| Time symptomatic until cancer was diagnosed?
How long were you symptomatic until cancer was diagnosed?
I ask because I have had bleeding and anemia and bowel trouble for years. No doctor can find anything yet I still bleed enough to need iron infusions every few months.
Sometimes I sit on the tolet and bleed so much its like turning on a faucet (barley but steady stream). Always bright red. I have to stuff washrags between my legs whens it is bad.
In the last 5 years I have had monthly or bi-weekly hematologist visits for severe anemia from rectal bleeding. I have had over 20 blood transfusions. 20 or more iron infusions.
I have been through dozens of tests (upper and lower endoscopes) and switched 3 times to a new gastroenterologist.
Last iron infusion was in September. I drink daily oral iron, green drinks and take a handful of vitamins and minerals daily trying to keep iron up. Yesterday the do says iron falling again (although feritin around 70 up from 4 last infusion). I HATE iron infusions. I get hives, fever, turn bright red and go to bed for days.
Due to FRUSTRATION, I have not seen a gastrologist for about a year. I figured I wait until I passed out or had a huge tumor no one could ignore and they can find the trouble then. But my hematologist convinced me to try a new doctor again. Appt in two weeks.
Any help or advice appreciated.
Robin
| 
