Coping with symptoms

Hi. I'm not diagnosed yet and may not have cancer but it's looking like it could be that. I get a lot of symptoms which are both unpleasant and cause pain. I'm waiting for results back from a scan but it could be weeks before I know am I allowed to take any medicine from Boots or do I wait and see what the results are? I don't want to take anything if it's not going to help and I don't want it to clash if I have to take different medication.

I've been taking paracetamol but it isn't having much of an effect and it's the same with heartburn liquid.

I get a lot of symptoms mostly physical a little depression as well. I struggle to cope with all of it on a daily basis. I have my work and parenting to do and all of it together is awful.

I need ways to cope with this.

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am afraid we can't give you any advice on medication as we are not involved in your care but if you are continuing to have pain then do speak to your GP to see what they suggest.

    I am not sure whether your GP requested the scan urgently or whether it was a routine scan but do ask them. 

    There are many reasons why patients experience pain and not all of the reasons mean a cancer diagnosis.

    Worry about our health can also make symptoms feel so much worse.

    If you are unable to get hold of your GP you could get in touch with NHS111 for their advice here

    You may also find it helpful to have a look at the NHS website called 'Every Mind Matters' here

    I do hope that you are able to speak to your GP soon and that you get to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms.

    All the Best,

    Catherine

  • Hi Catherine, thank you for taking the time to reply and for explaining about advising on this. I did call the GP and had 20 questions with the receptionist and should get a callback today. I miss it before covid when you could see and speak to a doctor same day.

    It was an urgent scan and I'm hoping to get results soon. I had an exam with her before and she felt something in my stomach which she felt needed further investigation so feeling a bit anxious about that. 

    I'm hoping it's not cancer and just something else maybe like a blockage or something I don't know what causes all this but hopefully soon I'll know.

    I'm not sure what worrying causes me to feel like but it's probably not helping.

    If the GP can give me something to help ease the pain then that would be good if not I'll just rest up.

    Thank you for your help with this.

  • I spoke to my GP she doesn't want me taking anything prescription but over the counter is fine. I've had some stomach settling medicine but my pain is bad tonight.

    I feel so alone at the moment. I've no one else to talk to about this. If it does turn out to be cancer I really don't know what I'll do and how I'll cope.

    Hopefully I'll hear back soon.

  • Hello and thanks for your further post

    I know waiting to find out what might be the matter is very stressful. But I’m afraid there is no real way round this. Some people find talking it through with family and friends and keeping busy can sometimes help. But until you know more it’s natural to worry.

    I hope you know more about your situation soon and that everything turns out to be okay. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Hi Katy92

    I am experencing exactly the same symptoms, and my GP also felt a mass/lump in my abdomen. I have had a CT scan but am still waiting for the results. The pain I'm experiencing is constant and appears more widespread, but maybe thats because I am so anxious about it. 

    Sending a hug, hopefully you will get your scan soon x

  • Hello Celene, thank you so much I appreciate you replying and your kind words. The waiting is horrible, I don't like it at all it just causes a lot of anxiety which becomes hard to shake off. Today hasn't been so good, I've felt very sick and even drinking makes me feel sick so I've not drank a lot. I'm hoping it will be gone by the morning.

    Thank you I hope I will know more soon and that everything will be ok. I'm not sure what might be causing all this, maybe it's just anxiety I have read it can cause all this. Are the nurses available to talk with on weekends? I'm not diagnosed either, am I allowed to call?

    Thanks so much. 

  • Hello. I'm sorry about your symptoms and your having to go through this. Hopefully it will be nothing serious and you will know soon. Try not to let anxiety take hold, once it does it can be hard to get rid off like an unwanted guest. I know this from experience.

    Sending you a hug back. Try not to worry. Keep busy.