morning and will take those results to consultant on Wednesday. Many thanks for your help.
  • mike15001
    mike15001

    Posted

    The results of my CEA levels test were normal at 2, so hopefully that's good news. Seeing the consultant tomorrow.
    • anthony10484
      anthony10484 mike15001

      Posted

      That is good news!  I hope that the next series of tests will sort out the source of your problems and that the treatment is not too onerous.
    • mike15001
      mike15001 anthony10484

      Posted

      Just thought to update you. Consultant has scheduled endoscopy and CT scan. Pancreas a possible concern at this stage. Bowels less so, so no colonoscopy scheduled. Was helpful to go there with CEA results so thank you for the tip.
    • anthony10484
      anthony10484 mike15001

      Posted

      I'm glad to hear that things are moving at last.  Best of luck wth the tests I hope all goes well for you.
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