Referral timeframes?

[ItsJustARide]

Hey

My doctor claims that they're going to refer me to the gastro once my blood tests results come through, expected sometime this week as I'm having the blood test tomorrow. Does anyone have an idea on estimated timeframes for this in the UK? I know they can vary... Just I've lost 14lbs in four weeks... And eating isn't getting easier, I am simply using Imodium to make the poops further apart, don't get me wrong I'm not exactly underweight (12 1/2 stone now and 5ft 8) but it would be nice if I could at least have some control over my weight loss.

Oh did I mention my eyes make me look like a bug because they're so swollen and my ankles and my wrists make me feel like a pensioner. *grumble*

 

[ItsJustARide]

Oh and not to mention the 'fuck I hope it's not cancer' and the crying about four times a day every day, including the rather embarrassing bit where I'm commuting to work in tears...

 

[Ihurt]

I am so sorry you are going through all this. I am in the States so I am not sure about the whole referral time thing. Maybe you could call the doctor that is to refer you and ask if they can speed up the process.

Try not to think cancer or the worst, likely that is not the situation. I know how easy it is to start thinking that way though, I am the same way! It is hard not to worry. Just focus of doing things to help you feel better. Watch you diet and like I said, maybe call your doctor and plead with him/her to maybe speed up the referral you need..

Hang in there, you will get through this, I know it is not easy...

Oh and not to mention the 'fuck I hope it's not cancer' and the crying about four times a day every day, including the rather embarrassing bit where I'm commuting to work in tears...

 

[ItsJustARide]

Thank you, I know my situation isn't very bad compared to many on here, I'm only having BMs 6 times a day if I eat normally, and mostly I've just got no appetite or interest in eating, but it's frustrating and I'm scared, I have a great support network but it's difficult because my social life is usually so full and now I'm scared or too exhausted to go out or see anyone and my eyes are so swollen I'm wearing my enormous glasses to hide them. I'd just like to get some reassurance soon, I've already signed up to counselling at work because I was such a wreck, but I only get that for six weeks, and I get the feeling the referral will take longer than that.

It's not healthy for me to study my poops as much as I have been doing either.

If this sounds light hearted believe me it's not, I'm just too exhausted to sound as distraught as I am, besides at this stage I just don't want it to be cancer/terminal. I want to believe in havin a future

 

[Johnnysmom]

I don't know how the UK works but in the US it partially depends on how busy the GI's are and if there is a waiting list. Our referring Dr kept in contact with us and said if things really got bad to go to the ER and notify him and he would get a GI in to see my son.

Also if you are worried about Colon cancer, it is very slow growing. You want to get it checked out as soon as you can but a few weeks is not likely to make a huge difference. It takes 10 years from the time it starts growing to get to a point where it is dangerous. Very curable if it is caught early.

(((((Hugs)))))) and I hope things get moving quickly for you.

 

[xSophiexx]

Hiya sorry your feeling so bad! nhs can vary depending on where you are ie a standard appt with my gi theyre booked full until January lol but obvs fit u in for important issues. id say a letter with your appointment about 1/2 weeks then actual appointment for 4 weeks away... but as i said each hospital is different. can you call to chase it?
Also please try not to worry about cancer etc its unlikely .. i think i read on other post that you have family history of ibd? most likely points to that (obvs im not a doctor but still think highly unlikely hun) stressing will only make things worse so try and reeelaxxx. xx

 

[xSophiexx]

Also bowel cancer most likely in like 70's. (you didn't mention your age i know but presuming your not 70?! forgive me if im wrong) xx

 

[ItsJustARide]

Thanks Sophie... I'm 24 yeah history of IBD, my mum has CD. I'd really rather it be nothing but I think it's been too long to hope for that, of just like some answers and reassurance now.

Thanks all for your help

 

[ItsJustARide]

And yeah Sophie once I get the letter, or if I don't get the letter within two weeks, I will be hounding, am really not doing very well coping

 

[dannysmom]

Hi. How is your Mom's CD? I am hoping she may be able to reassure you. I am sorry you are so stressed and wish I could do something to help you. Maybe try to watch some funny movies??

 

[ItsJustARide]

My mum was 38, doubled over in agony one day, and within six weeks had a full permanent colostomy fitted, so she's on a bit of a different wavelength. Also she's quite distressed at the thought that I've got it, so I'm trying to avoid talkin seriously about it with her.

 

[ItsJustARide]

My mum was also a non smoker, and she doesn't know that I'm a smoker or any of my history of drugs etc, so my fear of cancer is significantly higher than hers, and I'm taking a significant amount of blame on my own shoulders for whatever it is I've got wrong with me.

 

[dannysmom]

I hope you can get a quick appointment!

 

[xSophiexx]

Im 22 and a secret from my mum smoker too lol. i went undiagnosed for ages and had the same fears as you but as someone said bowel cancer takes a looong time to get seriously bad so please try to remember that. looking at your symptoms + family history ibd is likely (again im no doctor) and stress will only make things worse hun and it wont change anything by worrying. yeh defo hound them down even ring them now so your on their radar. my gis secretary must shudder when she sees my email pop up in her email i pester the life out of her and it works! x

 

[ItsJustARide]

Thanks Sophie I really hope so, I just want to be able to stay strong and have a bit more hope for the future.