First symptoms

hello,

Firstly I have a chronic autoimmune disorder diagnosed aged 17 of rheumatoid specialty. I’m now 61 med free for this condition but have become unwell recently.

There is only a locum at the surgery offering telephone only appointments. Symptoms;

Weight loss, bloating, change in toilet habits, fatigue, low back pain , hip and inner thigh pain, high shoulder pain, heartburn, reflux , headache , sore throat, cough, frequent need to wee and general malaise.

Most concerning for me is high rib and flank pain both sides . Some symptoms may be attributable to my rheumatoid condition but most are new.

Bloods showed high amylase and high cholesterol, omeprazole prescribed , Dr talked of ovarian and pancreatic cancer. Liver tests seemed ok.

Gastroscopy next week, colonoscopy pending . All this after bloods and one 5 minute telephone call.

Today I feel so bloated it’s like being pregnant and the rib and hip pain is bad.

My Mum had breast cancer but no other family link although my Dad has just died of non Hodgkinsons Lymphoma and a far removed relative of pancreatic cancer.

I’m otherwise healthy, live a healthy life but admit to far too much alcohol. I’ve been taking HRT for a few years and used to have a coil. I have two adult sons and lost two pregnancies, breast fed both babies.

I’m nearly 61, 5’1” and now weigh 8 stone 12 pounds but feel like an elephant.

Do my symptoms resemble anyone else’s ? Thank you reading and any responses.

PS. My Dad died on 29th December last year AND my step Dad died the same day. Then my ex husband died on 17th February. Seven years ago we lost the middle sibling, my little brother in tragic circumstances. My family can’t take another loss so soon so I’m frantically looking for direction as what to do next as I’m fearful of a late diagnosis, after all I don’t think my ovaries will be seen during the gastroscopy or colonoscopy. 😖

[Lyndy]

Sorry you find yourself worried and in pain. They are clearly investigating and presumably will have done a ca125 blood test?

To be honest the kind of symptoms you describe could be attributed to any number of conditions and as you will know, the autoimmune aspect only complicates the picture.

Try to be kind to yourself while you are waiting but if the pain worsens do go to the emergency room.

Best of luck xx

[Hidden in reply to Lyndy]

thank you for your reply, I don’t know what bloods were done as the surgery does not share any information, has no online sharing and take the attitude that if you need to know the Dr will tell you . There is no one to speak to there and attendance is forbidden unless you have an appointment which are as rare as hens teeth.

You’re right of course, words of wisdom , it could be anything, I must let investigations run their course. I feel better already Lindy thanks.

[SopSinger]

Your GP surgery sounds very inadequate. There should be provision for you to be seen in the surgery if you have severe symptoms. You should have a CA125 blood test and an ultrasound scan to rule out (or diagnose) ovarian cancer.

[SopSinger]

And I would second the suggestion to go to A&E if the GP surgery continues to drag its feet.

[delia2]

I agree with what others have said. I would say if you continue to be bloated while losing weight that’s a concern. Going to A and E might get you an ultrasound to rule out ovarian cancer.

[Pianoplayer731021]

I had an ultrasound that didn’t show anything. The CT scan and CA 125 were the procedures that showed I had ovarian cancer. Best wishes, Donna xx