It’s really hard is the waiting.

Ihave been waiting over two weeks now to have a biopsy  , my follow up appointment with my specialist is Tuesday so I’m super anxious too.

Think they normally wait until all results are back to get a clearer picture from my understanding.

Hang in there it’s anxiety like I’ve never had before, I can’t sit still for worry and wait in but one step at a time hunni x

Thanks for your reply Happy,

Sorry to hear you've waited so long for the biopsy, then have to wait again for your results.

I honestly feel like I'm going insane! It's cruel people being left in limbo so long, I'm actually getting heart palpitations now because of the stress of waiting for these results for so very long.

I thought there was something on my GP record today, but turns out I've been sent another patient's medical information, so I'm worrying more that there's a problem with the hospital and will my results get lost/get attributed to another patient/ just generally be mixed up!

Hey thanks for replying , I haven’t had biopsy yet still waiting and then another wait for results. My notes have been mixed up a few times now so no idea what’s going on there.

just wish the waiting wasn’t so stressful

Not any consolation for you but I waited 13 weeks for results from colonoscopy,  6 biopsies taken.. 20 weeks is the current waiting time in my area.. my results came back separately,  first from pathology then histology.. different tests take varying amount of time to complete..I  kept in phone contact with Colorectal consultant secretary,  who had been supportive and helpful throughout the past 18 months.. had a call from Consultant who is arranging for an Ultrasound as 'further investigation '  required.. so in answer to your question.. results are not always available at the same time...

Thanks for your reply Eastendgirl.

So that answers the question about the two halves then, pathology and histology. Cheers for that.

So do you know what kind of things pathology or histology can tell you, how do they differ?

I'm actually clueless and haven't had any input from anyone, as I barely saw my consultant, they saw me once for 5 mins for a check of my abdomen and to tell me it could be cancer.

Everything was rushed, even pre op tests and  bloods etc were less than 48 hours before my operation, I don't even know those results either.

I saw my consultant again after my operation but they just said hello and spoke a few words to my partner and were off again.

I think it's stressing me so much because my condition has been missed for 18 months.and other than phonecalls for scans, surgery etc nobody has communicated anything about what is going on!

Hi Anxiety...

First of all a Specialist Nurse will have been assigned to your case.. she is a great source of advice,  support and is your #1 person for any questions or concerns you may have ..

In regards to investigations that are carried out ...pathology is the overall picture of a disease, whereas histology gives the microscopic in depth picture ..

It is normal for bloods and pre-op tests to be carried out as near to surgery time as possible.. this gives a much clearer picture... if they are done too early they will need repeating before an op.. causing more time and delay..

You are concerned that a diagnosis wasn't made for 18 months,  I  wonder why/how you think this...it is vital you deal with the situation as it is.. dwelling on things you are unable to change cause stress which you can do without..being kind to yourself,  staying positive and looking forward  ️ 

Thanks Eastendgirl,

I can understand what you are saying, but as to why I think that, it is because the hospital literally have missed it for 18 months!

I've had the same bloating and right side pain for that long, which wasn't fully investigated, so I was just left to go home in pain, taking painkillers for that duration and given a 3 months lansoprazole course, as the most "likely" cause of my pain was gastro. The hospital Dr even rang me months later as a follow up, I told him I was still exactly the same, still bloated, still in pain, he said stop the lansoprazole then, it's clearly not doing anything, the pain will subside in time, when I asked how long, he replied 'how long is a piece of string'.

However it never did subside!

It's only been discovered now by chance, on a colonoscopy for a high FIT result,  due to bleeding, they saw it bulging into my colon during the colonoscopy. Then it was a rush all of a sudden for scans and the operation etc.

So it's impossible to not fear that the 18 months delay in diagnosing has harmed things, I wish I could forget about it.  Im trying to distract myself though. especially since my children are off school for the Easter holidays now. So we're busy doing things during the day, but at night, my mind just whirls and it's difficult to sleep.

Thanku for explaining the reason you are concerned about the delay, unfortunately this situation is experienced by many patients for various reasons.. I'm assuming you hadn't had an earlier Qfit test,  possibly the blood was a new symptom,  other times lack of staff, long waiting lists has an impact across the NHS...

My comment in regards not dwelling on things we are unable to change was offered as positive,  caring advice.. your body and mind need to be strong for the journey ahead and for your children.. take care