Hi,
Apologies if you get these type of posts regularly. I'll state from the outset - I haven't yet had a diagnosis. I am in the process of waiting for a number of tests querying bowel cancer. But I have seen many members of my family, including my immediate family, go through the cancer treatment process so can I also say I have the utmost respect for every single one of you - you are warriors!
I have a history of a low - level malignant (and rare) lung tumor which was removed as a child, so my doc does keep an eye on things. And as stated, my extensive family history of cancer also means I'm kept a close eye on (breast, stomach, pancreatic, throat and neck, prostate, ovarian and cervical cancer).
I have always suffered from IBS (chronic constipation) but i began to notice a dramatic change in symptoms with the onset of another disease I developed. In January I developed chronic hives and dermatographism and kept stating to my doc they were making me feel ill. I was running to to the loo at least once a day (I've never experienced this - usually my bowels don't move for weeks on end and only with strong laxatives), I was having acid reflux and heartburn (which I've never suffered from), severe bloating to the point I look 6 months pregnant, fatigue, periods of tachycardia and shortness of breath. He ran some tests and my thyroid was overactive (I have a thyroid nodule which explains that), a high white cell count and low ferritin levels. He repeated them a week later and whilst my thyroid levels came back within range, the WBC was still elevated and my ferritin was 7.6 (heamoglobin and iron stores ok - so iron deficient without anemia).
He referred me to gastro and requested an ultrasound. He believed he felt a mass on my lower left abdomen. The ultrasound was refused by the X ray department but the gastroenterologist has ordered a colonoscopy and endoscopy. But being in the U.K. I've already been waiting 4 weeks for these tests and goodness knows when I'll get an appt.
I'm still really struggling with the shortness of breath - to the point at times I feel like I'm going to pass out with not being able to get a breath. I've borrowed an inhaler from my dad which helps. I'm not sure if this is linked to my bowel issues or to my chronic hives. I feel like my stomach is expanding on an almost daily basis. I'm still running to the toilet on a daily basis and whilst I haven't seen blood, there's a strong metallic smell from my stools. Like iron. I don't get periods due to the contraceptive pill so no reason why my iron levels are so low. I have no cramping or pain so it's not typical with the pain felt from IBS. I also have periods of tachycardia at rest (BPM up to 120 for no reason whatsoever) and regular nausea.
I guess I just want to ask what everyone's experience of the process of testing and symptoms has been. Is there anything else I should be pushing with my GP? I feel like I don't want to hassle them too much but the waiting lists for specialist care in the UK are dreadful.
Thanks son much for reading. X