Hello Dave, 

You've been through something really traumatic watching your wife die of pancreatic cancer and it will inevitably make you worry that your symptoms are linked to pancreatic cancer or any other serious condition but there are so many other reasons which could explain your symptoms so try not to anticipate the worst and least likely possibilities if you can. You did the right thing to contact your GP after noticing these symptoms and since the over the counter remedies you have been given by your GP haven't helped, it's a good idea to seek a second opinion. I hope that your appointment with the consultant goes well. It's great that you are feeling well in yourself and I hope that you will hear from similar stories here from members of our community who have experienced similar symptoms. I hope that you will find out more soon and that you get the reassurance you need. In the meantime, try if you can to stay well away from the temptation to look anything up online as this will inevitably make you feel even more anxious. I thought I would share with you some helpful tips to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

I hope that it all turns out to be nothing of concern and that your discomfort and aching eases soon. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you, Lucie. I'm not too bad at coping with "waiting"  -  plenty of practice during my prostate cancer/treatment! 

Saw a  Consultant today. Not enormously helpful, but more encouraging than not. Awaiting appointment for CT scans which should apparently be within 2 weeks  -  obviously at a cost!

I can handle things much better now I have got some "action" underway. Better again if I get answers, whatever they might be. It's not knowing that freaks me!

Regards, dave.

Update! CT colonography this Tuesday morning. I had expected abdomen only, but will include colon despite recent colonoscopy. In a phone conversation subsequent to meeting consultant said because of sudden change to movements.

This calls for stricter, more onerous, preparation. I am finding a large variation in different hospitals interpretation of what can be eaten when! Received little advice about overlap between gastrogrifin and usual laxative intake.

Really rather wish I had saved my money! But I guess will follow instructions as best I can and actually turn up.

Onward and downward!

dave.

CT appt tomorrow. Gastrografin appears to be having little effect. Usual line is that CT Colonoscopy won't proceed if bowels not empty, yet at least 1 NHS Hospital states it can as the main purpose of Gastrografin is to provide a contrast dye!

Hoping the private Imaging Dept will scan my abdomen separately rather than just send me away!

FWIW I don't understand all the comments about how awful Gastrografin is to take. Not a nice taste but perfectly acceptable.

Just had last solid food until approx noon tomorrow. After 2-3 days of very limited and restricted meals I am going to be very hung  -  and I'm 9st and not a big eater. Can't imagine how big folk stick to the diet requirements!

Tomorrow will tell......

Dave.

Might as well keep up the narrative just in case anyone in similar situation.

CT Colonography today. To my surprise radiologist not much concerned whether or bot gastrografin had completely cleared me -  concern is the dye effect. But in event sufficiently cleansed to allow a good "view" so just one attempt.

The canula/boscomen(?)/ contrast stuff all fine. The inflation gassing uncomfortable but was regulated according to my expressions of pain!

He reckoned the procedure a success. Findings an entirely different matter of course!

Pocket 900 quid lighter, but worth it to me whatever the outcome.

Dave.