In need of advice!

melody · New User Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

Hello, this is my first posting so here goes.

My husband it seems could possibly have a type colon/rectal cancer which was initially revealed by X-rays of his abdominal region, some 4 weeks ago, that showed a large shadowed mass on his sacral pelvis. The X-rays were carried out by a Chiropractor who was looking into the pains my husband is having in both hips, thighs resembling that of sciatica. Blood has also shown in stool over the months.

The Chiropractor's report on the result of the X-rays were sent promptly to my husband's GP with reference to urgency.

It appears that from this point on in the process, that arranging for a reasonably urgent referral to be seen by a consultant is not an easy course. It has taken nearly 3 weeks before a date was arranged for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy examination (doing a DIY enema which is sent through the post to the patient) and I had to chase up in between otherwise I think it would have taken longer..

Now my husband's pain has recently moved upwards around his right ribcage at the side, more near his back, naturally I'm concerned for him because of his pain but, even more so at the slow-paced procedure in getting anywhere near a diagnostic result.

After some trepidation, I have had to chase up the GP as he had not even read the Chiropractor's report which had been mailed to him within 36 hours. And, when I asked the GP about referral, he did'nt know who too!

It has been a 3 week waiti for the Sigmoidoscopy test from which I understand even at this stage, the results of the Sig. test get relayed back again to the GP which takes a further week! I wonder somehow when my husband will get finally his consultant referral through and further tests.

I have since arrived at the opinion that as my husband is in his 70's (although never had an illness or operation in his entire life) that < ageism > is the true reason here.

If anyone of you here has had a similar experience then you know how it feels, perhaps you can let me know how it affected you.

Would this be normal NHS procedure in obtaining a diagnosis given the symptoms above, is it really this snail-paced slow?

With thanks in advance of your reply

emmaosk · New User Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

I hope you have heard something about your husband. I can't really comment on the NHS, but my mum was diagnosed on the 20th June, she has seen umpteen doctors, had more than umpteeen tests some of them more than twice. My mum is in Spain, which is proving difficult with the language barrier as well. They have been told that it is normally a 7 week turn around from being diagnosed to having op. We are now in the 7th week and still don't know if there will be an operation this week.
I just wanted you to know that you are not alone in this long wait that every medical person doesn't seem to know our ergency for answers.
I hope you have had some answers.
Emma

melody · New User Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

Thanks for your thoughts Emmaosk, my husand has since been in hospital 3 times from the date of my first post and is relatively stable, has no more pain and that's without medication but does feel very listless which could be down to the anti-depressants he is on.

I'm waiting to find out whether he will be placed on some sort of chemo.

I do hope things have improved for your loved one too.

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