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Post by gemstone on Jan 5, 2011 4:49:30 GMT -5
Have spoken to the hospital this morning as haven't heard anything since the 6th December. Basically, I need an in depth scan on my back passage - I dropped the request off for this at the X-Ray department on the 6th - apparently there is only one man in the whole of South Wales who is trained to perform this and he is off on the sick!!! Spoke to my doc's secretary who was brilliant, but she said she's had to take me off the waiting list for the lap as they need the results of the scan before they schedule surgery. It's because they don't know what they will find and they have to put the correct team together and they can't do that without the results. I basically have to wait for this scan but god knows when that will be as the doctor will be at least a month behind if and when he comes back. This is so frustrating as I now think the lap is going to be the end of this year rather than the beginning. I just want to get it done so I know what's going on. I am really grateful that they were honest with me and didn't fob me off, but I just feel like I'm in limbo. Anyway, don't want to whinge too much, I've just purchased the following to help with my pain and symptoms: Decent heating pad Tens machine (TPN 200) Evening Primrose Oil Magnesium B6 And I'm not drinking and making sure I stick to the endo diet as much as I can as Xmas saw me falling off the wagon - I had 2 yorkshire puddings on Xmas Day, shock horror!!!!
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Post by hellsbells on Jan 5, 2011 7:31:00 GMT -5
Ohh sweetie, sorry you're not getting the tests sooner, I know how frustrating the wait is. I love your attitude though, it's the best asset you've got for getting through this without turning into a basket case.
Is it B6 alone, or a complex? I ask because B12 is important too, in fact they all are. As for the TENS, make sure the two red connectors are at the base of the spine, a cm or 2 apart (should tell you this in the info that came with it), you can then do what you want with the other two. It doesn't need to be on high to get relief, the only time mine ever gets past 2 is when the batteries are running out!
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Post by JC on Jan 5, 2011 10:48:22 GMT -5
I'm curious at how the tens machine works for you! It's so interesting. I hope it helps you since you have to wait so long
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Post by cherry on Jan 5, 2011 12:43:09 GMT -5
I don't know what the waiting times are like in Wales but shouldn't they just give you a lap appointment when you're in the office with the gynae? That's always been the way it happened for me but I know there are regional differences thanks to devolution. The max wait I've had is 3 months. I understand their concern about needing different skilled surgeons for possible problems but the first priority is to diagnose what is causing you all this pain, and they can go in at a later date if needed to perform deeper excisions with specialists from other fields there. It was the way they did it for a former member here but there again she was in Aus. In my mind they haven't diagnosed you, so they shouldn't put it off further, you're left in limbo while someone twiddles their thumbs. Get the gynae side booked, get the GI issues investigated and then marry them together. I don't know why they can't do that. I wish you were in North Wales and could come to my hospital doll it's the biggest in Europe and does it all under one roof and if need be they get gynae to run the whole show with the other specialities called in to order. Really hope you get your TeNS soon, I'm excited about you getting some decent relief!
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Post by pretty on Jan 5, 2011 15:52:49 GMT -5
God, Gem, it sounds like you're rising to the occasion. Nothing like a long marathon of hurdles right as you thought you were getting somewhere? Feel for you. Damn! I'm not sure exactly how it works there but sounds like you're on top of it.... wish you didn't have to wait! pretty
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Post by katiev on Jan 5, 2011 22:34:48 GMT -5
Yowza! Aren't docs unreal? I wish I had my own scan, xray machine and everything else so I could help people so they wouldn't have to wait. If its not one thing its another. Some days I can't stand it. Seems like you do have a great attitude about the whole thing which is simply amazing. What the heck is a TENS? Sounds frankensteinish?
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Post by Karen on Jan 6, 2011 7:31:08 GMT -5
Wish you didn't have to wait, but I'm glad you're able to get a bit of a handle on things on your own. Knowledge is power!
And I echo Cherry - keep pushing for a diagnosis!
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Post by gemstone on Jan 6, 2011 16:28:36 GMT -5
Thanks guys Hel - it's just B6, I might get the whole lot next time. I've never taken supplements so this is all a bit new! Tens hasn't arrived yet but I'm excited to use it! Cherry, I'm looking into how much it would cost to get the scan done privately just so I can get on the waiting list for the lap sooner - I have no idea but it may be doable if it's a hundred or so :@ Katie, there's loads of posts on Tens on here - take a look! Knowledge is power!! I like that! That's what I'm going for now - knowledge!!
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Post by cherry on Jan 6, 2011 16:34:42 GMT -5
B complex is best, you'll see your hair, skin and nails improve over the months too I take b-active which is a Berocca copy really, makes me wake up a bit! It's a shame you're having to consider going private but Helen did too and it got her diagnosed so wishing you the best of luck!
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Post by hellsbells on Jan 6, 2011 16:35:57 GMT -5
I would deffo go for a B complex. And for that kind of scan privately, I reckon you're looking at the £500 ballpark, at least :-(
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Post by gemstone on Jan 6, 2011 17:02:53 GMT -5
Ouch! I was thinking £200 at a push. Oh well, I'm used to waiting now I suppose :S
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Post by hellsbells on Jan 6, 2011 17:06:08 GMT -5
You'd still need a referral aswell. It's worthwhile getting the name of the test and checking with BUPA how much it might cost. When I went private, I went through a health assessment first, just to get a foot in the door. That's normally £500, they had an offer on and I paid £424. The gynae consult cost £200 for a half hour chat...
A friend at work has had some tests privately, they ain't cheap. But go check, I could be wrong! (It has been known to happen, occasionally :-))
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Post by gemstone on Apr 16, 2011 8:18:34 GMT -5
I thought I would update to keep everything in one place for me as well as the board.
I am currently in my first month of Zoladex injections to chemically induce the menopause. I am also taking Livial every day which is HRT.
I feel like I am not really getting anywhere with my endo, except worse.
The one good thing is that the Zoladex seems to have eased my general pain which is great. However I have found that I am a lot more tired these days. I also feel sick a lot more and throw up more as well and I am starting to get proper headaches which sucks.
I had an excessive bleeding/clotting incident last week for which I went to hospital for and this week I have had my period as normal which I am cross about as the main reason I started Zoladex was so my periods would stop and I could get to work.
I don't want to sound too whingy but I currently feel like sh*te!! I felt really good the first week or so of the injections but since then have felt awful every day.
I still do not have a date for my scan despite being told I am next in line which means I cannot speed it up as I am next! Also won't be put on the lap waiting list until the results of the scan are in.
My bowel problems are still the same although I am going more regularly due to the magnesium I am taking.
So, all in all, some good point and some bad.
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Post by JC on Apr 16, 2011 8:47:00 GMT -5
UGh the waiting game is the worst!! I'm sorry gem you feel like sh*t I wish it could go faster. It's awful to just have to sit and wait while feeling like crap.
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Post by chicagogal2 on Apr 16, 2011 8:51:42 GMT -5
Aw Gem I'm sorry to hear this. It sucks when you are throwing up and double sucks that you got a period when this is supposed to STOP it. ugh. I'm frustrated for you!
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