Hi Everyone,

Does anyone have information on how much a blood test can reveal if you would like a check up. I was reading a magazine on the weekend and it had an article about Sharon Osbourne and her colon cancer. She said her Dr picked up in a blood test that she was anaemic (please excuse my spelling) and needed further tests to find out where the blood was going.

Can the blood work reveal anything else? I haven't had a blood test before but this 'cowardly lion' thinks it will be a good place to start for a full body check up.
***ouch***!!

What do you all think?

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Lisa -
A blood workup can reveal many hidden problems, and it's always a good idea to have an annual checkup with your GP. I had no idea my cholesterol was over the top or that I have high blood pressure until my physical last October.

It's pretty awful, isn't it, that those of us who suffer with anxieties seem to be drawn to reading articles that only frighten us more. Why that is....I don't know except that maybe we think we'll learn something reassuring in the process. Go for that checkup, get that colonoscopy done, and live your life with less anxiety. I know how difficult it is to wait for results from anything. Heck, you dread answering the phone whenever it rings. But what a great feeling when you find out your fears were irrational after all! My problem with anxiety, and hence my bowel problems, began at about your age and I'm 53 now. So I know where you're coming from. Take care and keep us posted.......

It's amazing Jac, you seem so similar to me! You hit the nail right on the head. Coming here is a great place to talk to people especially as my mother passed away a few years ago.

Thank you for listening and for your advice!

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Lisa -
Been drawn to your messages because I see myself in you so much despite the age difference. It makes my heart ache just because I know....I KNOW....how you feel. My health anxieties skyrocketed after I lost my dad to colon cancer. I wish I could relieve your anxieties, but I know I can't. I can only tell you there's someone halfway 'round the world who understands.

Thank you, Jac!!!

I was going to message today and see if you had your results back from your colonoscopy. I have been thinking about you.

I know exactly how you feel. Losing a parent is hard no matter what age you are and losing to diseases such as cancer means we have to relive it somewhat again and again as we go through preventative tests and procedures. It is always in the back of my mind.

If you ever feel like a chat, I'm here!

Lisa http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 10-05-2002).]

Lisa -
No results yet and don't expect any word until next week sometime. It'll be a long weekend. Sheesh, my heart races every time the stupid phone rings. Ridiculous. What will be will be and that's that. Not an easy pill to swallow, but that's the way it is for now. Thanks for the thoughts. I'll keep you posted!

Judy

Hi Lisa and Judy,
I'm in the same situation as both of you, and can really relate to your posts. I've had some rectal bleeding, and have gotten approval from my insurance co. for a colonoscopy. Now I have to wait a whole month just for the consultation. In the mean time I'm a nervous wreck, and the worry is making me feel all kinds of pains. The imagination runs wild.
My dad had colon cancer at age 53, his dad had colon cancer, and his dad's dad had colon cancer. So, of course, I'm imagining that I'm doomed. By the way, my dad's cancer was caught during a routine exam. He was anemic on his blood panel. I just had my annual exam just 2 weeks before and wasn't anemic, and the doc ran more test last week which I haven't heard about yet.
Both my grandfather and dad survived their colon cancer, and my great granddad lived to be 87 inspite of his cancer. My dad is now a 25 year surviver, so even if we do have colon cancer there is a good chance of successful treatment.
Good luck to both of you. I hope we all get good news.

Dove,

What an inspiring story! Your grandfather and father are survivors and would give hope to everyone out there. Truly wonderful. I hope Jac has read this too.

It's amazing though, when you feel down, alone and anxious it is really easy to imagine that you are the only one feeling like this. It is comforting to know that other people feel the way I do.

I am thinking about you both, with your tests and the waiting. I am sure everything will be fine. Please let me know how you both go.

Lisa http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Lisa and Dove -
Well, got the results and everything was benign. YES! Another colonoscopy in a year, then if that's clear won't have another for 3 to 5 years. It was an absolutely horrid weekend, but this morning took away the fears and I can begin to try to get back to myself. I know it usually takes me at least a week to get over these feelings, but it WILL happen. I wish you both well. I know your pain. I'd sure like to keep track of the progress on both of you, so hope you'll continue to post here. Thanks for your support, kind words, and just being alike! I want a glass of wine to celebrate!!!

Judy

Judy!!

That is absolutely wonderful news! I do hope you are enjoying a nice glass of your favourite tipple. I am so pleased for you!!!

I will keep on posting here, you can't get rid of me that easily http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif !!!

You will feel like yourself in no time. Well done!

Lisa xxx

Lisa -
Thanks so much for the congrats. Yeah, I'm enjoying the good ol' wine as I write. It sure feels GREAT to have a couple of glasses and not even think about what will happen in the morning when I use the bathroom. I don't care and I won't even LOOK. You understand, I'm sure. I'm glad I won't get rid of you easily. Don't wanna. I hope dove posts here again. I'd sure like to help her and let her know someone understands. It's a booger going through the waiting....not only for the exam but for the results as well. Hopefully the three of us will have the same wonderful, exhilerating, mind-softening results. That's what I pray for! I'm happy, I'm relieved, and I'm relaxed for the first time in a few months. A HUGE :-)

Judy XOXOXO

Hi Judy,
Congratulations on your wonderful news. It is so encouraging to know that everything went well for you, and that your biopsy came out benign. What were the symptoms that made you decide to get the colonoscopy? Or did you have it because of your family history?
I will let you know how everything comes out for me, but my consultation isn't until Sept 12, and then I'm sure there will be another wait for the actual procedure. Thank you for your support, it means a lot me. I am well acquainted with waiting, as I have been in the waiting position many times before, but it never seems to get any easier. Best of health to you, and good luck to Lisa also.

Dove -
Sorry I didn't answer sooner....seminar at work at all that. My symptoms? Well, went for a physical and my GP suggested having one done because of my family history. You know how that goes....I put it off for a couple of months. No symptoms, IBS under control for 10+ years, and felt fine.

THEN, I got hit with food poisoning. I swear, one minute I was having a glass of wine with my husband, and the next I was literally nearly passing out in the bathroom. When I saw I was passing mostly bloody mucous, my anxieties came roaring back and the rest is history. It still took me 2 weeks to call the GI, but I did, and now I'm glad I did. Those polyps would be there for I don't know how long if I chickened out.

I sincerely wish you well, and will keep looking for your posts.

Judy

Hi,
I just wanted to give you an update. I had my colonoscopy this morning. As you recall, I had some rectal bleeding, and a family history of colon cancer. My dad, granddad, and greatgranddad all had it.
The colonoscopy was easy. I was lightly sedated, but I do remember watching my colon on the screen, but only vaguely. It was over so fast, and I honestly didn't feel any discomfort at all. I would do it again without hesitation. The worst part was not eating for a day, and taking the laxitive to clean things out.
Anyway, I had no polyps, so no biopsy. I have mild diverticulosis which is very common and not cancerous. All the doc said was "get more fiber, and I'll see you again in 7 years." Yeah!