What should I do.?

[Macas]

I need some help to make a decision. My husband fell on steps last Sunday and I was at the bottom of the steps he caught me on my legs. I take Apixaban so within minutes my leg was almost black and by the next day I had a large Heamatoma. Nurse it treating me. In the meantime I had a urine test as a few weeks ago I had pains in my kidney area and blood in my urine. Had a urine test on Friday and call from Doctor says it shows blood again and he has put me on the fast track for a cystoscopy which means I must be seen within 2 weeks. Cancer was mentioned.

Also I am due my COVID booster this week (it must be done before end of June)

It’s all a bit much to take in at the moment should I go ahead with the COVID booster while all this is going on.

Thank you for your help

Mary

[GOOD_GRIEF]

I can see no reason not to go ahead with the COVID booster. Also, pain in the kidney area and blood in the urine might very well be indications of a kidney stone, so don't jump to conclusions.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Sorry to hear that you are going through this. Agree with Good Grief that blood in the urine could be so many things, why the Dr mentioned cancer I don't know. Hope you get well soon, let us know on here how you are.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Probably so she doesn't have a fit when she gets to the clinic and see the notice - only fair to warn a patient when it is the only way to get a fast referral

[piglette in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

My doctor mentioned cancer while looking at the computer screen with his hand on the mouse. You would have thought he was talking about the weather.

[Macas in reply to piglette]

My Doctor rang me to report the blood in my urine and said he would deal with the hospital for an appt.. he said to keep checking my NHS app as that’s where hospital will contact me. It was went into the app I read “Suspected Urological Cancer” fast .track. It was a shock!

[piglette in reply to Macas]

Doctors aren’t taught how to break things to patients in medical school it seems. It is all an academic science.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Macas]

But partly it is because that is the differential diagnosis that will get you seen quickly. They should warn you you will see that but it doesn't mean that is what it will be, But if they say "repeated cystitis", it might not get on the 2 week cycle ...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If it were me I would ask your GP what his opinion is. Personally, I would think it better to have the booster before this all takes off, The cancer fast track was 2 weeks but it may be a bit longer since I think the government suspended the 2 week requirement because the hospitals were struggling to keep to it anyway,

[Macas in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you I feel a bit calmer now and of course it all needs to be done. I should have had the booster a few weeks ago but my O/H has been unwell.Its been a tough few months for us both. Will let you know how it all goes.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Macas]

Just asked my daughter who works in the ED, She said it is still CALLED the 2 week pathway but probably takes longer ...

All the best with it all.

[Macas]

Thank you I have been asked to check my NHS app daily as any info on appointments will come thru the App.

[Pixix]

I had blood in my urine a lot during a 3 year issue…it was pyelonephritis….kidney infection. Try to know there are possibilities & not to get too bogged down on the cancer route inyour mind! I on day 23 of Covid & still suffering…I am pro Covid vaccination!! If your Dr says it’s a good idea, naturally!

[Macas in reply to Pixix]

Oh I hope you are feeling better soon I have decided to go ahead with the COVID booster as I will be going to hospital for appts etc so try to stay safe. Will keep in touchx

[Pixix in reply to Macas]

Good..but do wear a decent mask, at least FFP2, to the hospital. I caught C.a diff in hospital visiting my husband three weeks ago (yes, four days before Covid, which I caught at our Dr’s surgery!!) good luck, S x

[Polygolfer]

wow, that’s a tough run of bad breaks. Things will improve, there is always light at the end of the tunnel!!! Hang in there!!

As to your question only a professional doctor that is aware of all your conditions and the drugs you are taking can credibly answer that one!!

[Macas in reply to Polygolfer]

I have decided to get my COVID jab tomorrow. As I will be having to go for appointments at the hospital I should take all the precautions. Thank you for your kind words.

[FauncyL]

No!

[S4ndy]

I have had a kidney stone play up before. Pain in lower back almost like a contraction that doesn't end. Blood in urine too. I was fast tracked for investigations at that time and was very scared but it was my GP using the system to get me seen. The kidney stone had got stuck but it was only a tiny one so meds were given for pain and I passed it naturally within 10 days. The other outcome of this was a kidney and bladder scan where they found a benign cyst on my left kidney which is very common apparently. No further trouble except the odd kidney stone passing from time to time. Apparently I have tiny ones in my kidney that pass on their own. Anyway I just wanted to convey that GPs use the 2 week to get you seen as otherwise it can be a trip to A&E or months to wait. So don't be too worried about the big C just be glad you are getting checked out!

[Stills]

sorry to hear of your situation. I hope this is a comfort. Last year a blood test prompted a locum to telephone and say liver or ovarian cancer to me. After lots of scopes and medication none was found. I’m still under par but definitely don’t have cancer. Wishing you all the best.

[4840]

I would think that the Covid Booster is not urgent. I would first take care of the kidney problem.

Apixaban causes these Heamatomas....I know, I deal with these spots all the time. They clear up after a while. Good luck!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to 4840]

The reason why Macas mentioned getting the Covid vaccine by the end of June is due to the fact that this round of boosters aren’t being offered after that date. But as you don’t reside in the UK you wouldn’t know that.

[Macas in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL I spoke with Doctor today and her advice was to go ahead so I am booked in for Thursday. More problems last night my Haematoma (which is a big as an orange) decided to bleed. It was worrying as I had been warned if this happened the bleeding might not stop. Thankfully it didn’t need a visit to A&E I stayed up most of the night just in case. This morning I saw Doctor and she prescribed antibiotics to try to prevent infection. She was concerned about the swelling my leg and foot are really bad has arranged for me to see the Doppler Nurse.

And possibly be fitted with elastic stockings. Can’t wait…..🤸‍♀️

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Macas]

.Oh dear., sorry to hear about leg/foot - and elastic stockings not much fun in warm weather, but if required and they help, can’t odds it.. 😊

[Macas]

They may add to the glamour x