Illness it's a bugger ennit ?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:30 pm

I have had an funny tummy for a few months, a while ago I had a week off work with stomach pains.

I have had all the tests done and was getting concerned.

I had a bowel cancer test, and several blood tests, found out I was slightly aenemic and getting worse between tests.

Today I had an endoscopy.

I arrived at 8.50 for a 9.00 appointment, I was seen before 9.00 to get my details etc.

I then waited for the procedure and waited and waited.

Eventually I was seen and it was gruesome, I opted for minimum anesthesia, a nurses hand on my shoulder and her words of encouragement were what got me through.

I was then due to have another blood test, nobody could log on to the computor to access my notes...........or something, so I waited and waited again.

Apparently I have gastritus and some ulcers, but according to all the advice a course of medication should clear it all up.

Time in hospital three(3) hours.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:32 pm

Bruv;1415605 wrote: I have had an funny tummy for a few months, a while ago I had a week off work with stomach pains.

I have had all the tests done and was getting concerned.

I had a bowel cancer test, and several blood tests, found out I was slightly aenemic and getting worse between tests.

Today I had an endoscopy.

I arrived at 8.50 for a 9.00 appointment, I was seen before 9.00 to get my details etc.

I then waited for the procedure and waited and waited.

Eventually I was seen and it was gruesome, I opted for minimum anesthesia, a nurses hand on my shoulder and her words of encouragement were what got me through.

I was then due to have another blood test, nobody could log on to the computor to access my notes...........or something, so I waited and waited again.

Apparently I have gastritus and some ulcers, but according to all the advice a course of medication should clear it all up.

Time in hospital three(3) hours.

Sorry to hear you've been unwell Bruv and I'm pleased to hear that you know what It Is and have medication..

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:33 pm

I'm glad you're okay. Three hours isn't bad really, is it? Stop eating those spicy foods, and by all means, relax.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:43 pm

Thank you.

I drink black coffee and whisky, not together, I enjoy chilli, all are not good.

I have never spent time in hospital, never broken a bone or been stung by wasp/bee, never had any illness other than a cold or flu.

Then you get to an age and everything starts falling to bits.

The big fear was the big C, so I am happy to know it is not that.

The time in the hospital was mostly waiting, the total time in procedures could have been done in 45 minutes.

So an hour and a half would heve been understandable, but not three hours.

By the way you US members, it didn't cost me a penny, and my whinging is acceptable to improve the service.

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:50 pm

My visits to the VA hospital, which is like NHS in your country, go pretty quickly, but then there aren't that many who get to use the service. That's unfortunate.

I've gotten into a couple of discussion with other vets while there and it really funny: they say they have the best health care they could have asked for and then in the next sentence tell me they are opposed to national health care because it would compromise care. Just plain crazy. I wonder if they actually hear themselves.

Take your vitamin d3 everyday. You will not get cancer if you get your blood levels where they should be and maintain it.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:55 pm

Isn't today Sunday? If it isn't, I'm in big trouble.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:57 pm

SnoozeAgain;1415615 wrote: Isn't today Sunday? If it isn't, I'm in big trouble.

It is.......why the trouble ?

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:01 pm

I was confused, we don't have doctor visits on the weekend here unless it's in the emergency room. It sounds like you had a regular appointment on a Sunday, which boggles my mind. If this wasn't Sunday and was Monday instead, I just spent a workday screwing around online without calling in and lying that I was sick or something.

Glad it's nothing (too) serious, Bruv.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:06 pm

That was my reaction when they phoned me up and asked if Sunday was OK.

I thought 'Bloody hell.......it's that urgent'

And so I asked, and the lady explained they worked seven days a week.

Illness doesn't know it's weekend........now I am worried about the bracketed (too).........do you know more than me ?

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:09 pm

Don't we all? isn't that why we're on a forum? *kidding, of course*

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:58 pm

I'm very glad to hear that it's nothing too serious. It becomes a worry for most of us as we get to a certain age, the Big C. I am now the age that my father was when he died of cancer in 1987. It made me think about my own mortality and just how young he was.

We have to endure these stressful and uncomfortable tests, to reassure ourselves

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 6:40 pm

I'm glad to hear that you're okay.

tabby · Post by **tabby** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:10 am

Waiting for test results can be agonizing and a great opportunity for our imaginations to show just how wild they can run! It's so easy to tell another person to "Relax, I'm sure it's nothing serious." but when it's ourselves, we rarely take that advice! I know you must have been immensely relieved to hear that your condition is treatable.

Glad to hear that you'll be back to your usual self soon!

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 10:57 am

The nurses hand on your shoulder reminded me of the time I went for a prostate exam and suddenly noticed both the doctors hands on my shoulders.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:25 am

Bruv... can I ask... did they offer you the new ' Modesty Pants' ?

http://www.monmouthsurgical.com/colonoscopy-shorts

I'm given these every time I go In and they just crack me up... literally..... I couldn't stop laughing the first time I saw them...mine had a velcro flap over the anus area......

I spent an hour just Imagining other uses for them after I was finished.... but then I'm warped.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:46 am

YZGI;1415688 wrote: The nurses hand on your shoulder reminded me of the time I went for a prostate exam and suddenly noticed both the doctors hands on my shoulders.
You have done it again!!!!!:yh_rotfl

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:54 am

It's when he's finished and asks you ' have you seen my watch'? you should worry.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 2:55 pm

YZGI;1415688 wrote: The nurses hand on your shoulder reminded me of the time I went for a prostate exam and suddenly noticed both the doctors hands on my shoulders.

Brought a smile to your face I bet ?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 2:57 pm

oscar;1415693 wrote: Bruv... can I ask... did they offer you the new ' Modesty Pants' ?

I had an endoscope.................it's administered orally...........didn't take anything off, sorry.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:06 pm

oscar;1415693 wrote: Bruv... can I ask... did they offer you the new ' Modesty Pants' ?

Colonoscopy/Modesty Shorts

I'm given these every time I go In and they just crack me up... literally..... I couldn't stop laughing the first time I saw them...mine had a velcro flap over the anus area......

I spent an hour just Imagining other uses for them after I was finished.... but then I'm warped.

:yh_rotfl oh my word, I hope to regain composure soon, but I now have a picture of bruv with modesty pants on his head :yh_rotfl

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:08 pm

Bruv;1415714 wrote: Brought a smile to your face I bet ?

Ahem.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:14 pm

Glad all is ok and they are getting to the bottom of it all Bruv. None of those types of tests sound at all pleasant.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:19 pm

Bruv, I had mine under complete anesthesia, during another disgusting procedure. I never would have done that awake you brave foolish man you! You had that option, yes or no?

I rechecked the OP & you should have opted Yes. Why didn't you?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:29 pm

Yes I had that option, but I am far too macho to go for full anesthesia.

To be honest I wanted to be in and out, opting for the full anesthesia would mean waiting for recovery time.

I am due to have another one, when the medication has worked it's magic, in six weeks I think........I shall take the macho route then also (just for the cuddle)

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:49 pm

Bruv;1415733 wrote: Yes I had that option, but I am far too macho to go for full anesthesia.

To be honest I wanted to be in and out, opting for the full anesthesia would mean waiting for recovery time.

I am due to have another one, when the medication has worked it's magic, in six weeks I think........I shall take the macho route then also (just for the cuddle)

Must be a mighty pretty nurse to be worth that much discomfort

Here's wishing a positive result for you.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:55 pm

Bryn Mawr;1415738 wrote: Must be a mighty pretty nurse to be worth that much discomfort

Here's wishing a positive result for you.

Thank you....

All nurses are pretty, arn't they ?

Or is it just me ?

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:59 pm

Bruv;1415741 wrote: Thank you....

All nurses are pretty, arn't they ?

Or is it just me ?

The nurses are fine - it's the matron I'd worry about :wah:

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:01 pm

Bruv;1415733 wrote: Yes I had that option, but I am far too macho to go for full anesthesia.

To be honest I wanted to be in and out, opting for the full anesthesia would mean waiting for recovery time.

I am due to have another one, when the medication has worked it's magic, in six weeks I think........I shall take the macho route then also (just for the cuddle)

Oh it only takes about 1 hour in recovery. I don't usually say 'No' to narcotics, especially not the hospital quality kind. 'Hippie' my husband would have called me!

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 9:47 am

AnneBoleyn;1415745 wrote: Oh it only takes about 1 hour in recovery. I don't usually say 'No' to narcotics, especially not the hospital quality kind. 'Hippie' my husband would have called me!

Ahh, now I see why you get my jokes.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 10:29 am

As a post script to the appointment that I attended on Sunday, arranged over the phone the previous Friday, I recieved a letter today, Tuesday informing me about the appointment.....two days after they had seen me.

I did say on the phone "You will confirm by mail?" and the nice lady said "You would not get the letter in time".....................but they still sent it.

The letter tells me the procedure may take as much as four hours of my time, if more urgent patients are to be seen.

So I got away light with only three hours.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:43 pm

YZGI;1415858 wrote: Ahh, now I see why you get my jokes.

Is my reputation besmirched yet?

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Jan 09, 2013 8:49 am

AnneBoleyn;1415937 wrote: Is my reputation besmirched yet?

Well, when you use a word like "besmirch", of course your reputation will be sullied.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Wed Jan 09, 2013 2:33 pm

YZGI;1416011 wrote: Well, when you use a word like "besmirch", of course your reputation will be sullied.
Sigh of relief.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:12 am

Update.

I had another hospital visit today, gastroscopy and a colonoscopy.

Had to change my diet for the previous three days, no roughage.

Couldn't eat from 9.00am Sunday until the appointment at 10.00am Monday

Then last night, I had to take 2 litres of a laxative, it was repulsive.

Mixed up in two different batches from powder, and without moving too far from *cough* the toilet, began the slow torture of drinking the nauseating concoction.

I started late, and had to finish both batches, and wait for the reaction, so went to my bed in the early hours, near to 3.00am.

Got up late and couldn't take my morning coffee, no drinking for two hours before procedure.

Macho me declined sedation.....again, especially after feedback from others telling me the colonoscope was 'easier'.

The gastroscopy was uncomfortable again, but they said I did well.

The conversation was that the ulcers should have healed, there must be a problem.

I couldn't comment at that time.

Then came the colonoscopy, I WILL have sedation next time..........should there be a next time.

Entry was the least of it, it's the deep probing and inflating that hurts.

As I told them (I could talk this time) 'this would be interesting if it wasn't so uncomfortable'

They found some lesions, and chopped bits off them. Then tattooed my colon for furture reference........should they need them (fingers crossed they don't)

I am now awaiting the results.

I shall get my wife to pray for me, might hedge my bets and do so myself.

I feel better now you all know.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:06 pm

I sympathise... with all of It..

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:13 pm

It does sound like a bugger, eeek all those tests! Well done for getting through it all and I guess it's good they are being so thorough.

Hope they get to the bottom of it all soon. :-6

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 2:56 pm

"Then came the colonoscopy, I WILL have sedation next time..........should there be a next time."

Of course there will be a next time. If this one is totally ok, I think maybe 5 years? Colon cancer, one of the most deadly, can also be totally curable if caught in time. I'm thinking of you Bruv, best luck your way.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:24 pm

Betty Boop;1422027 wrote:

Hope they get to the bottom of it all soon. :-6

Liking your sense of humour.............................it was a joke wasn't it?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:27 pm

AnneBoleyn;1422033 wrote: Of course there will be a next time. .

Your supposed to be cheering me up........thank you anyway :-2

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:28 pm

oscar;1422025 wrote: I sympathise... with all of It..

Thank you.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:34 pm

Bruv;1422043 wrote: Liking your sense of humour.............................it was a joke wasn't it?

;) Glad you caught it :wah:

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Mar 04, 2013 5:24 pm

Bruv;1422044 wrote: Your supposed to be cheering me up........thank you anyway :-2

I am cheering you up. I am a cancer survivor.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:42 am

AnneBoleyn;1422059 wrote: I am cheering you up. I am a cancer survivor.

I was joking, nice to know though..................................who mentioned cancer ?

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 7:50 am

:p:p:p:p

Attached files

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:08 am

Bruv;1422072 wrote: I was joking, nice to know though..................................who mentioned cancer ?

That's what they are checking for with a colonoscopy. Colon cancer is one of the deadliest yet most curable when caught in it's early stages. It is also one of the most common cancers. I am glad you are getting good care, & of course I want you to be OK because you have a grandchild you haven't met yet & you are a swell guy.

Live and be well. :-6

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:48 am

AnneBoleyn;1422087 wrote: That's what they are checking for with a colonoscopy. Colon cancer is one of the deadliest yet most curable when caught in it's early stages. It is also one of the most common cancers. I am glad you are getting good care, & of course I want you to be OK because you have a grandchild you haven't met yet & you are a swell guy.

Live and be well. :-6 I had the very early stages of colon cancer... It was caught though I am still on drugs for It....

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:24 am

oscar;1422095 wrote: I had the very early stages of colon cancer... It was caught though I am still on drugs for It....

Oral drugs?

My colon cancer was not discovered until I was already in Stage 3. I had no symptoms until at the very last I dropped, very suddenly, 50 lbs & became extremely weak, as you might imagine from losing that amount in a bit over a month. No external bleeding, no pain, nothing until that point. I was in the hospital for almost 2 months, had surgery, thankfully the tumor was placed where I did not need a colostemy bag -- Ugh. Then, I had a year's worth of chemo. I have been cancer free since then.

Like Bruv, of course I hate colonoscopy's---the preparation for it, not the procedure as unlike Bruv I am "under" for it---my doctor wouldn't do it any other way except for an extreme reason. I am supposed to do it once a year, but I have not done that. I will be taking one again soon though, it's been 2 years at least since the last one.

In the U.S. doctors are supposed to start nagging about a colonoscopy when the patient turns 50. If my doctor had prescribed this, it might have been caught early, but it wasn't, & like I said, I had no symptoms to complain of until what could have been my "end".

I was told at the time I had very little chance at survival. I did, & it certainly wasn't from positive thinking or a good attitude or anything like that. I was a terrible patient. Yet, here I still am. Guess Life isn't through with me, I must still have tortures to go through before quittin' time.

I'm so glad to know yours was caught in time. Yay for you!

eta---I did have two symptoms---my diabetes was totally out of whack for a couple of years prior & so my problem was considered diabetic in nature. The diabetes was out of whack because of the cancer. I also had a severe back problem, which they later discovered to be the tumor pressing up against my lower spine. The MRI did not disclose the tumor. So, there were these as symptoms, but it was misdiagnosed as being other things.

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 1:30 pm

My doctor has been nagging me about getting a colonoscopy long enough that I think I'll finally give in and do it. After reading the experiences shared here, there is no doubt in my mind that I select the option of anaesthesia when I do.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 1:32 pm

Anne

That is the second time you have caught me unaware with your passionate response.........oy vey.

Oscar too? I suppose it's a big club.

I have only ever suffered heavy colds, and a bad back at times, I have spent years humping glass, so a bad back was due at some time.

I was sent a NHS pack a time ago screening for bowel cancer, I read it, slung it to one side.

I thought about it, went looking for it later, couldn't find it so got the wife to phone up and have another one sent, that was negative.

I mix up the chronlogical order but I have had other tests since (the NHS road tests it's old timers as a matter of course)

Several blood tests, another feces test, a CT scan and an Xray just before I gave up smoking when told I was COPD, even a prostate examination.

Then I had a bad stomach ache for a week, feel bloated much of the time and they eventually go with the colonoscopy.

I am hoping if it's the big C it has been caught super early, not that I don't want to be in your club.......................just not that club............if I can avoid it.

Lets hope your medical problems are under control now.

Thanks for revealing all, I will use that as a source of encouragement.

Lang leben zolt ir!

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 1:33 pm

Wandrin;1422114 wrote: My doctor has been nagging me about getting a colonoscopy long enough that I think I'll finally give in and do it. After reading the experiences shared here, there is no doubt in my mind that I select the option of anaesthesia when I do.

I would strongly recommend it..............and I know.