Anxiety over symptoms (bladder, lymph nodes)

Hello,

To explain the situation briefly, over the last 4 months I have been having health problems. Mostly, I have throat soreness that comes and goes regularly (including white patches on tonsils that lasted nearly a month) and weird coloured urine sometimes, which I realised is probably blood. I went to various doctors about this, just to be given antibiotics (they always assumed it was tonsilitis in the case of my throat, and a UTI in the case of my weird urine colour) however, all urine cultures always came back clean. 

Then, the last few weeks lymph nodes all over my body (groin, armpits, neck) have swollen up. At this point, I know I must be very ill, but the not knowing why is torture. I keep thinking I have bladder cancer or lymphoma or something, since everytime they do a bacteria test and it's clear, its just leaving worse and worse outcomes. 

I went to the hospital today and they did full bloods, urine sample, chest and abdominal CT scan. I have to wait a week for the results, and the doctor mentioned doing a lymph node biopsy if the tests are not conclusive. Is it possible a CT scan could show if I had cancer in my bladder? 

I don't really know what I'm asking here generally, maybe some reassurance or just to get it off my chest. I'm only 24 years old and up until 4 months ago I was healthy, so it's an incredibly scary situation to be right now. I'm at university abroad, and can't imagine what I would do if I find out it's cancer.  I almost don't want to hear the results in case it's something I don't want to be told.

  • I cant imagine how scary this is for you right now. Do you have an appt date to find out your results? I hope you get good news and your ct is clear. 

    I have swollen nodes, fever and chills for over 2 months and am still waiting for tests. Its driving me mad that I havent had anything done yet but bloods. Not knowing whats going on is so difficult isnt it, I spend too much time on google too which doesnt help! 

     

  • I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling unwell too. I agree that the waiting and not knowing is awful! I also keep googling my symptoms and it just scares me even more, but I can't help it even though I know google won't help anything... 

    I have my appointment on thr 24th to get all the results, but I'm sick with anxiety of what they will tell me. Are you waiting for your blood results at the moment? How long do you have to wait? 

  • I have health anxiety and always google. I dont know why I cant be stronger and stop myself because it makes me a million times more anxious! 

    I hope the 24th comes quick for you and you can try and keep busy and not overwhelmed with worry in the meantime. I do find this website helps and talking to those going through the same so you know you arent alone :) 

    Im not waiting on any results. All my bloods have been normal, the doctor referred me to heamatology 8 weeks ago as a red flag. But they downgraded it to urgent, which means I need seen in 8 weeks. I rang them there now, the receptionist said I should get a phonecall with an appointment any day now. The waiting is so worrying but I'll also be worrird sick when I get an appt! 

  • Hey, how old are you? Is it possible you have mononucleosis/glandular fever?  Did they get a swab from the back of your throat at all or just assume it was bacterial? 

  • I'm 24 years old, and I'm not sure about if I have some virus/infection as I haven't had blood results yet. Both times I went to the doctor about my throat they assumed it was bacterial (without swabbing) and gave antibiotics, which didn't help. The soreness and patches would just go away eventually, only to return a month or so later... feel like at the very least I have a problem with my immune system

  • Yeah me too! Everyone says to stop googling, but its so hard when you just want answers! I always hope to see something that will make me feel better, but its always the opposite. 

    Thanks, I'm just trying to focus on my studies and spend time with friends and my boyfriend until then. I haven't told anyone apart from my parents about this because I'm scared of how real it will become then. I also don't want to worry them until I know what I'm dealing with. But it does feel lonely, so I agree, this forum is very useful!

    8 weeks is a long time! I hope you get the appointment quickly, but I totally agree! Having the appointment and finding out results is just as terrifying and stressful as the waiting! Hope we can both stay strong during this process! Also keep in touch and let me know when they've sorted your appointment 

  • How are you now? Did you manage to get your CT results? I hope all is okay!