2 week referral

Hi 

Just reaching out on here so I can share my worries and maybe even get some reassurance as I am absolutely petrified and haven't slept for 3 days. 

End of December I took some penicillin for a suspected strep throat. I stopped taking these on day 5 as I realised I didn't have the symptoms. Also on day 2 of penicillin I started to get small blood blisters in my mouth. These have cleared up. 

 

7 days later I developed a sudden onset of throat pain, under the thyroid area. My whole throat was burning as was my esophagus. I ate mostly soft food. I've been doctors 4x and they keep stating the penicillin may have induced esophagitis (as pills can get lodged). Since taking PPI and gaviscon religiously symptoms aren't all the time now and have eased. I can now swallow without pulling a face. However it is sore from time to time in the day. But, I do get a sensation that food is stuck sometimes. Doctors have said it could be globus which is a phantom sensation caused by anxiety. I have ear pain which comes and goes on both sides. Blood work has been fine including CRP level. I am incredibly anxious as I had an awful year last year. 

Today I spoke to doc and they asked if I want a referral. I said yes as I would like to know what is going on. I asked her if she thought it was worrying and she said no. I even asked the c word. Now it seems she's put me on the 2 week referral. I had no idea. My anxiety has increased even more now. I have no idea what to think anymore. I am ages 36 with two children and I am petrified. Just want the pain in my esophagus to completely go and I am besides myself with fear of the worst. 

I am a non smoker and drinker. Never had such horrid pain in my esophagus before. Neither have I ever had any GERD problems. I am baffled. 

 

I will appreciate anyone's response. Thank you!!! 

  • Hello Jet111 and a warm welcome to Cancer Chat!

    I hope you will find out soon when you have your appointment. I can imagine it must be a very stressful time for you as you are waiting to find out more but don't panic because you were given a 2 week referral - this doesn't necessarily mean it is anything of concern but at least things are in motion now and you will be in the best possible hands to find out once and for all what is going on and get the best possible treatment. 

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. There are also helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for news. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi l hope you are feeling better soon, the GP s use the two week wait to get you seen soon rather than the long wait that goes with the non urgent referral, my cardiac non urgent appointment  is now expected to take 36 weeks! 
    The ent clinic will be able to examine you and give a treatment plan hopefully sorting out your problems soon.
     Take someone with you if you want to, also make list of anything you want to ask. We forget when we get there. 
    Take care and try to relax 

    susie

  • Hi. Try not to panic. Easier said than done I know. My experience of two week referral is that this is a fast track system available to GPs and it's a good thing. I have recently been reffered for gynae issues. I like you am very apprehensive, but after reading many posts on here two referral seems normal when any abnormalities are reported to Gp. 

    Good luck with everything. Try to do things that help you to relax in the meantime 

  • Hi ot much advice but i know how you feel I had the same as you in December, I have never felt pain like it in my life I couldn't swallow without crying felt like something was lodged in my throat,  ,was told I had strep and uvulitis, also had blisters on back of my throat, also given penicillin and steroids, still have pain to this day and a cough... hope all goes well with you