Depression, Illness, and Reckless Stupidity

[WildCherry]

Just reading through all the comments. Try not to let your imagination take off with thoughts of what it could be. Been there, done that. Not with colon cancer, but liver issues, because my mom had non-alcoholic cirrhosis. When the doctor told me my liver enzymes were high, my brain went into overload and I assumed the worst. But luckily, the worst didn't happen, and I drove myself crazy for a month for nothing. Cancer is a possibility, but it's not the only one. There are lots of other things it could be. Really hoping you get better news than you expect. *

 

[LonelyHiker]

Thank you @WildCherry. I am trying not to worry.

 

[WildCherry]

I know it's easier said than done. Took me a while to find things that could take my mind off worrying.

 

[Walker]

I really really wish you good luck on this. Keep us posted.

 

[LonelyHiker]

@Walker

Thanks for the encouraging words, I am actually having the colonoscopy today...they were able to get me in a few weeks earlier.

I am hoping for the best, preparing for the worst.

 

[Kiwi2016]

Sending you very very positive thoughts for the colonoscopy...

 

[LonelyHiker]

Sending you very very positive thoughts for the colonoscopy...

Thanks Kiwi..

I am home now.

The scope went smoothly. The prep was the hardest part. I was zonked for the actual colonoscopy (thank you, propofol).

The gastroenterologist found one benign polyp, which he removed. I will get the pathology report in a week. Otherwise, he said everything looked good.

I should be happy/relieved, right? But I'm not.

What's causing all these symptoms then? They haven't gone away - abdominal discomfort, irregular bowel habits/quality, fatigue, anemia. I'm still concerned.

I guess I need to go back to my PCP and see if more screening is in the works.

*Sigh*

At least they ruled out colon cancer (assuming they didn't miss anything).

I hate doctors and I hate the medical business/industry/racket..

 

[Kiwi2016]

I am glad that the colonoscopy went ok...yes the prep is by far the worst part. And I too have polyps removed (6 in my case). So that is good news for you as it sounds like this may have ruled out colon cancer. So it may be something else as the symptoms are still there but perhaps is something that is manageable by meds/diet so going back to PCP is a good idea. Stress also can really mess with your digestive system as well I've discovered so maybe ask your PCP about that as well. Feel like an ancient person saying this but I drink a glass of metamucil every night and also try to eat dried apricots during the day and exercise every morning which seems to help things a bit. Hope that you are able to relax a bit over the weekend and not worry too much. Sending you hugs.

 

[LonelyHiker]

So I went to my regular doctor, blood work was normal, he said everything looked and sounded ok. I had a chest x-ray done, that came back normal too.

So maybe it's all in my head....but it sure doesn't feel like it..

All I'm waiting on is the lab report on the polyp they removed.

Maybe it's just aches and pains from getting older..

 

[Kiwi2016]

That is good news and sending positive thoughts for the results of the polyp biopsy report. Just a thought, I know that for me stress can wreck havoc with my digestive system so perhaps that could be adding to this all for you. So remember to be gentle on yourself and hope you do something fun/nice for yourself this weekend.

 

[LonelyHiker]

Starting to think it might be my prostate now ... brother had prostate cancer (caught early thankfully), so I am at a higher risk.

Just so tired of it all...

 

[may71]

Starting to think it might be my prostate now

If you told your doctor the symptoms that you were experiencing, then he probably would have ordered whatever tests were needed to detect it.

You should probably have a PSA test done annually, or however often your doctor recommends. I think it's generally recommended for men over 40, and certainly if you're at higher risk.

 

[LonelyHiker]

If you told your doctor the symptoms that you were experiencing, then he probably would have ordered whatever tests were needed to detect it.

You should probably have a PSA test done annually, or however often your doctor recommends. I think it's generally recommended for men over 40, and certainly if you're at higher risk.

I had a PSA test as well as a DRE about a year ago. I should probably have both done again asap..

 

[Innocent Forever]

I had a PSA test as well as a DRE about a year ago. I should probably have both done again asap..

Good luck with that.
I hope you can figure out the cause...
(hugs)

 

[LonelyHiker]

The polyp was benign, they said colon is ok.

But I am going back to the doctor tomorrow
morning. Symptoms have gotten worse. Fairly certain it is my prostate, so will request more tests, bloodwork, etc. I am dreading the ultimate news but trying not catastrophize.

 

[EZ Writer]

You know, I hit Like to let you know I'm reading. I don't like that you've got these overwhelming health issues!
I can sympathize. In a similar bind with health care.
Colon is fine and maybe your prostate will be fine as well. Will send positive vibes your way. You do deserve to live!

 

[Innocent Forever]

The polyp was benign, they said colon is ok.

But I am going back to the doctor tomorrow
morning. Symptoms have gotten worse. Fairly certain it is my prostate, so will request more tests, bloodwork, etc. I am dreading the ultimate news but trying not catastrophize.

Good luck

 

[LonelyHiker]

You know, I hit Like to let you know I'm reading. I don't like that you've got these overwhelming health issues!
I can sympathize. In a similar bind with health care.
Colon is fine and maybe your prostate will be fine as well. Will send positive vibes your way. You do deserve to live!

Thank you @EZ Writer and @Innocent Forever ...

Well, after another DRE, urine test, and more bloodwork, PSA is normal, and he (doc) said prostate felt fine. He prescribed antibiotics for possible prostatitis..so fingers crossed.

 

[Kiwi2016]

So good to hear was negative on prostate...hope the antibiotics help...sending you positive thoughts and hugs....

 

[LonelyHiker]

So good to hear was negative on prostate...hope the antibiotics help...sending you positive thoughts and hugs....

Thank you @Kiwi2016 ..I am hopeful, which sounds bizarre to me because I so often still wish I were dead..I guess that is the fucked up nature of clinical depression...