I want to share my story so that readers can be vigilant about self and loved ones. I recall in December 2016, my GP told me that my ferretin iron level was very low !. I was suffering heart palpitations and fatigue. This, the GP thought was attributed to my vegan diet. On scouring the internet, I discovered that low iron can be linked to blood loss and possibly bowel cancer amongst other conditions. 2017 - Alarmed at my findings, I consulted numerous GPs and asked for a colonoscopy. I was told that I do not meet criteria as I was not actually anemic........just low iron. I was 55 Years old then. I was told to eat more leafy greens. Over the course of 2017 I continued to voice my concerns. I was referred for virtual CT colonoscopy, after In saw blood in the loo. Gastroscopy, sigmoidscope, small bowel camera capsule, numerous gastrologists and even a endocrinologist was to follow...four visits to A and E with pain...but still no COLONOSCOPY. 2018 - tired and exhausted, I accepted the gastro doctor's opinion of ' functional '. I continued to function as best as I could until March 2021 when my health deteriorated. I developed all alarm symptoms of bowel cancer along with weight loss and suspected bowel blockage. July 2021 - MORE blood tests, another gastroscopy and another virtual CT scan following urgent 2 Week referral. ...but no COLONOSCOPY. You will under my situation doesn't look good. I have discovered that the NHS has a human resources problem with endoscopy. There appears not to be enough staff apparently. Could this be why I didn't get a COLONOSCOPY. I do not blame the NHS for what has happened. I know that funding is the issue here but at what cost. In my case, look at the alternative tests that have been used on me.......for the price of one COLONOSCOPY.! How many other lives will be lost due to the perceived savings. But I did place my trust in the NHS. I believe that if in 2017, had resulted in a Colonoscopy, I would be living normally now. I have discovered that colonoscopy is the ' gold standard of bowel test. instead, I face what I think is probably serious prognosis..
We are told to tell our doctor if things dont feel right. Well, thats what I did in 2016!.
Surely, the expertise and better judgement of a doctor would know that colonoscopy is the tool required.
Im kind of angry and accepting all at the sametime !.
