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
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
John Naisbit
