Cancer Research UK main site

Scared witless

pete2878
Offline

So for the past 4 weeks I've had ongoing burning pain in my stomach, loss of appetite and also lost about a stone in weight. 

 

I've been to my GP, saw a gastroenterology Dr and now have an endoscopy on Wednesday - I had one before when I was anaemic in 2017 and was due to have a colonoscopy I cancelled as it tied in with both my dad and mum dying in rapid succession.

 

At that time, after iron treatment, my blood was fine and I decided not to do it. 

 

Fast forward to now, I've had some anaemia again.  Burning in my stomach above my belly button and can't sleep.  I'm scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy on Wednesday and I'm utterly petrified. 

 

Petrified of the prep, the procedure and ultimately what they might find. 

 

All my bloods are good so I'm probably being irrational but I seem to have developed an obsession with googling every outcome and it's becoming all consuming. 

 

I don't know what I want anyone to say but the fear is terrible. 

  • Offline

    Hello pete2878, 

    You've done the right thing to go and see your GP and it is now unfortunately just a waiting game before these all important tests and results. If you can, try not to google too much as it will only make you feel awful as unfortunately Google only seems to bring up the worst case scenarios and the only effect is to leave you with more questions unanswered and a compulsive desire to google even more. We've all done it don't worry but sadly it rarely gives anyone reassurance. Instead of looking things up online, try to keep busy and focused on other things if you can, taking part activities you enjoy to help pass the time before Wednesday.  It won't be long now before you have your endoscopy and colonoscopy and some definite answers.

    We have some information on our website on the colonoscopy to help you prepare ahead of the day. You can read more about it on this page. Find out more too on what to expect from the endoscopy here. 

    I hope you will also hear from other members of the forum soon who have had these tests before and been in a similar position. It does help to talk to others who understand what you are going through. 

    Wishing you the very best of luck for Wednesday. I hope it all goes well for you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.