Blog 196 Wednesday 2nd March 2016 -The End -

I have enjoyed watching the blog "Cluster Map" fill up with visits from all around the world, unfortunately it was re-set to zero by whoever in the cyber community. I think I had reached about 70 different countries and sincerely hope my ramblings made a difference to someone. Apparently I am no longer "Living with Bowel Cancer" so have decided to bring my blog to a close.........

I am pleased to say the recent Colonoscopy I have had was clear.

My consultant Mr El-Rabaa has discharged me from his care and I have been completely discharged from the care and surveillance regime of the hospital. It will be strange not waiting for the various appointments to arrive and the subsequent follow ups in the out-patients department. I can't help thinking of the people I've met along the way..........

Back in 2008/2009 when my symptoms were at their worst, (change of bowel habits - diarrhoea) and after all the normal remedies had not worked, my wife Wendy nagged me and nagged and nagged  to go back  to the doctor for a third time. The first time I was told I had IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The second time at the doctors he again diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome and said "
"The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can often be managed by changing your diet and lifestyle, and understanding the nature of the condition." so I got all the information I needed to manage the IBS symptoms.

When my diarrhoea became worst the nagging from my wife started again now we were living in Australia and I sought a second opinion.......

"Advanced Bowel Cancer"............ was the new diagnosis.

The original diagnosis of IBS I believe, was clouded by profiling, I was too young to fit the profile of a bowel cancer sufferer. Thankfully Bowel Cancer UK and other charities have worked tirelessly in their campaigns to change this profile and doctors are looking at Bowel Cancer a lot differently nowadays. See Bowel Cancer UK :   NEVER TOO YOUNG CAMPAIGN

Symptoms of bowel cancer

The symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer can be:

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
• A change in bowel habit lasting for 3 weeks or more especially to looser or runny poo
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
• A pain or lump in your tummy

You might experience one, some, all of the above or no symptoms at all. Remember most symptoms will not be bowel cancer.

I am extremely thankful for my additional time on this earth  and my wife who, without her nagging, I'm sure this blog would have ended differently.

John Naisbit

 

Blog 195 Tuesday 26th January 2016

Following on from the upper bowel blockage that suddenly caught me out last August 2015 my consultant Mr Saleem El - Rabaa thought it may be a good idea for me to undergo a further colonoscopy  Anyone that has followed my blog will know that my original colonoscopy was in 2009. This procedure saved my life, It identified I was suffering advanced bowel cancer. A video diary was taken of this procedure by the consultant which I later posted on this blog. I have an appointment in the near future at Kettering for a further colonoscopy. Anyone that has taken to look on-line for advice or information on colonoscopy's and may have stumbled upon this blog, I can assure you in my experience, the patient is mildly sedated asked to lay in the foetal position  and feels very little discomfort. All very worth it if it saves your life - Normally the consultant tells you straight away if everything is fine or within 10 days if any biopsy's are taken. You know your body if something is not right GET IT CHECKED OUT It may be nothing ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Colonoscopy

• A colonoscopy allows your doctor to see inside your colon and rectum. This test allows your doctor to detect inflamed tissue, ulcers or unusual growths which may be the beginnings of cancer. A colonoscopy is used to diagnosis the reason for changes in your bowel movements, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss. A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure, and recovery is usually quick.

Biopsy

• During the colonoscopy, your doctor may decide to remove a small sample of tissue for testing. This removal of tissue is called a biopsy. Tissue removed can be viewed under a microscope and tested for any signs of disease. Testing tissue removed during a biopsy will tell your doctor what illness may be causing your symptoms.

Cancer

• Tissue removed during a biopsy may reveal cancerous cells. This tissue may come from abnormal growths like polyps and tumors or from inflamed lining tissue. Early detection of colorectal cancer helps improve your chances of recovery. Cancerous cells form when normal cells mutate and grow uncontrolled. A biopsy can help detect cancerous cells before they have grown into tumors and created blockages in the colon.

Polyps

• Polyps are growths that stick out from the lining of your colon or rectum. Polyps can be the beginning of cancer. Polyps are precancerous growths that can increase your risk of developing cancer. During a colonoscopy your doctor will remove any polyps found. Removing polyps can help prevent your from developing cancer.

Abscesses

• When tissue becomes infected your body's immune systems fights back by sending white blood cells to the infected area. As your white blood cells collect in the area pus begin to form. A build up of fluid, live and dead white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria can form. This abscess can cause pain, changes to your bowel movements and bleeding. Infected tissue removed during a biopsy can be tested to determine what is causing the abscess. Most abscesses are treated with antibiotics to stop the infection.

Please read more at Bowel Cancer UK