Hi!
This is my first time posting in a forum like this but I feel as though my doctors are not taking me as seriously as I would like them to. So I'm (nearly) 27, I have chronically low ferritin levels. I've been told that my blood tests apart from that have come back fine. They have found raised levels in my liver tests. I don't smoke or drink alcohol, I never have. Over the last year or so I've had prominent symptoms of the following,
Fatigue, constant tiredness, pain in my right arm which is a full ache, constant (currently testing me for CTS, carpal tunnel syndrome). I'm quite active, I've currently had a very random loss of appetite, I've lost over half a stone within two weeks without even trying, I have to force myself to eat, I'm constantly exhausted to the point where no amount of hours is good enough for me to stop feeling "tired". I have lower back pain, I sometimes feel that the lymph nodes in my arm pits are swollen. I have swollen lymph nodes in my groin area too which come and go.
I have had an awful gut feeling for the longest time that I'm undiagnosed with some sort of cancer. I feel like just because my blood levels have come somewhat "normal", my GP isn't taking me as seriously as I would like them to. I have a reoccurring case of piles, which make me bleed. I'm quite active and I do whatever I can to stay healthy and fit. I always find random bruising on my arms and legs, this is reoccurring and I'm aware it could be because of my ferritin levels being chronically low. I guess my question is, has anyone been diagnosed with cancer despite their blood test results coming back fine? If so, what kind of cancer, how did you go about getting diagnosed despite everything being "fine" on paper and results.
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your ongoing medical challenges.
Going round in circles can often happen and lots of persistence and pointy elbows in the system to get answers.
I am in no position to say what this could be as I am the person with my type of cancer and although your symptoms could point in the cancer direction who knows apart from medical experts.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available.
This service can give lots of information, support or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
((hugs))
Hi again, I have lived with a rare blood cancer (Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) for over 22 years now.
Your story is so recognisable as this often happens in folks eventually diagnosed with some Lymphomas...... not saying that this is.
You do need to keep looking for answers, keep a very clear diary with dates, times and all the symptoms you are experiencing. Information about tests and appointments.
Being organised like this shows you are not just reacting to what is the latest ‘thing’ going on in your body, you are not a hypochondriac...... but someone that wants to find out what is going on.
Your diary can show patterns that you can take to your GP/Medical Professional asking them to address...... this can take time and you have unfortunately to be your own advocate at times
Always around to talk.
Hi!
Once again, thank you so much, you’ve made me feel like I’m not overreacting and that maybe there is something wrong with me. I was always worried that I would be labelled as a hypochondriac. I’ve had numerous nose bleeds for as long as I can remember, I have heavy periods with a lot of clotting too. I always have the urge to clear my throat and this has gotten more prominent during the last three years or so (apparently allergies) but I’m always needing to clear my throat and I always feel like I have phlegm in the back of my throat too. My diet isn’t exactly the best as I do drink a lot of Coca Cola. But that’s something I’m definitely on the journey to stop. I also know Coca Cola eventually rots your bones. I’m just glad that you’re able to share your experience with me. I hope you’re been given the all clear now and are on your way back to being your normal self.
once again, I genuinely do appreciate your responses. It’s made me feel like what I’m worrying about is valid, as I do feel like doctors make you feel like you’re being dramatic. But nobody knows your body better than yourself! So this is definitely something I will be taking up with my doctors.
just to give you an idea I will attach below my latest blood test results so maybe that will give some sort of indication as to what it could be - I know you’re not a professional but any sort of insight would be great and beneficial for me to take this further and ask them to do more tests.
I wanted to ask, what other tests could I ask for? Because they’ve done blood tests only. They’ve not done any physical examinations, only blood tests.
Thank you 
Well done in keeping a great record - I have note books going back 22 years and never got round to digitising them 
I honestly have no idea about other tests. There are so many tests for different purposes. For blood cancers it’s CT then core biopsies....... I have never had a blood test that would point to blood cancer in all my 22 years - cancer in the blood but it can’t be found in the blood!!!!.... we live in very complicated tents.
You may want to put up a post to our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Keep pushing and I do hope that you come back again and say that an answer was found and it’s had an easy fix ((hugs))
