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Urgent colorectal referral/gynae concerns

MiniMum81
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I've been suffering with a change in bowel mivents and stomach cramps since April this year. I was told it was IBS. I had blood tests and stool samples taken and they came back fine.

It's been very disruptive to my life worrying about bowel urgency when going out, especially when I take care of myself, I've eaten healthy and haven't drank alcohol for years. Recently I went back to the Dr because I've been getting lower back pain and have lost weight. 

I had a rectal examination by my GP and she asked straight after if she could carry out a vaginal examination. At the end she said from the rectal examination she felt a lump where my uterus is and wanted to work out the next step. She called me 7pm on Friday saying I have an urgent colorectal clinic referral, as my symptoms have been bowel related. I'm wondering if they will be able to work out a gynae usse as the lump is from the uterus.

I'm feeling pretty low about it. Has anyone experienced similar? 

  • I'm really sorry to read about the impact your symptoms are having on your daily life Minimum81.

    This must be very difficult to live with but it's good to hear your GP is taking your situation seriously and hopefully it won't be long until you get an appointment through from the colorectal clinic.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been in a similar situation will share their experiences with you soon but if you'd like to discuss any of this with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're really easy to talk to and will do all they can to support you and answer any other questions you may have at this time. 

    We're here for you Minimum and will have our fingers crossed everything will be o.k.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Thanks so much for getting back to me and for being so reassuring.  Yes, I'm hoping someone replies whose been through similar. 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    I just wanted to post an update in case anyone should read. I wasn't sent an appointment date yet, but instead a FIT test in the post, which I did and handed over at my GP surgery. They will send another in 3 days time, then I'm not sure if timeline or plan.... 

    I guess if FIT test positive I'll be seen, and if negative, back to square one. I'm stressed after my GP found a lump during the rectal examination, so hoping I will be seen and heard and not pushed aside and forgotten about. 

  • Offline in reply to MiniMum81

    Hi mini mum. I’m no expert but the FIT result will dictate who will investigate further.  My FIT was positive so have gone down the colorectal route.  However they decided on a full abdo/pelvic CT with contrast (results pending) so that should show any thing significant.  Good luck x

  • Offline in reply to Cariad20

    Thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear you had a positive FIT test and the wait for more resultsust be stressful for you. Do let me know how you get on!

    I'm just worried if the FIT test doesn't show anything, they won't investigate the lump my GP found. As you say though, it could just be working out who needs to be doing what investigations. I live in hope!

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