Hia
Ok feeling a bit of a fraud but I need to reach out to someone ....
I'm a 54 female (who has worked in Oncology most of her life). I had a large Osteoma removed (with clear margins) from my mandible angle in 2018 (benign). A CT Scan in August confirmed that it has recurred (I had to push for this CT scan as they said they couldn't feel it BUT I could and after speaking to her consultant he said that they need to do one), but as it is slow growing the Maxillo facial registrar said that she doesn't want to see me for 12 months. I did ask, that as it has recurred will she refer me for a FAP (or attenuated FAP) test - which involves a colonoscopy OR genetic test - she refused and said that they didn't do that and I would have to ask my GP.
I had already been to see my GP, a few months previous to this, over bowel changes, bleeding (although I think this is from hemorrhoids) and tired all the time (I literally fall asleep anywhere, anytime). She ran a lot of blood tests, FIT was neg, low folate was shown, everything else seemed ok. So I was prescribed folic acid for 4 months and then the blood test has to be repeated. This will be next month. I am still tired all the time and I have been folic acid for nearly 3 months.
So I arranged another appointment with my GP and she agrees that I need to have a colonoscopy to rule out FAP and maybe to deal with the hemorrhoids as well. 20 days later, I am still waiting for the referral to be sent and I am becoming a very anxious bunny!
Why am I anxious - well to have an osteoma in the mandible angle is rare, even rarer is a recurrence. My gut (pardon the pun) feels something is off BUT I don't know what. I don't know who to ask or if anyone has had a similar experience. What can I expect if it is Attenuated FAP? Am I worrying for absolutely no reason?
Hi Toni
Welcome to the Online Community.
There is no need to feel a fraud and it is perfectly fine to reach out on here for some support. I completely understand why you are feeling anxious but you have done the sensible thing in pushing for the colonoscopy to rule out FAP. I do think that listening to your body and knowing when something feels off is important. I wonder if it is worth contacting your GP again on Monday to check for an update regarding the referral.
I see that you have posted in the Ask a Nurse section and someone will reply to your question within 3 working days.
In the meantime why not give the Support Line a call and talk things through on there. They are there from 8am-8pm everyday.
I hope that your appointment comes through quickly and provides some reassurance for you. The nurses should respond after the weekend to your post as well.
Jane
