So worried, what could it be?

Firstly I'd like to say I'm sorry that so many people find themselves here and I hope I don't upset anyone going through treatment.

I don't have cancer, but I'm really worried about symptoms I have. I worry about bowel, ovaries, stomach, gallbladder, thyroid....

I'm 43 and for almost 2 years now I've felt "unwell". I'm tired, anxious, achy, at times bloated below belly button and more recently nauseous. In January this year I reached a point where I just couldn't take the upper abdominal stomach pain and anxiety anymore so I paid to see a private gastroenterologist. Endoscopy was clear. I also paid for a private ultrasound of abdomen (all organs except stomach and bowel).

A small gallbladder polyp was seen, no concern or follow up. Right ovary could not be seen. I had bloods taken around 6 months later and CA125 was in normal range at 12. I paid for a food intolerance test, gluten and dairy mostly showed up but the endoscopy biopsy was negative for coeliac. I also had negative a h pylori test and a normal fit test. 

I also have several thyroid nodules. The oldest is around 25 years old ! Recently scanned and biopsied and reported as U3/THY2 with several U2 nodules. No concern. Thyroid function tests in normal range.

I've spoken to my GP recently and he ran some more "general" bloods. Vitamin D low at 42, Alkaline phosphate moderately raised at 152 and iron saturated transferrin (I think!) below normal at 11%. GP not concerned as all other iron studies normal as was the liver. Said Vit D and Alk p were linked. 

My upper abdominal pain and chemical taste eased off around 6 months ago thankfully but I now wake up early every day for a bowel movement, always around the same time and I can't hold it. I get pains if I try to. My digestive system is very noisy. I bloat regularly. 2 years ago just before this all started I had an MRI for mid back pain. All clear but a cyst was noted on an ovary but the report didn't say which one. I was referred for an ultrasound scan but the appointment never came through. I have had the private ultrasound scan since and I'm concerned as the right ovary couldn't be seen.

With all this in mind my concerns are;

Ovary cyst seen, then 18 months later the ovary couldn't be seen. Could this be because something is blocking it/covering it? 

Digestive noises/bowel movements/nausea - concerns over gallbladder polyp, general lower abdominal discomfort. I'm also nauseous every day lately. 

I just don't know where to turn next, my GP must be so fed up of me. Anxiety is playing a massive role but it's a chicken and egg situation.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • Hi Scaredbeyondwords,

    I'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing these concerns. It's good to hear that you've had various tests that have been OK.

    It's difficult to provide any answers to your questions - it's only really your doctor and the wider medical team who can do this. If you continue to have concerns and symptoms that you're unsure of, then the only thing to do is really to speak to the GP again.

    Anxiety can play a part in how you're feeling, however as I say if you're unsure about anything in particular, try to speak to the doctor.

    I hope you're able to get some reassurance soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator