Really scared, could use some advice
#56690 - 04/01/04 12:17 AM
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Vicam
Reged: 02/24/04
Posts: 1955
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Hey Guys,
I've been having alot of trouble lately and been getting myself very stressed out, and I've got to get some advice for how to cope because it's really causing my tummy to flare out of control!
The reason I'm so stressed is because my stomach problems have been getting worse, especially over the last week or so, and I've developed some curious other symptoms such as a racing heart, bad chest pain, and tons of bruises. My legs look like I've been beat up, and they hurt like crazy!
I had been doing some research on Celiac and since I have alot of the symptoms of that I did push my doctor for the test, but none of the doctors seem to think it's anything but simply "all in my head."
Then, I read that Celiac makes people more succeptible to pancreatic problems and intestinal cancers, and of course I started worrying. Now, I realize I don't even know if I have Celiac yet, but it's one of those things that is primarily hereditary, and my mom died of pancreatic cancer at a fairly young age (48) and so did my grandma (in her case, suspected pancreatic cancer, it was cancer of unknown primary cause with the "best guess" being pancreas), so I'm at a higher risk for pancreatic cancer (or so I've been told).
So, obviously since my stomach problems have started getting worse I want to be sure to rule out anything that could further increase my cancer risk, and I'm just getting so frustrated that no one seems to be taking me seriously. They all say it's just stress or all in my head, and even though they're finally running some tests, I hate that I had to be the one who was pushing for them! I just feel like I want someone else to take control and figure out what's going on, so that I don't have to be scared.
I'm sorry for making this too long, it's just that my mom died so quickly, and pancreatic cancer is so deadly, that I really feel like I should be taken more seriously and doctors should be more willing to investigate what's going on.
Anyways, if anyone has any advice or anything, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks for letting me vent 
Kelly
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That is a lot to be thinking about and worrying about, you have alot on your plate right now. Sometimes just admitting that to your self can help. Your health comes first so you should get some of your questions answered by a qualified doctor ASAP. Have you been to your doctor since these new symptoms came on? If not, I would go, especially while the symptoms are still present and visible. Call the doctor today and try to be seen ASAP as I think that will help you feel better about things. Best of luck to you and let us know what happens.
Cindy
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Kelly,
I can't imagine what it could be; that bruising thing sounds very strange. Are they not healing? Where did they come from? It would seem to me that would be some kind of clue to a doctor of something.
If your doctors aren't helping you, keep looking for another. I don't know how it works in Canada, but here, if we're not satisfied with our doctor, we find another!
Why don't you post this in the IBS Diet board? Heather might have some insight for you, and I don't think she ever comes into the Living Room, so she won't see this (unless it's posted over there). Also, you'll get a lot more responses from others who might have experienced these symptoms. They don't sound familiar to me; I'm sorry, I wish I could help more.
Please keep us posted, Kelly.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Kelly,
I'm so sorry to hear that you are carrying such a heavy burden. I think Cindy is right about seeing your doctor while you have symptoms that can be seen. (The bruising.) Keep trying until you find someone who will listen to you. Surely, someone has got to understand how concerned you are and that you need reassurance through proper tests and diagnosis! You're very young, so it's not likely that you would be dealing with pancreatic cancer at this age. And since you're investigating the possibilities now, then you have a head start on prevention. Your symptoms could be one of several things, and it's just a matter of finding out and then rectifying it with proper treatment.
Try to see your doctor as soon as possible and in the meantime, remember that God really won't give you more than you can handle. (Even if it does feel like too much!) He can strengthen and sustain you through all of this. So, keep trying everything you can and don't give up. I hope that you will soon have good news and be relieved of this pressure. You're on the right track, Kelly, because you're pushing your doctors(even though you know you shouldn't have to), and you're seeking support here on the boards. Keep pushing your doctors to do what you want until you feel right about it. Eventually you will have your answers! Let us know how you're doing. I'll be thinking and praying for you,
Terri
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Its understandable that your scared, anyone would be. I assume you have told your dr about your family history? Does he know about these bruises?? If he won't listen and do the tests then do find another dr. Today!!
Its really important that you take a deep breath and try to realx. You do have some medical problems that need to be address but, as you know, the more worked up you get the wose you feel and round and round we go. When my tummy is really bad and I'm upset my heart will race also. In fact, last week I got myself so worked up I had a panick attack, I showd up at my drs office and they got me right in to find my blood pressure was 180/126!!!! Please, don't let yourself get like I did.
Hope you start feeling better soon, keep us posted!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Kelly try to relax. I know it's scarey, my family has a history of stomach cancers also as well as bladder cancer. colon cancers. I to bruise for no apparent reason. You could be anemic or maybe have a thyroid issue. The racing heart and the chestpain can be related to many factors. Are you currently taking any SSRI's. You also could be having a panic attack, because of the things happening to your body and the what's wrong. Unanwered questions are the worst.
I hope you do not have anything like you describe, Here's a BIG((((((((HUG))))))for you right now!!
Hang in there and get some relaxation.
Sherr1
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Thanks Guys!
#57022 - 04/01/04 08:37 PM
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Vicam
Reged: 02/24/04
Posts: 1955
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Thanks everyone for your kind words, I really appreciate it. I talked to my Dad today and he suggested I see if I can get referred to the GI doctor who handled my Mom's cancer (until it became apparent that there was nothing he could do) and I must admit, I had never thought about that but it might be a good idea! After all, he was really nice and liked my family very much, and he is one of the best GI docs in the city which is why she was sent to him (her case was very complicated), so things may be looking up! I'm off to my doc tomorrow to see about the referral.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate everyone's suggestions and just the fact that you took the time to read and respond, it makes me feel loads better. You guys are the best!
Kelly
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