Hi Everyone, Just want to say that I am so glad I joined this forum I have spent the last few weeks reading lots of threads full of helpful information and positive stories so thank you.
I have previously suffered with piles and 5 years ago had two banded after a colonoscopy arranged because of bleeding. I have suffered with bouts of bleeding on and off since then and put down to piles.
Last October I was misdiagnosed with a prolapsed pile by my own GP (with an external examination) and by the hospital Consultant February 2022 where I was only examined externally and told I had a Stage 4 Prolapsed Hemorrhoid which would need surgery - an Hemorrhoidectomy and I would be put on the waiting list. I luckily asked for another appointment to see the Consultant for more information on this operation and a proper examination. At this appointment she again examined me externally but did suggest a colonscopy as an MOT because of my age! She said you have not got cancer!! So glad I agreed to this as a malignant tumour was found and not piles!!
After a terrifying couple of weeks while the mri and ct scans and biopsy results were all examined at a MDT I was told that I had anal cancer which had not luckily spread and was referred to the Radiotherapy Department. My Consultant could not apologise enough and took all the blame for missing this diagnosis.
I am so angry that I was left all this time and I just put up with my symptoms thinking that I had piles - even my husband kept saying you've only got piles everyone has them they have them for years!! After reading stories on this forum I am not the only one either.
I cannot fault the Radiology Department they have acted so quickly arranging a PET scan (this was all clear) I was even examined internally for first time! I was told my treatment would be Chemo radiation over 28 days and I wasn't due to start until 18th July but I was lucky enough to get a cancelled planning scan appointment last week and start my treatment Monday 4th July so not long to wait now!
After the nurse went through all the side effects for both treatments I was so depressed they certainly give you all the gloom! You lot are all keeping me going though and I will keep looking on this forum for advice as I go along. Got to focus on the end date of treatment 10th August. Sorry for rambling on - I have put even more on my profile page! 
Hi Carole21,
Firstly I’d like to offer you a warm welcome to the club that nobody wants to join! But seriously we have a wonderful, informative, supportive little group here & although I’m sorry that you’ve had the need to find us I’m pleased you’re here so that hopefully you’ll no longer feel like you’re going through this alone. We’ve all been through what you’re facing in one way, shape or form & have a whole bunch of hints & tips on dealing with things that crop up along the way.
Unfortunately your story is all too commonplace, I was blessed with a very young, diligent GP (a locum at our practice at the time) & a great colorectal surgeon & oncologist but I spoke with my oncologist on a couple of occasions about people being misdiagnosed for months when they’ve had anal cancer all along (he was aware that I volunteer for Macmillan) & he said that although many of the symptoms are the same as you get with haemorrhoids etc., the very least a Dr should be doing is an internal examination, it really is shocking & extremely worrying that your consultant didn’t even do this! I’m a prime example of this, my tumour was undetectable on both my MRI & CT diagnostic scans but on internal examination my colorectal surgeon could definitely feel it, I was diagnosed T1N0M0. If you click on my profile you can read a little about my journey there.
It’s great that your radiology department have been on the ball although I should imagine your consultant has rushed things through after realising her mistake! Although this is not the news that you wanted it could have been a very different story had you not have insisted on that second appointment & she will have realised this! It’s also good that your planning scan was brought forward & you’ve an earlier date for the start of your treatment. You’re doing the right thing concentrating on the end goal this is exactly what I did & not long until Monday & things will be underway.
Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions here, however delicate the nature, I can guarantee they’ve all been asked before, we’re an open minded bunch here & don’t shy away from anything lol, I never imagined 4 years ago I would have discussed my bottom & toilet habits with so many! 
Nicola
