Hi everyone
I am a member of the bladder cancer forum (diagnosed 2021 and doing okay on that score) but have had some symptoms recently that worry me: persistent bloating for 5 or more weeks and increasing discomfort/mild pain in abdomen.
I have been to the doctor and had a full set of blood tests including for CA125 marker and a trans abdominal ultrasound of the both pelvic area and abdomen, plus yet another FIT test. All were normal/negative/ok. I also had my annual cystoscopy to check all okay re my bladder in April - all fine and within the last 10 months, a clear colonoscopy (included going all the way to the ileum and which took 12 biopsies) - again, all clear so I am thinking that only really leaves the small bowel as an area that hasn’t been investigated.
I did have my gallbladder removed in 2023 and have had myriad digestive issues on and off since and last autumn was diagnosed with possible ibs although myself, I think these digestives issues are more to do with the change to my digestion since the gallbladder was removed.
i wondered if anyone had only symptoms of bloating and mild discomfort before being diagnosed with a cancer of the small bowel. I am loath to go back to the doctor after all the normal/negative tests, feel as I am being neurotic but …
Thank you for reading this and best wishes to all.
Blue
Hi Bluebear
I am sorry that you have not yet had a response to your question but sometimes it can just take a few days. Hopefully by me replying it should bump your post.
I am pleased to hear that you are doing ok after your previous diagnosis of bladder cancer.
Am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing some tummy symptoms for the last 5 weeks and that they are not improving.
I think you have done the right thing in going to your doctor to get checked out and whilst all the tests have so far thankfully come back negative, I do feel you are right to persist in finding out what is happening. My gut feeling is that we know our bodies and know when something doesn't feel quite right.
Although there may be some connection with your gallbladder removal it does seem like these are new symptoms and did not start when you had the surgery in 2023.
My feeling would be to go back to the doctor and say something along the lines of you have had a lot of tests that have not shown why you are experiencing these symptoms and that they are getting worse. Then I would ask directly whether it could be due to something happening in the small intestine and whether there is any testing that could be done. I also wonder whether it would be worth a follow up regarding the gallbladder just in case this is behind some of your symptoms.
This link has some info about small bowel cancer and may help.
Small bowel cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
If talking it through would help before speaking to your doctor, you could call the Support Line and speak to a nurse. They may be able to suggest other potential causes that you could ask about.
Good Luck, I hope you can find out what is causing these symptoms and get them treated.
Jane
