In @Kimbers-esque style, I'm sharing this on a new thread for the edification of youse guys, as we blokes are just rubbish at acknowledging signs and symptoms and dealing with nasty medical stuff.
Anyone acquainted with me will know that I seemed to miss quality control when I was built; I have spent a life fraught with all kinds of medical issues. I have dodged plenty of bullets, but after 62 years one has finally struck its mark. It's bowel cancer. I have seen it with my own eyes, and Tracy & I have named it Bob.
Now for the gory details. I have had all kinds of random issues since stomach surgery (due to GERD) years ago, so for me it's difficult to pinpoint early symptoms. But out of the blue about 3 weeks ago I had 3 days of black, tarry stools. On day 3 I decided it was time to seek advice. Saw a GP and had an urgent blood test, which showed a dangerous level of anaemia. That explained the shakes whilst rebuilding carbs and later holding a pint.
After finishing my pint(s) I was admitted to hospital where many tests were performed - gastroscopy, multiple bloods, CT angiogram and something involving a latex glove with just one finger - absolutely nothing found. I was discharged to outpatients for further tests. Two days ago I had a particularly difficult colonoscopy, without sedation as I'm a bit of a masochist. This is because I have a rather unusual colon (typical) that is waaay longer than average and loops around a lot. After more than one hour - take a moment to think about that - the doc persevered, got through, and found the little bastard: Bob. to see the thing is actually quite cathartic - I now know my enemy. It's bleeding, probably has been for some time, so that's the anaemia explained.
Coincidentally I'd returned my sample for the bowel screening programme a few days before all this, and that came back positive too. So I was offered 2 colonoscopies! But I'm not that crazy. Interesting, though, that without other symptoms, that screening test would have caught it. So, critical to do this test every 2 years if you're the appropriate age!
Multiple biopsies taken, now awaiting urgent CT scan, after which staging will be assessed and a treatment plan discussed. I'll know more about my fate in maybe 2 weeks. I hope I can trust the NHS to swing into action. They've been bloody good so far.
I'm currently feeling pretty good apart from the anaemia, so quite weak and tired. Tracy's had a hard time, but that will subside a little over the next few days. I don't do sympathy, thoughts and prayers as they never cured anyone. Instead, pragmatism, positivity and lots of really bad-taste jokes will always help one through. I'm a sarcastic bastard and I don't expect anything less from you lot.
I will share this journey with you as I think it might be useful to some. If not, simply ignore the thread! This isn't going out on Facebook right now, as my kids don't want their kids to know yet.
Watch out Bob, I'm comin' for ya.