Health

[Lionator]

2 hours ago, Arkie Bennett said:

Had a colonoscopy on Sunday after my stool sample showed blood. On Wednesday I received the shocking news that the growth they found is cancerous. They aren't hanging around, I had scans yesterday and today which will show the extent of the cancer. Next week they will plan what to do. It will definitely need surgery. Hopefully it hasn't spread. I'm so scared.

So sorry to hear that, it makes sense that you’re scared and it’s ok to feel anxious about the unknown. The not knowing is the worst part but hopefully your proactively will leave you in a position where you can get through this as soon as possible. If you’re struggling mentally, please open up to others, my DM’s are always open too. 

[deep blue]

On 01/04/2025 at 20:08, jgtuk said:

Anyone had a Colonoscopy? 
I have to have one next week. I’ve been offered sedation but don’t really want it as I need to work in the afternoon and apparently can’t drive or use machinery for 24hrs if I do. 
I’ve a high pain threshold so not worried but not sure what to expect. 

 

Edited 15 August 2025 by deep blue
Removed; inappropiate

[Alf Bentley]

11 hours ago, Arkie Bennett said:

Had a colonoscopy on Sunday after my stool sample showed blood. On Wednesday I received the shocking news that the growth they found is cancerous. They aren't hanging around, I had scans yesterday and today which will show the extent of the cancer. Next week they will plan what to do. It will definitely need surgery. Hopefully it hasn't spread. I'm so scared.

 

Sorry to hear this. Unexpected bad news is always shocking in the first instance. I generally find the uncertainty the hardest to deal with. Once you know the full scenario and implications, even if unwelcome, at least you can then think more clearly about future plans and about your input into treatment decisions.

 

From that perspective, it's excellent to hear that they're acting so quickly to discover the extent of your cancer and to plan the treatment response ASAP. Surgery, with its possible side-effects and recovery time, is not welcome but it's far from the end of the world (speaking as someone who had prostate cancer surgery in March). I'm uninformed about bowel cancer specifically, but know that plenty of folk recover from bowel cancer. While not perfect, cancer treatment options are improving all the time.

 

Naturally, metastasis is a fear - I'm waiting for news, like you - but it sounds as if you'll know the facts about that next week. Good luck. Even with metastatic cancer, there are now often options to hold it at bay for years. My cousin's husband was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and told he had 12-18 months left, but is still going strong about 3 years later - he and my cousin have been travelling the globe, climbed a mountain recently () and were on Facebook 2 days ago enjoying a family outing. Likewise, Sir Chris Hoy is still out there cycling the nation. Though hopefully you (and I) will get better news on metastasis.

 

A lot of folk say to avoid looking at web sites about your illness, but I disagree - so long as you have sufficient sense to tell the difference between reputable, properly researched sites and random opinion / social media gossip, which is often ill-informed. I've found cancer charity sites have a lot of useful info: Cancer Research UK & Prostate Cancer Research, in my case, but I presume there are reputable sites that cover bowel cancer. I've also looked at specialist medical research papers posted online, despite having no medical training - I wouldn't understand much of their contents, but they usually have a brief summary of their findings on whatever illness or treatment they're researching. This is usually easily comprehensible to Joe Public. Being well-informed about likely scenarios and potential treatments can help you understand better what medics tell you - and to take more informed decisions / have some input.

 

All the very best. 

[davieG]

On 16/08/2025 at 08:35, Alf Bentley said:

Naturally, metastasis is a fear

Same here I had to wait nearly 12 months from finding I had prostate cancer before they started radiotherapy, too old for surgery. All a bit annoying as I've been having PSR tests for many many years as prostate is a family thing with two older brother got it, one not surviving.

My fear is that the cancer was pressed against a lymph node the entry to my bones. I had to have extra radiotherapy 37 blasts plus I've been on hormone treatment for 19 months now which somewhat disguises any changes, I have to carry on with that for another 18 months at least so really don't know what's happening. 

[davieG]

17 minutes ago, Alf Bentley said:

 

Sorry to hear this. Unexpected bad news is always shocking in the first instance. I generally find the uncertainty the hardest to deal with. Once you know the full scenario and implications, even if unwelcome, at least you can then think more clearly about future plans and about your input into treatment decisions.

 

From that perspective, it's excellent to hear that they're acting so quickly to discover the extent of your cancer and to plan the treatment response ASAP. Surgery, with its possible side-effects and recovery time, is not welcome but it's far from the end of the world (speaking as someone who had prostate cancer surgery in March). I'm uninformed about bowel cancer specifically, but know that plenty of folk recover from bowel cancer. While not perfect, cancer treatment options are improving all the time.

 

Naturally, metastasis is a fear - I'm waiting for news, like you - but it sounds as if you'll know the facts about that next week. Good luck. Even with metastatic cancer, there are now often options to hold it at bay for years. My cousin's husband was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and told he had 12-18 months left, but is still going strong about 3 years later - he and my cousin have been travelling the globe, climbed a mountain recently () and were on Facebook 2 days ago enjoying a family outing. Likewise, Sir Chris Hoy is still out there cycling the nation. Though hopefully you (and I) will get better news on metastasis.

 

A lot of folk say to avoid looking at web sites about your illness, but I disagree - so long as you have sufficient sense to tell the difference between reputable, properly researched sites and random opinion / social media gossip, which is often ill-informed. I've found cancer charity sites have a lot of useful info: Cancer Research UK & Prostate Cancer Research, in my case, but I presume there are reputable sites that cover bowel cancer. I've also looked at specialist medical research papers posted online, despite having no medical training - I wouldn't understand much of their contents, but they usually have a brief summary of their findings on whatever illness or treatment they're researching. This is usually easily comprehensible to Joe Public. Being well-informed about likely scenarios and potential treatments can help you understand better what medics tell you - and to take more informed decisions / have some input.

 

All the very best. 

Wishing the best outcome for you.

[Alf Bentley]

3 minutes ago, davieG said:

Same here I had to wait nearly 12 months from finding I had prostate cancer before they started radiotherapy, too old for surgery. All a bit annoying as I've been having PSR tests for many many years as prostrate is a family thing with two older brother got it, one not surviving.

My fear is that the cancer was pressed against a lymph node the entry to my bones. I had to have extra radiotherapy 37 blasts plus I've been on hormone treatment for 19 months now which somewhat disguises any changes, I have to carry on with that for another 18 months at least so really don't know what's happening. 

 

Sorry to hear about your travails, Davie. 12 months waiting for radiotherapy is shocking. Depending on what my consultant tells me about treatment options, I might message you at some point. I'm hoping to avoid hormone therapy, but it might be necessary, obviously - should find out soonish.

 

Mind you, I'm particularly shocked that the PL got involved in your case and imposed PSR tests. I only had to do PSA tests.... 

[davieG]

1 minute ago, Alf Bentley said:

 

Sorry to hear about your travails, Davie. 12 months waiting for radiotherapy is shocking. Depending on what my consultant tells me about treatment options, I might message you at some point. I'm hoping to avoid hormone therapy, but it might be necessary, obviously - should find out soonish.

 

Mind you, I'm particularly shocked that the PL got involved in your case and imposed PSR tests. I only had to do PSA tests.... 

Football is still a good diversion even when it's so bad or perhaps that's a good thing well better than boring.

[UniFox21]

Wishing you all the best outcomes following your treatments etc. 

 

 

 

 

[mozartfox]

14 hours ago, Arkie Bennett said:

Had a colonoscopy on Sunday after my stool sample showed blood. On Wednesday I received the shocking news that the growth they found is cancerous. They aren't hanging around, I had scans yesterday and today which will show the extent of the cancer. Next week they will plan what to do. It will definitely need surgery. Hopefully it hasn't spread. I'm so scared.

Good luck my friend. Excellent that, and I assume it’s the NHS, are active and planning the treatment as a matter of urgency.  Methods of treatment are advancing every year and hopefully your Doctor has got this. Please keep us advised.

[Raj]

14 hours ago, Arkie Bennett said:

Had a colonoscopy on Sunday after my stool sample showed blood. On Wednesday I received the shocking news that the growth they found is cancerous. They aren't hanging around, I had scans yesterday and today which will show the extent of the cancer. Next week they will plan what to do. It will definitely need surgery. Hopefully it hasn't spread. I'm so scared.

Wishing you all the best pal👍🏾

[Raj]

2 hours ago, davieG said:

Same here I had to wait nearly 12 months from finding I had prostate cancer before they started radiotherapy, too old for surgery. All a bit annoying as I've been having PSR tests for many many years as prostrate is a family thing with two older brother got it, one not surviving.

My fear is that the cancer was pressed against a lymph node the entry to my bones. I had to have extra radiotherapy 37 blasts plus I've been on hormone treatment for 19 months now which somewhat disguises any changes, I have to carry on with that for another 18 months at least so really don't know what's happening. 

Blimey sounds like you've been  through the mill pal.

All the best to you x

[davieG]

43 minutes ago, Raj said:

Blimey sounds like you've been  through the mill pal.

All the best to you x

If the results are good then it's a lot better than many others.

 

As with most people is the unknown, the waiting and added frustration.

[Arkie Bennett]

Thank you to all for the kind and supportive words. I'm trying to distract myself with music, playing and listening.

 

I wish all the very best to those on a similar journey.

[mozartfox]

4 hours ago, davieG said:

Same here I had to wait nearly 12 months from finding I had prostate cancer before they started radiotherapy, too old for surgery. All a bit annoying as I've been having PSR tests for many many years as prostrate is a family thing with two older brother got it, one not surviving.

My fear is that the cancer was pressed against a lymph node the entry to my bones. I had to have extra radiotherapy 37 blasts plus I've been on hormone treatment for 19 months now which somewhat disguises any changes, I have to carry on with that for another 18 months at least so really don't know what's happening. 

Blimey Davie you have been through the mill compared to my journey.  Keep the faith and keep us advised.

 

Best of luck to you. 

[grth2004]

Anyone’s blood pressure gone too high and had to bring it down ?

 

2 weeks ago I had to get a blood pressure reading for an assessment, went to Boots and got the reading done but the assistant was a bit worried it was too high 171/99.  Ended up with a monitor on all weekend and I’d say I averaged at 162/94. Two things that might have effected it at the time were I’d just had two teeth taken out and was in massive pain and stress for bad times at work. 
 

since then I’ve bought a machine and monitored it and it’s come down to around 152 but Doctors want me in next week to put me on a scheduled program to get it down 

 

wondered if anyone else had been through similar and any tips to get it down. 
I’ve cut out sugar and caffeine apart from odd treat and will try and get down Gym more. 

[Arkie Bennett]

On 16/08/2025 at 10:50, mozartfox said:

Good luck my friend. Excellent that, and I assume it’s the NHS, are active and planning the treatment as a matter of urgency.  Methods of treatment are advancing every year and hopefully your Doctor has got this. Please keep us advised.

Got the news today that the cancer hasn't spread. Next week I'll be told what the plan is to remove what is there. I'm still scared about what is going to be a tough and uncomfortable journey, but this could have been much worse and the nurse told me they will deal with it.

[Bellend Sebastian]

It's enough to make you sit in Sainsbury's car park for an hour with your engine running in despair 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/04/fine-particulate-air-pollution-trigger-forms-dementia-study-lewy-body

[Arkie Bennett]

Saw the consultant yesterday. He confirmed that the cancer is in the rectum, and he was actually able to feel it with a finger up my bum. I'm going to have radiotherapy and chemotherapy, starting in October/November, to reduce the growth and increase the chance of successful surgery early in the new year. They are confident it can be removed completely. The radiotherapy will take 5 weeks with 5 visits to LRI each week. The chemo will be via tablets. I feel happier (as much as you can be, knowing you have cancer) that there is a plan and lots of positivity around it. He said I've probably had it for up to 2 years, which means my body has been fighting it unaided for quite a while, and may explain my low energy in the last year or so.

[Izzy]

Mum died of Pancreatic cancer last December.

 

Found out today that my Dad has Prostate cancer.

 

Fvck cancer.

 

Edited 5 September 2025 by Izzy

[AyewJoking]

recently been diagnosed diabetic, type 2 and have been put on gliclazide tablets.

 

Do i still have to inform the dvla?

 

ive read contradicting stuff online and tried filling in the dvla form but it wants alot of info about stuff that hasnt even happened yet, like when did i last see my diabetic nurse etc.

 

still waiting for a diabetic team to contact me to discuss my medication!

 

very trivial to some of the problems on here but any advice???

[Crinklyfox]

8 hours ago, Royston. said:

recently been diagnosed diabetic, type 2 and have been put on gliclazide tablets.

 

Do i still have to inform the dvla?

 

ive read contradicting stuff online and tried filling in the dvla form but it wants alot of info about stuff that hasnt even happened yet, like when did i last see my diabetic nurse etc.

 

still waiting for a diabetic team to contact me to discuss my medication!

 

very trivial to some of the problems on here but any advice???

I can't give you a definitive answer but the new DVLA form for renewing a driving licence for the over 70s contains a question 'do you have diabetes'.  So I'm guessing that if you're under 70 you wouldn't be asked the question.

 

My wife's had type 2 diabetes for years, it doesn't affect her driving.  I'm not a medical person but it makes sense that the severity of a condition has an effect on the body's ability to function and that can't be determined by a simple question.

[Samilktray]

My partners mum has recently been diagnosed with cancer and starts her chemotherapy & radiotherapy this week. Not something I’ve ever been close to before so I was just wondering to anyone on here who may have gone through similar, is there anything we can get for her during the treatment that will help her/make her more comfortable etc? 

[spacemunky]

Spent the last two days in the hospital.

 

Had only ever had one stay in one, when I was in my early 20's.

 

This time, at the age of 55, it was quite a different experience. 

 

I'd been having some very bad pain, in a very bad place.

 

After getting an ultrasound, I had quite awhile to wait on the news and I was a bit scared. Thankfully my sister(who's a former nurse) stayed with me the whole time.

 

Anyway, the results were good.

 

And I still did my Wordle!

[Jattdogg]

9 minutes ago, spacemunky said:

Spent the last two days in the hospital.

 

Had only ever had one stay in one, when I was in my early 20's.

 

This time, at the age of 55, it was quite a different experience. 

 

I'd been having some very bad pain, in a very bad place.

 

After getting an ultrasound, I had quite awhile to wait on the news and I was a bit scared. Thankfully my sister(who's a former nurse) stayed with me the whole time.

 

Anyway, the results were good.

 

And I still did my Wordle!

Glad to hear you are ok (in the end) mate. I have been through Hamilton Health Sciences for 3 or 4 ear surgeries, 2 colonoscopies and had good experiences (well the latter 2 were ummmmm done well but not something i look forward too haha).

 

Having a supportive family member or friend is always welcoming!

[Trav Le Bleu]

On 28/08/2025 at 21:08, Arkie Bennett said:

Got the news today that the cancer hasn't spread. Next week I'll be told what the plan is to remove what is there. I'm still scared about what is going to be a tough and uncomfortable journey, but this could have been much worse and the nurse told me they will deal with it.

Good to hear, it's a positive after your bad news.

 

I had a colonoscopy earlier this year, wouldn't even want to do that again. In fact I had two, cos I couldn't keep down all the vile solution they give you to cleanse your bowel the first time, so it didn't properly clear.

 

All the best with your treatment - at least they've found the problem early and you are on the road to recovery.