21- constipation, bleeding, mucus, help!

Forgot to add, I have been diagnosed as anaemic recently (iron count at 8), and also with a problem with one of my proteins Albumin.

Dear N,

Your doctor sounds hopeless. It is possible that your anaemia is being caused by the amount of blood you are losing through the bowel. You are not specific with regard to what is wrong regarding your Albumin, but it is the main protein component of blood and one of its main function is to keep the fluid portion of the blood within the vessels. Albumin level drops when the body is fighting disease.

It is sometimes difficult to remember what you want to say to the doctor when you feel under pressure in the surgery, but you give a very clear, concise description of your current state of health in your post. I would advise you to type a copy of what you have written (I don't know if you can take a copy from your post) and take it along to A & E and show it to the doctor there. In the meantime, drink lots of water and try not to worry. I think you have been very brave and sensible in your approach to this problem and it is disappointing that you have received so little help.

Dear Wendy,

My albumin level is lower than it should be, sorry I posted late at night and was tired while writing. I have explained these symptoms over and over again, I really am at a loss with what to do next apart from wait for the colonoscopy. I haven't relayed the cancer to her, I only found out myself recently. We have a great family history of cancer in general however. There has been no mention of cancer, she just seems to think my bowels have become sluggish though for no reason why can I pinpoint that I would start having mucus present and my bowel movements would stop from around 1 a day to every 4 or 5 days. I also have pernicious anaemia which is when the body has a deficiency in b12. I'm really struggling, I just more than anything want to know what's wrong withh me. I'm meant to be starting a new grad job in September and a new life and all I can do is worry at the moment that there is going to be something coming along putting a spanner in the works. Thanks so much for your response, it's nice to have someone listen properly.

Hi,

just an idea but I found a great app on my iPhone called, mySymptoms. I used this to monitor my food intake, any pills & any symptoms.

I was then able to email it directly to my GP & a dietician. Might be a good aid to find this app or similar to help keep a note of what triggers bowel reactions,

Anne

Dear N,

I don't know what else to suggest to you, but I think you should probably chase your surgery to make sure that the referral letter has been sent, as mistakes can happen. Alternatively, I wonder if you could make a visit home and see your family GP as a 'visitor'. I am sure that he or she would be prepared at least to discuss your symptoms if you explained how worried you are and how it is affecting your degree work and could perhaps intervene on your behalf to speak to the GP at your student practice. I hope that you manage to get this sorted out; it is such a shame that what should be a happy and productive time for you is being spoiled in this way. All the best.

Hello, Very glad you have gone the colonoscopy route. I had to wait mo. for mine. I believe it is NHS law now only 2 wks. for date. (or appnt). They will sort it out for you. You will have the satisfaction of knowing if it is, then you have cought it early. Or, if not, they will tell you. I was diagnose with bowel cancer on mine. A friend diagnosed with verticulitus (plus MRI) on her's and another friend, IBS, on hers.

So try not to worry, get yoyur GP to check the hosp. for date.

Godbless, Daffs