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ladies

Posted , 6 users are following.

denise38168
denise38168

Well went to the docs yesterday for the second time it was a student doctor, explained my symptoms and worries! I asked for some blood tests to be done hopefully to ease my anxiety, she checked her book and because I'm 57 they need to rule out ovarian cancer due to symptoms being similar any of you ladies out there have had  this checked ? 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • georgina_80922
    georgina_80922 denise38168

    Posted

    Hi.

    I'm only in my early 20s and I have neve gone through anything as scary as a two week period back in November.

    I went to the doctors with bloating, feeling of tightness in the upper abdomin. he did blood tests straight away and I was refered for a scan and to the gyna. Somethin in my blood cam back high and it was a 'emergency' I just cried for two week until I was told my ovaries were fine! Apparently I have polystic ovaries which has caused my raised blood result. I'm still undergoing treatment bt we've moved on to the stomach area.

    Do you mind telling your symptoms?

    • denise38168
      denise38168 georgina_80922

      Posted

      Hi Georgina my symptoms are low abdominal cramps just above the pubic bone which sometimes goes toward my hips, no real bloating as such, no loose bowels or constipation although my frequency going has changed and softer motions, my worst part of the day is the morning after having my first coffee had tea this morning and cramps don't feel as bad, I suffer from anxiety and always fear the worst.
  • jan48389
    jan48389 denise38168

    Posted

    My very first symptoms were similar to your but progressed over a period of about 9 months to very frequent diarrhoea, at which point I went to the GP. Because of my age (62) and the sustained change in my bowel habits, my GP focused on the risk of bowel cancer and Organised various tests, including a colonoscopy. Everything was done very quickly - I had the colonoscopy about 10 days after seeing the GP. Fortunately everything was fine, apart from having a small benign polyp which was removed. Having ruled out anything sinister I was diagnosed with IBS. That was about 4 months ago. I was given advice on how to manage the condition, mostly by diet, and since then,  apart from the ocassional flare up, I have been much better. IBS is only diagnosed , as far as I am aware, by ruling out anything else that might be causing the symptoms, so it sounds as though you're headed in the right direction. 

    Good luck. 

    Jan

  • michellelvj
    michellelvj denise38168

    Posted

    Again mine started off in precisely the same way as your symptoms. I didn't get any significant bowel symptoms until many months later. I was convinced it was gynae related as it felt like period pains. Then started with softer stools, then more frequent straight after my morning coffee, then full on diarrhea and weight loss (which is not usual) and intense nausea, which scared the life out of me. But I let myself become a nervous wreck. Now I have IBS-A, so alternate with constipation. Literally everyone I have spoken to has their own individual set of symptoms. Part of the process is figuring out what yours are and getting better at predicting them or figuring out triggers.

    Ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test should be fairly helpful on the ovarian front. I had concerns with that as there is familial history but all came back normal. Many other tests and IBS has been the ultimate conclusion. I also suffer with anxiety and the symptoms were made significantly worse when I was worrying. I didn't believe anxiety could have such a significant physical affect on the body so I was convinced it was more sinister. Once I got my anxiety in check, my symptoms slowly began to resolve. I still have flares but much more manageable. You are certainly going in the right direction re getting a diagnosis so don't worry in the meantime. It is so not worth it and you need to give your body and mind a break. Hopefully you have a supportive Dr? If not, see others til you are happy. I saw about 6 before one actually took me seriously and started treating the whole issue, i.e. CBT for the anxiety, dietician to help with any dietary triggers (seems I have none, so mine is stress triggered) and to help with what was good to eat in a flare (to keep weight stable), and the appropriate gynae and GI referrals for all else.

    Take care of yourself. Xx

  • christine58244
    christine58244 denise38168

    Posted

    I had diarohea for three and half months last year this time i have only now been invited to the hopsital for a colonscopy a year later, i could have been dead thats how much the doctors bother nhs just dont care aabout individuals anymore we are just a number
    • jan48389
      jan48389 christine58244

      Posted

      Sorry to hear that Christine. I had a colonoscopy within 10 days of seeing my GP, although I think the trigger for an urgent referral is related to your age, and the length of time you have experienced changed bowel habits. In my case , because I was over 55 and had been experiencing diahorrea which had increased in frequency over a 6 month period, I was considered as high risk for bowel cancer hence the urgent referral. In the event nothing sinister was found but I really couldn't fault the care and treatment I had. I do have an excellent GP who I've known for several years, so that might have helped. Hope everything goes well for you. 

      Jan

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