More good news not!

Yesterday I went for my kidney/bladder scan as I’ve got the professor on the 30th and I thought it would be useful to get an updated scan done for him,last one was August last year,I knew I already had a 5mm stone but hey presto another biggie is sat there directly opposite and this ones 8mm so can’t be passed naturally.The sonogropher said she’s not even sure if they are stones so would suggest another ct scan.I feel as if it’s battle after battle.My calcium blood tests and 24 hour urine tests came back normal,the professor said he wasn’t happy with the way my kidney stones had been investigated so that’s why apart from the sst test he asked the gp to do the calcium tests I think.Some days I feel like I’m chasing my tail.I thought the flank pain was my adrenals but maybe not it could be the stones or whatever it is.My cholesterol is quite high could this be causing kidney stones? X

[Nackapan]

Good you had it done before your appointment.

I've not heard of high cholesterol causing kidney stones.

One thing at a time.

Good your calcium levels okay.

Take care

[Hidden in reply to Nackapan]

Thank you Nackapan you too xx

[clivealive Forum Support]

Ouch!

[Hidden in reply to clivealive]

😊

[Pasjc]

Oh poor you xx

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

I'm glad you have this good professor on the case, and trust he will get answers for you. This will get you the proper care and treatment you need.

Is the next CT scan being done soon or are you seeing the consultant first next Thursday ?

[Hidden in reply to Cherylclaire]

Crikey Cherylclaire I didn’t realise it was so close lol.I haven’t arranged a ct scan yet I’ll leave that to him to decide I think,I have copies of the ultrasound scans to take along with a zillion other bits of paper lol.

I’m just a bundle of nerves just now can’t seem to concentrate on the important things I’ll just be relieved when this is all over and they tell me things are not as bad as I’m expecting,wishful thinking eh? Thank you as always xx

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Hidden]

Anxiety stops you being able to think straight or organise your paperwork: simple decisions like what to take or leave behind become very difficult, don't they ?

I would say keep it to the bare minimum or you will be flipping backwards and forwards come the day, and still not be able to find the relevant passage, however much you've highlighted and stickered it ! Too much of a distraction when you are aware that consultation time is short and so much to get through. Easy to start worrying that you left the one crucial page behind . Don't.

When I was really ill, I didn't understand much of what was being said, forgot most of it anyway, dropped paperwork everywhere and wasted a lot of my time crying or shouting or both: shrying/ crouting ? Always took partner as interpreter !

Will be sending best wishes for you on Thursday. Meanwhile, just keep a bit busy with trivia and try not to worry. Nackapan said it all really: one step at a time.

[Hidden in reply to Cherylclaire]

Yes your right.i just stapled together any test results I had done recently that I thought were relevant and a copy of the blood and urine tests he requested from my gp just in case he doesent have them in time for appointment.the stones scan upset me because of her saying she wasn’t even sure they were stones and the new one is so big so of course I started googling didn’t I and now in my head I have kidney tumours and I’m wishing I hadn’t gone lol.I’m not even sure how much time I’ll get to chat to him as they’re doing this sst test but as you say I’ll keep busy for the next week to get through it.thanks so much for the voice of reasoning it really does help xx

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I guess it's the thing we are all most afraid of - cancer always will be the first thing to be eliminated if it's a possibility.

When I first went to the GP, the very first set of examinations I went through were to rule out bowel cancer. I didn't Google anything, I just decided to believe it would turn out to be just an elimination of that as a diagnosis. That might sound ill-prepared or burying my head in the sand, but it was the only way I could approach it at the time.

I had a couple of polyps removed, which were too small to have been part of the problem, but nevertheless glad they were found and were removed. They would not have been discovered otherwise. Still got daily diarrhoea - but after 5 years, I'd probably now worry if I didn't !

Now I'll shut up and let you get busy x

[Hidden in reply to Cherylclaire]

Exactly the same here had colonoscopy and polyps removed and of course it was the dreaded c word in my head then too but I had an idiot doctor then and had to go private.I think you dealt with it very well it’s not easy is it we think we are invincible when we’re young but then reality hits along with old age and wrinkles lol.

Take care xx

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Hidden]

Well Thrones, there is still much I want to do - so not going anywhere yet.

How about you ?

[Hidden in reply to Cherylclaire]

Yes definately we have so many plans in progress right now and that’s why I get so annoyed constantly paying out to get decent medical help but thankfully this gp is happy to work and be guided by the professor and although I pay the professor for the consultation he does his best to get stuff done on the nhs via the gp.

I’m just a plodder now but gettng there xx

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Hidden]

I am very lucky that my GP has been very proactive and all of the consultations and tests have been on NHS.

However good your GP is though, things have changed and all are now working through massive backlogs. Good to get this done and dusted asap - even if it means paying.

Then you can crack on with your plans.

[Hidden in reply to Cherylclaire]

Yes that’s great you have a goodie there.mines seems really nice ,considering I’ve not met him I’ve got to give him credit for taking this on I’m just a stranger to him.

Take care xx

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Hidden]

You too.

I'm around, okay ?

[Nackapan]

I had years of accompanying my daughter. She trsiatenr at first but then realised it necessary. My problem was trying to keep my mouth shut when some outrageous assumptions beung made by the consultant.

My daughter an articulate (when well) English graduate and senior english teacher made copious notes charts ect ect.

At every appointment the information tiu want to get across in tour allotted time is overw helming. She would at times get very upset. ( very out of chatacter) then get cross as it wasted time. The pressure is enormous.

I now after years try and let the consultant take the lead. If they ask things like how can I help you. (Overwhelming.l) I now say what fo tou need to know. ?

What notes/background have you?

I also find it useful to write down what I want out of the consultation.

Reason/possible diagnosis

Tests required

Action treatment plan.

Review date.

I always ask them to slow down and clarify.

Hopefully as you paying you will have more time.

It doesnt have to all be done on first visit.

What i think is the hardest is the expectations.

However much i try i find it difficult to lower them.

Sounds like youve got onto a good prof

Take care..

[Hidden]

Thank you Nackapan I’m putting a lot of trust in him.he was excellent in the first consultation didn’t dither and ask same stuff all the time and he has a clear plan of action which I like,process of elimination which is really sensible to me,I’m quite methodical and like an order to things that s probably why I get so stressed when something new pops up like a spanner In the works to me.

Even I can see I’m coping much better on my b12 shots and the brain fog is minimal most days now which is great,I feel like I can have a rational conversation now so I’m definately getting a lot Of the old me back.

You take care of yourself and thank you again for the support xx