Dull Pain in both sides….worrying about nothing?

Hi, Man late 50's here in fairly decent condition. Recently I've had a dull ache in both sides of my torso, not stomach but more like the lower rib cage areas (poor description but that's roughly the area) At first I just put it down to drinking too much and it was some sort of retribution from my insides. But since then I've knocked off the drink and it's still there, I just assumed it would go away but it won't (almost 2 weeks now). I'm sure someone might say go to see the GP, to which I say "yes, tried it, impossible to get an appointment" so I've just ignored it. It's not agony or anything, just a dull pain that is always there, going on for 2 weeks now. 
 

Main reason I'm worrying about cancer is that my elder brother died from cancer at pretty much exactly my age and I can't shake the feeling something just isn't right. 

Has anyone had such symptoms? I'm embarrassed as there are actually people suffering on here and I'm possibly moaning about a triviality. All the same, I'd appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

  • Hi John, 

    I think worrying about cancer is really hard,  particularly if you have a relative who has suffered.  

    All I can say is,  as you have predicted,  get to the doctor. Insist on a phonecall appointment, as that may be more likely than a face to face.  Tell the triage team that you are sick with worry and about your family history. 

    Not knowing what the problem is can make your symptoms worse, as the mind is more powerful than anyone ever imagines. 

    Kx

  • Thanks so much for your reply.

    I will definitely double my efforts to get at least some sort of appointment and get it addressed. I have definitely been worrying about it and it's been affecting my sleep and been having very weird dreams. 
     

    Thanks for the advice, it's a big help. 
     

    John

  • I would definitely keep trying to get an appointment if something is worrying you ,you have as much right to be seen by a GP as anyone else and I'm sure they would agree they would rather you went to see them than ignore it .

  • Thanks Jenny.

    I will try. It's actually worrying me more than ever. Hopefully I'm just being paranoid. 

    Thanks again

  • Yes tell them you're very worried about your symptoms and need to be seen by someone asap ,If you ever have problems when Docs are closed I've heard people saying they go to A&E /urgent care to be seen or phone 111 out of hours you would probably get seen quicker if you can't get an appointment and you need to be seen because things are not settling down but I'm sure you'll get seen by your GP try ringing just before 8 on a morning that's what we do and usually get seen same day .

  • Yes, my surgery opens at 8.30am and you have to ring up and hope for the best. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to get a ringtone and last time I was waiting for over 40 minutes trying before giving up. 
    If all else fails and it is still the same in a week or so, I might go to A&E - and just wait. 
    Thanks 

  • if you still can't get a gp appointment, it would probably be best to phone 111. They will talk through your symptoms with you and you should get either an out of hours appointment somewhere or sent to to A&E but A&E would be expecting you. Both my daughter and I have had to do this in the past with one of us being told to go to A&E and the other being given an appointment an hour later at an out of hours surgery.

  • Thanks Leni, appreciate it