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How to approach this with GP?

worriedwelsh89
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Hello. Apologies if this is in the wrong place, I'm not sure where to post it, I'm just looking for advice.

 

I am aware that I have IBS but the last few months I have had significant changes in my bowel habits, I was told quite a few years ago that there has been history of bowel cancer in the family. I am currently getting really bad cramps reguarly. I've always put this down to being part of the IBS. I came across an article (I know this isnt the best way to go about things being pulled in by articles) of a lady living with IBS that was getting worse and described a lot of what I am experiencing at the moment. I know this could all just be in my head and it probably is just the IBS acting up but its playing on my mind. Does anyone think it would be the right thing to do to speak to the GP, if so what is the best way to approach this and would it be inappropriate to bring it up with the GP right now given how busy they are with the covid stuff?

 

Thanks in advance.

  • Hi worriedwelsh89,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to read about the difficulties you've been having recently. It's always advisable to speak to the GP if you have noticed symptoms, or if you're worried about any particular pain. It's absolutely fine to give your GP a call and they are taking appointments as normal. It may be that you have a phone appointment in the first instance and they can suggest to see you if needed.

    The best thing is to explain what's been going on and how long for, and any concerns about family history. It's the best way to get some clear answers on this, so do give them a call when you can.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi worriedwelsh,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms, which sound quite uncomfortable. Please do not delay seeing your GP about this. I fully agree with Ben and what he has told you to say. If this is playing on your mind, you are best to get it checked out. Please don’t wait any longer. If there is anything untoward, the sooner you get it see to, the better the outcome usually is.

    I can understand that you may feel embarrassed in approaching your GP about this, but there is absolutely nothing to feel embarrassed about. Doctors see problems like yours all the time and they won’t think anything about this.

    Contrary to public opinion, GPs are not particularly busy at the moment. They are asking people to see them with problems such as yours. If you find it difficult to raise the subject with your GP, why not write everything down? It is often much easier not to miss out any important facts if you do this. Don’t forget to mention your family history, any details about your IBS, how long you’ve been having this problem and how your symptoms have escalated recently.

    Please give your GP a phone call tomorrow and ask for an urgent appointment to discuss your worries. I hope that all turns out well and that there is nothing additional to worry about. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you both. I contacted my GP today and he's asked to see me face to face tomorrow. Their urgency us reassuring but people I talk to about it are saying I'm too young for this, I mean I'm only 31. Does that make it very unlikely?

  • Offline in reply to worriedwelsh89

     

    Hi Worriedwelsh,

     

    I am so glad that you have an appointment with your GP tomorrow. The younger you are, the more unlikely this is to be something untoward, but unfortunately, there are no guarantees. I'm sure that you have heard of children with cancer. Sadly, this disease is no respector of age, creed or colour, so better to be safe than sorry.

    I hope that your GP listens to all that you have to say tomorrow and, can help to put your mind to rest.

    Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

    Fingers crossed for good news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi,

     

    you should definitely call your GP or NHS

    24 about your concerns. The uncertainty and stress alone will make your IBS symptoms worse. Three weeks ago I had a concern elsewhere, however, I received a FIT test (bowel screening)  through the post, returned and had a negative result in a week. That may be an option for you and peace of mind.

     

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    I saw my GP this morning. I'm a little unsure what to make of it, she acknowledged it would be unlikely given my age but she couldn't rule out it being cancer, she did say it could possibly be crohns disease (which I know very little about at the moment). She examined me, took bloods, requested a stool sample and referred me to the colorectal specialists. 

     

    Obviously not being able to rule out cancer has caused me a bit of anxiety, needing to wait for the results of the various tests and referral to the specialists.

  • Offline in reply to worriedwelsh89

     

    Hi Worriedwelsh,

    I am so glad to hear that you managed to get a face-to-face  consultation with your GP this morning. It is good to hear that she has taken some tests and, has also referred you on to the colorectal specialists.

    I can understand your anxiety when you cannot rule out cancer, until you get the results of any further tests.

    Please hold on to the fact that, there is a strong chance that you'll be ok because of your age, but if not, all should be eminently treatable.

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

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