Before anyone jumps on me...yes I have called the doctor. Yes, I have made an appointment.
I just want some good thoughts. I'm having lower right quadrant abdominal pain again. For those that don't know...I'm a colon cancer survivor and lower right abdominal pain was my first symptom.
Now, I am not panicking. There are many things that could cause this...and my last colonoscopy was clear so I am NOT, repeat NOT afraid that the cancer is back. But..hey, with my history you can't take chances.
So, I called my oncologist, got an appointment to see her next Thursday, and in the meantime called a good friend who is an ER physician and described my symptoms. She made me promise that if the pain gets any worse, or even if it doesn't get better I will go to the ER and get a scan just to check, rather than wait until next week.
The problem is I'm in my last week of student teaching. If I go to the hospital, my doctor friend said there is a good chance that with my history, they will admit me and then do a scan and keep me there pending results. Then I would miss my last week...get an incomplete and be unable to graduate. That would result in not being able to get a job...which is not a good thing.
Prayers and good wishes will be greatly appreciated. I can't tell you how much I loathe the hospital...but I know that I can't take any real chances. I promise I'll go if it gets worse, but I truly, truly need to finish my student teaching!
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
I'm praying for you, babe. I hope it turns out to be nothing. *hugs*
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I'm also praying for you.
How long is "pending results" if you have to get the scan?
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
My friend says it can take 48 hours, especially if I go on a weekend. So, I really don't want to do that.
I don't think it's anything bad...but it turns out I still have my appendix. One would have thought with all my surgeries my appendix would be gone, but I hear that surgeons don't just remove it as a matter of course anymore. So...that is a likely culprit. The good news is I have no fever, no nausea, no other symptoms. My friend the doctor said it could be as benign as adhesions or scar tissue and therefore nothing at all to be concerned with.
I just want to get graduated! That is my real goal right now. I don't have time to be in pain. Posted by BelladonnaOrchid (Member # 188) on :
Oh, dear! I hope that it turns around and goes away, whatever it is. Good luck! We're sending healing vibes your way.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I'll be thinking of you, Belle. I'll second Olivet in saying that I hope it's nothing.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
((((Belle))))
Let us know what's going on.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Actually, I feel a little better today. Pain has lessened, though it is not gone.
Doctor's appointment still on for next week.
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
Not jumping but have you talked to your professors and your dean's office about ways to manage this if you do have to be in hospital? They all should want to make this work for you.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I hope that it will go well for you. I've said a prayer for you, and will do again. Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Best wishes, Belle.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I'll be praying for you, and especially that it's nothing and you will graduate on time too.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
My supervisor gave me my last evaluation today. My grade has been issued - an A, by the way.
But, they still have to make sure I have completed my hours. My supervisor said it's not about her, or believing I won't show up, it's a state requirement that I complete so many days. I have to get those days in before grades are turned in - May 4th. That gives me a little wiggle room. But, she has to call the school daily to be sure I am there, since I'm no longer turning in time sheets. Silly, I know, but they have to document that I've met the hours mandated by the state.
If I feel that I absolutely MUST go to the ER, I will, don't worry. But, right now I truly do feel better. My friend the doctor is more worried about appendicitis than cancer coming back, and so am I. Should my symptoms get worse, or I start running a fever or anything, I will go to the hospital. For now, though, I'm waiting since the pain has not gotten any worse (and may even be a bit better.)
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