I wanted to share a small success/update with you, but I hope that I don’t get banned by the administrators.
After my HA in March 2022, I took a Cologuard test in May. I had expected clear sailing with that test, but the results came back as “positive for cancer.” I freaked out mentally—anxiety overload—but I made an appointment for a colonoscopy. The earliest appointment was an 8 month wait.
I was still feeling terrible from the HA so I tried really hard to put the colonoscopy on the back burner in my mind. When March 2023 got here, I was preparing for the colonoscopy when I got a chest cold and had to cancel. The procedure was postponed then until April 21st.
Well, I ended up having four polyps removed. Yesterday, I learned that they were pre-cancerous, but they were successfully removed so no threats for now. I am very happy for this small win and may not need another colonoscopy for up to five years. YEAH!!
Please let me suggest that if you are at least 45 years of age, have a colonoscopy. It is really easy and may prevent future problems.
I hope that I am not banned for this post
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Smitty1956
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You will not get banned please do not even go there
And you say this is a small success I would say huge success !
Goodness going through your heart issues and then having this hanging over you , cancelled and waiting again I would have been in a heap on the floor !
I am really pleased that it turned out ok and I hope you will have the Best Bank Holiday ever and celebrate your wonderful news x
Thanks so much, BeKind28, for your kind words! My doctor said yesterday that it was nice to see me smile again. I had not realized how long it had been since she saw a smile from me.
My next appointment is a CT scan to look at my lungs—trying to figure out my continued breathlessness issues. I know that you know that anxiety can cause this, but so can heart issues. So, onward and upward!
Thanks so much, Ramilla! I’m really happy that I was able to keep this appointment! I was scared, but the procedure itself was very easy, and I hope that others will get checked too.
I worry about everything so if I can do it, anyone else can do it too! 👍
LOL! Thank you, Anne, for sharing your experiences. Hopefully, I can stay ahead of colon cancer by having my regular checkups and by having any polyps removed.
I’m so sorry that you are having these issues with your lungs. And it does truly sound like we could be twins. 😆
On the night of my HA in March 2022, a CT scan showed a 9mm solid pulmonary nodule along the right fissure of the lung. The report suggested that I have a follow-up procedure within 3-6 months to check on stability, but it’s actually been over a year now. The report also stated that the main pulmonary artery was prominent, which could be a sign of pulmonary artery hypertension. I don’t really understand exactly what that means, but the doctor suggested that it would include new medications and she seemed concerned I will try to read more about this before the scan.
At my annual checkup in March, I mentioned the nodule and my doctor pulled up the report and reread it and focused on the pulmonary artery hypertension So, CT scan in May.
I am praying for a clean bill of health for my lungs, but I guess that we shall see. I hope that your scan in July doesn’t show any scarring. What will your doctors do about the mass?
Sometimes in the last year, I have felt like I am falling apart. The HA was a major shock to me, but since then, I have had a few additional shocks. It sounds like you can really relate to this
Thank you for your kind words! At times, the waiting to find out what was going on inside was difficult, but it was lovely finding out that things (no colon cancer) would be okay for now. 👍
That's excellent news. Not everything referred to on this forum has to be directly a heart issue. Over the years I've learnt that all elements of our bodies are related in some way. Some years back when I had a kidney problem, my GP referenced it to my blood pressure. Prior to that I had considered aspects of my health in isolation. Now I know better!
I'm really pleased that the outcome has been very positive for you. I'm sure your heart is enjoying the positive experience too. All the best for the future.
You are so correct, and it is amazing to me how you summed up so easily what had been my own views on my vital organs and health. Before my HA and other health concerns, I always thought of them as being in isolation. I couldn’t see, or didn’t bother to see, the connection of everything to one another. From a healthy diet to getting enough sleep to having a lower blood pressure to the role of exercise as simple as taking a good walk—all contributing to keeping every organ working and healthy.
I have had high blood pressure for years so I popped the pill that the doctor prescribed. I never really thought about HBP and its direct effect on my heart or the medication and it’s effects. About one month ago, I learned that the HCTZ in my BP pill was having a bad effect on my kidneys. So, this past month, my doctor and I have been trying to work out how I can get the benefits of HCTZ for some of my body, but not cause the damage, or as much damage, to my kidneys.
So many of the events/health issues of this past year have forced me to see the connections of all the elements of our bodies that you stated in your reply. Thank you for mentioning that! I feel that I’m still trying to figure it all out, but I understand more now than one year ago.
Many thanks for your lovely reply which is very much appreciated.
Interesting comment on your BP medication affecting your kidneys. I was initially put on Ramipril when I was diagnosed with high BP, but I suffered the dreaded cough. I was about to request a change in medication when blood test results confirmed that a fall onto a concrete floor had done some damage to one of my kidneys. I received a phone call from the most senior GP at the practice I am registered with. He asked whether I could call in for a chat. "When?", I asked. "Now!" was the reply. 15 minutes later I was sat in his consulting room. BHe explained the potential for further damage with Ramipril, so he wanted to change my medication to Amlodipine. Unfortunately that didn't suit me, so my own GP changed me to Losartan which I've now been on for over 12 years. I still have a damaged kidney, but at least the medication hasn't made it any worse.
With a damaged kidney, my BP is still slightly high, despite having had a triple bypass. Ironically I recently requested a trial of Nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker like Amlopidipine, but one which thankfully does not cause me any problems) for the trestment of my Raynauds syndrome. As well as sorting out my Raynauds, it has nicely brought my BP down a few points, so now I have the benefit of that. My latest blood test actually showed a small improvement with regards to my kidneys, so it's a win-win situation. The thing is, if I was starting from scratch and set out my issues for a GP to consider, then there's no way I'd be on the combination of medications that I'm on, 😀
Gerald, I am so sorry about the fall that you took. Sometimes we just don’t realize how serious something like a fall can be.
It sounds like you have had a difficult time getting the meds sorted properly for your BP. This past month has been that way for me. I currently take 40 mg. of Lisinopril for the BP, but I was taking 50 mg of HCTZ (a diuretic) with it (2 pills per day). My GP feels that the HCTZ is causing some kidney damage. So, she totally dropped the HCTZ and just prescribed the 40mg of Lisinopril ( one pill per day). The problem with that is that I get fluid retention. So, I suggested possibly taking the Lisinopril without HCTZ about 4 days per week and the two tablets with 40mg Lisinopril/12.5 HCTZ about three days per week. So, she prescribed the 40mg/12.5 mg pills. At this point, the pharmacist is pulling his hair out and calling me. 😂
So, I saw my doctor on Thursday, and we figured out that we could do this with two prescriptions. One pill per day—40mg Lisinopril and one pill every other day of HCTZ 12.5 mg. I go back in July for another urine analysis and blood test to check my kidney function and H1C levels with the change in meds. Hopefully, it will work out okay. (The pharmacist is still pulling out his hair.)
It sounds like trying the Nifedipine has worked out well for you! I’m happy to hear that, and maybe that change has been a blessing for you. I never realized before how complicated it could be to get medications just right to work with all of our systems at once.
Thank you for your reply. It made me feel more positive when I read that you feel truly blessed. I felt depressed a few weeks ago when my doctor talked with me about the kidney damage. Hopefully, it will work out okay.
Thanks for the additional response. I hope the new medication regime works out for you. It would be an absolute nightmare for me. I cope with taking my medication in the morning with breakfast, then I get on with my day, but different combinations of meds on different days... arghh! Actually I have had to modify my habits a bit to accommodate the Nifedipine (3 x 5mg daily), but it fits into meal times, so that's okay. The only issue is when I am walking the hills when I often don't have lunch, but the strenuous exercise compensates as far as my BP is concerned. Taking Nifedipine is very much an 'icing on the cake' scenario for my BP and missing one pill doesn't mean my Raynauds takes hold and my fingers suddenly go white and become painful. 😀
Taking the normally prescribed diuretics is a no-no for me. They make me ill very quickly! I was given Furosemide after my bypass op to clear my lungs and I was extremely unwell. Thankfully the doctor on duty realised what was happening and I was given Amiloride instead which did the job without stripping out my potassium. Lesson learnt. I have a similar issue with PPIs which make me unwell, so I rely on Gaviscon on the rare occasion I get a gut issue. Taking my medication with food avoids problems 99.9% of the time.
Keeping positive has been key for me in respect of maintaining reasonable health. We all get ups and downs and life throws most of us a curved ball now and then. It's getting around those times which is important. I'm very fortunate to be fit enough to stay on top of it all, others unfortunately not so. 😯
Thank you for your new post, and I hope that you enjoyed the weekend!
You are probably right about my new regimen of pills; it will likely become a nightmare. 😆. But I’m going to give it my best try. I use a pill minder to help with my meds—you know, one of those plastic cases with individual day dividers. Of course, that doesn’t totally help with pills taken twice daily. I may be pulling out my hair like the pharmacist before July rolls around. 😂
Your words are thoughtful and kind. I liked your statement that life often throws us a curveball, and we have to figure out how to get around those. It is such a simple statement; yet, it is a profound statement. I have thought a lot about that today. I’m just going to try to recall those words when I need the extra encouragement and strength in my tough times. Your attitude with all that you have gone through is positive and inspiring—so, thank you again.
Fantastic news , I have had the letter saying my little test is due in the post soon …. I will definitely get it done asap. My husband has been putting it off for months … ! There will be stern words soon if he does get his sample in the post sorted .. 😬
Sounds like you have a lot of twins on here. Continued breathlessness after my aortic valve replacement led my doctor to arrange tests for COPD and asthma I was clear for both and they suggested it was caused by bisoprolol. Last year I was invited to take part in an early lung screening study and grabbed it with both hands. After a CT scan, a biopsy and a pet scan they said I had extremely early stage lung cancer and had indications of rectal cancer. A seigmoidoscopy cleared me of rectal cancer and I've had sabr radiotherapy for the lung cancer. No outcome for that yet but they are hopeful. I echo loud and clear what you said about if you're offered tests say yes to them. I know from my lung test that the earlier things are caught the better. I'm pleased for you and wish you luck for your 5 year result
Wow! I am so happy that the doctors found your lung cancer early! You had to be very diligent in pursuing the answer to why you still felt breathless—but we know that the symptom isn’t right when we should be feeling better. I am proud of you for grabbing onto the study opportunity and for pursuing every test in order to get an answer! You are inspiring to me! 😀
I will be waiting to hear the good news regarding your lung cancer. All of my best wishes to you!
Hi Smitty. Good news is really hard to come by sometimes, especially when it's health related! Your news will have cheered so many of us up!
Take good care of yourself and enjoy the good weather (she said hopefully while watching a hail storm and the odd flash of lightning!!!). Love and hugs. Jan xxx
I was simply concerned that my topic wasn’t directly heart related, and this is a heart health forum. But I was very happy to receive some good news about a health issue that had been a worry for several months.
Hi Smitty1956, who cares if this is heart related or not? ALL of us on here are living day to day with things which may/may not, should have/hasn't killed us... lifelong conditions....and anything which lifts our stress level and mood is the most important improvement we could wish for. These 'wins' are vital to our well-being and our health outcomes and contribute massively to our overall health...bring on the next win is what I'm saying!!!!!!!😜👍🤪
Yeah understand and I think it’s extremely disappointing that there appears to be these set of “rules” - can’t mention this, can’t mention that oh can’t tell jokes ?? Think the Admin lot here need a rethink but did them I’m more than happy to hear about your big win here as I’m sure most on here are so good for you
Thank you so much, Buddy2blue! It was a nice feeling to know that the procedure was not nearly as bad as I had anticipated it to be. Plus, it was good to receive positive news. Catching this issue in time meant so much to me! 😀
JUst to say I'm thrilled for you and know exactly how you feel. I was in the same position when the national bowel screening test showed blood and I had to have a CT scan and colonoscopy within 2 weeks. At least I didn't have a long wait. I too was clear; it must have been a bout of diverticulitis. The relief is amazing.
Yes, you are so correct! It was a shock when the Cologuard test result came back as positive for cancer. It was even worse waiting nine months for the colonoscopy, but I am so happy that the polyps are removed! ❤️❤️
I'm guessing you are not in the UK because all suspected cancer must be seen within 2 weeks. Even if you'd had a private test done and took the result to the GP, I'm pretty sure the same applies. No one should have to wait 9 months. Even in the middle of that which cannot be named, my GP noticed that I'd lost a lot of weight; over 2 stones and asked if I'd been trying to. I hadn't I'd just changed my diet after the heart attack; didn't realise myself until I got my summer skirts out and they all fell off but he had me down at the hospital for a scan and blood tests still within the two weeks and that was when they were not seeing patients face to face at all.
Yes, I’m in the U.S. I was honestly surprised by the wait time for the colonoscopy. For most things, I can get an appointment fairly quickly, but the earliest for this (with a doctor referral) was 8 months. I definitely would have accepted an earlier appointment. 😊
It’s funny that you mentioned this. After the HA, I did change my diet and eating habits, and I started losing weight gradually, but steadily, without really trying. I have just chalked that up to the change in diet post HA. I lost 30 pounds in about 8 months. I think that my doctor must look at it like that too.
Now, my weight seems to have plateaued, even though I would like to lose some more. I need to work on my diet again.
Sometimes, I am amazed at the NHS! It seems that you all get high-quality care at a reasonable cost. I realize that it is a little stretched right now, but, overall, I think that a lot of people would love to have the NHS.
I really would never say “mess.” I think (based on what I read and my tiny personal experiences in the mid- 1970s) that the UK has a great medical system overall. Plus, I would not be able to offer criticism (good or bad) of another country’s medical system. Truthfully, you have to wait everywhere these days. I just wish that the chairs were a little more comfortable. LOL! 😃
I had to take my Mom to an appointment yesterday, but while I waited, I was able to take a short walk outside in between rain showers. I am trying to add in small walks whenever I go to a medical appointment and have a bit of wait time—instead of me just sitting the whole time. Baby steps, but keep going.
Some countries seem to manage. I have a friend in Sweden who was sent for a check on cataracts just 2 days ago; had various tests, told to go into the next room and it was done immediately; not full lens replacement but laser treatment to the ones he had which had clouded over. Instant, there and then and he hadn't even realised he had a problem.
Well, this past year, I had cataract surgery on both eyes. Truthfully, I would not have wanted the fast treatment that your friend got in Sweden. I do have anxiety disorder, and I would have been in full panic attack mode.
I am actually very happy with the service that I got in my American hospital system. I should add that I have and continue to have eye phobias so getting this surgery at all was a miracle for me!
I had my HA in late March 2022 and I had my eye exams in June. I still felt awful from the HA; I had the eye phobias; and it was very hot for us last June. I was miserable at that appointment, but we all carried on.
The doctor/hospital offered the surgery very quickly, but I asked to postpone for a couple of months Thus, I had surgery on my right eye on September 20th and surgery on my left eye on October 4th. Honestly, this was still too quick for me I needed to wrap my head around it first and be calmer
However, it all turned out well. My doctor was wonderful, and I have no complaints. I see him next month for my annual checkup.
For emergency procedures, we definitely need faster appointment and procedure times, but for elective, or non-emergency events, quicker appointment times is relative to the individual.
I’m not sure what you are wanting me to say about various world health care systems I will simply say again that I do not feel qualified to speak out about the health care system of another country. It is not my place to do so.
I'm waiting to have mine done too; should have been done last year but the clinic couldn't do it unless I lay flat on my back which I can't do so now have a much longer wait for a hospital appointment. I don't expect you to comment on any other system. Just pointing out that some countries do seem to have systems that work well.
Truthfully, it sounds like the procedure that your friend described having in Sweden is not actual cataract surgery. Sometimes, when we have cataract surgery, we get what the doctor describes as debris that collects over the lens. I have read some about it, and it apparently is a bubble that forms. It is easy to take care of in the doctor’s office with laser in just a few minutes. That may be why your friend’s procedure was performed same day. You may not get that with your cataract surgery, and I hope that you don’t—but my doctor has said that it is quick and easy to take care of. Plus, it never comes back after that.
My surgery was not laser. It used an emulsifying method to remove the old lens and then the doctor created a pocket for the new lens. I got the lenses that work for near and far distances so I have not needed glasses for reading.
I really do understand about the problem with lying flat. They used a small flat pillow under my lower back and that helped some.
To me, you seem brave and more than ready for your cataract surgery. I was scared to death because of the eye phobia and my anxiety. As I mentioned, I asked to postpone the surgery for a couple of months. At one point, I called the Eye Institute and asked to speak to someone about the upcoming surgery. I was expecting to speak with a nurse, or maybe someone in patient care. Instead, my doctor/surgeon took the time from his busy schedule to call me and answer all of my questions/concerns. He missed me the first day that he called, and he took the time to call me a second day.
He answered all of my questions, calmed me down, reassured me, and helped me go through with the surgery. I am extremely happy with him as my doctor! He even laughed at my Three Stooges jokes during a checkup. 😄
On the other hand, I have yet to find a cardiologist who seems to care or whom I trust—and that is at the same hospital system.
I imagine that all of our health systems have many positives and negatives. The NHS seems to be very good to me as an American looking in. We don’t really have a national system to speak of. Procedures are usually very expensive and you need good health insurance. All Americans do not have good health insurance so people sometimes put off having procedures. Some Americans still do not have any health insurance. There are definitely issues. I am retired and have Medicare, which is a national system that we pay payroll taxes into when we are younger and working. Plus, now, I pay about $172 monthly for this insurance. It pays roughly 80% of my medical costs. Before my colonoscopy, I had the hospital run an estimate of what it might cost. It is only a rough estimate, but it figured about $7,000 to $15,000 for that procedure. So, the 20% that Medicare does not pay will fall on me to pay. Different people have different situations. It can be confusing, but always expensive. Lol. 😝
I hope that you are able to have your cataract surgery soon and that it goes extremely well! It is wonderful to see clearly again. I wore glasses since I was 19 years old so I am still getting used to not having them. In fact, I still try to push the glasses up on my nose when I read. I think that is a result of the lenses that adjust from distance to close up reading.
I had the same, bowl cancer test came back positive just after Christmas. Colonoscopy in feb, thank goodness only found a few isolated pockets of diverticulitis
Yes you imagine all sorts of things. It was actually the last test I would get as was 75 last week. At least they are keeping an eye on you now, the prep is better than developing cancer and it's good they removed the polyps
Yes, you are so correct! I was well pleased that the doctors could remove all of the polyps before things got bad. That was truly a blessing, and I am grateful!. ❤️
I had put off having a colonoscopy when I was younger, and that was a mistake that I made. I was scared of the procedure; I felt that I was too busy at work to take the time; I just found excuses to put it off and I regret that. I would try to encourage anyone around 45-50 to get this done for your health.
Now, you are right, Ann, the doctors will have an eye on me and I should be able to have one or two more routine colonoscopies.
Wow! Anne, that is amazing news about zero calcium buildup in your arteries! And no deformities! Definitely huge wins! 😊
That is curious about your lungs. I don’t really know what causes scarring, but since you haven’t had major issues with your lungs, it is difficult to understand what might have caused that. Hopefully, the follow-up in July will show no changes to your lungs and you will be okay for that. I know that it is a huge worry until you know for sure.
Take care of yourself and I’m sending hugs for your wait time! 🤗
I’m so pleased to hear your good news; that’s brilliant!!
Having had a colonoscopy myself, I definitely agree that they’re a very worthwhile procedure. Although I didn’t need anything removing, I got answers to an issue that had been ongoing for me for some time and it was really helpful.
Hope all goes well with your CT scan; keep us posted with how you get on.
Thank you so much, MummaSoap! It is really wonderful that you didn’t have polyps to remove and that you got an issue resolved with that procedure! 😊. I’m certainly happy that mine worked out okay!
I will post some time after the CT scan. I may need a little time to process things.
Brilliant news, your relief must be enormous. I'm confused as to why you would get banned tho? I was under the impression this was a free speech forum & the only regulation is that we are kind and supportive to our fellow members?
Can. you please explain why there could potentially be a problem with your genuine experience?
Thank you for your kind words, and I do feel blessed with the results!
I was simply concerned that my post was not strictly related to my heart issues. This is a heart forum, and it has provided me with comfort and good advice and support during recovery from my HA and beyond. The members are a lovely, caring group who have immeasurable experience with all things ❤️ related.
I would also like to add that everyone who responded to my post was kind, supportive, and made me feel very positive about sharing my news! I would like to thank everyone!
Why would you be banned? I agree on the colonoscopy. I had one last year at age 54 and, although it wasn't exactly fun, it was reassuring. I had a few polyps (everyone does) but nothing of any concern.
Yes, you are correct. My anxiety disorder probably caused me to worry way beyond what I should have, but, unfortunately, I can’t turn that off. Next time, for the colonoscopy, I hope that what I learned from this experience will see me through with much less worry.
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