Ask Me Help Desk - Colon Cancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by hheath541

it's also possible that your doctor was unaware of the studies

I don't know for sure until I ask him, but I'm guessing he was very aware of "the studies." I'd like to know what journal that was in and be able to read the entire article.

I do know that I could barely walk from the bathroom to the kitchen table (8 feet) and was totally exhausted when I got there. It took at least 5 minutes for my breathing to slow down and to have enough strength to raise my head off my folded arms. Maybe it's the age difference. I have 20 years on Alty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I must have been one sick puppy to be anemic and then to get a transfusion after my endogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy.

Doctors views differ. There have been studies that a blood transfusion for anemia should always be a last resort, but a lot of doctors don't agree, despite the evidence.

Also, if you were passing out, fainting, then that's likely why they resorted to the transfusion. It's not taboo, it's not something that should never be done, it's just a last resort because there are risks.

Most likely you were anemic for a very long time, to the point that you did let it go too long and the last resort was the only resort.

Also, if you did have testing before the transfusion, they likely ruled out any long term abnormalities. In other words, they weren't just plugging the leaky hole, they were fixing it with a transfusion. I don't have a diagnosis yet, they don't know what's causing the bleeding, so a transfusion would just be a bandaid at this point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

I understand everyones concern and I share that concern. It's hard to describe the health care system here, at least without making it look bad. I appreciate the concern and I thank you all for caring so much about me. :)

Most of you, my friends in the states, have some health insurance, am I right? In other words, you can afford health care. I'm guessing that not everyone can.

Here, everyone has health care. Everyone can go to the doctor or the hospital and get treatment. It doesn't cost a dime.

There are pros and cons. Yes, I have to wait to see a specialist. Yes, I have to wait for a diagnosis, but, I will get one. They won't stop until they find out what's wrong and then I will get treated asap.

I can't push for more. It's not possible. My doctor also can't push for more. All he can do is stress to the specialists that he thinks I should be first in line. Sadly, those that are willing and able to pay for their tests are ahead, no matter what. It's not my doctors fault, it's the greed of the specialists. Have money, you're first, otherwise, you wait, like all the others that can't afford thousands of dollars to bud into line. My doctor isn't part of the system we have, he gets paid by the government for the patients he sees. He's not a specialist.

That's the fault with a two tier system. It's what I'm working with here, what my doctor is working with.

Both sides have horror stories and sadly I fear ours just got worse.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I don't know for sure until I ask him, but I'm guessing he was very aware of "the studies." I'd like to know what journal that was in and be able to read the entire article.

I do know that I could barely walk from the bathroom to the kitchen table (5 feet) and was totally exhausted when I got there. It took at least 5 minutes for my breathing to slow down and to have enough strength to raise my head off my folded arms. Maybe it's the age difference. I have 20 years on Alty.

The info that I posted is from Wickepedia, just Google anemia.

I did find further studies but I'd have to search for them again so I could post the links.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Also, if you did have testing before the transfusion, they likely ruled out any long term abnormalities. In other words, they weren't just plugging the leaky hole, they were fixing it with a transfusion. I don't have a diagnosis yet, they don't know what's causing the bleeding, so a transfusion would just be a bandaid at this point.

I had "only" bleeding ulcers. The transfusion didn't plug any leaky hole. The ulcers weren't fixed with the transfusion. It's purpose was to jump-start my hemoglobin level back to normal AFTER the tests which got me a diagnosis and treatment.

Yes, a transfusion, as well as iron tablets, are just a band-aid at this point.

Does the doctor know how much you are bleeding (and for how long) and that it's bright red?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I had "only" bleeding ulcers. The transfusion didn't plug any leaky hole. The ulcers weren't fixed with the transfusion. It's purpose was to jump-start my hemoglobin level back to normal AFTER the tests which got me a diagnosis and treatment.

Yes, a transfusion, as well as iron tablets, are just a band-aid at this point.

Does the doctor know how much you are bleeding (and for how long) and that it's bright red?

I guess it just goes to show that no two treatments are the same, even with similar symptoms. Just like no two doctors treat things the same way or believe in the same studies. I think that's the major problem, too many studies, a lot of them conflicting. It just depends what your doctor believes in, which study he thinks is accurate.

A blood transfusion is still a possibility, a huge possibility, either because of a diagnosis that requires a transfusion or the iron pills not doing their job.

My doctor knows everything that's going on, which is why he's scheduling appointments with the specialists. He's doing what he can do, all that he can do.

I'm being monitored by him to the point that it's getting annoying. I also have to giggle when I go in for blood work. I'm anemic, yet they take 7 vials of blood to run their tests. Hello! I need that blood! ;)

I am getting the best care available where I live, I promise you that. I trust my doctor with my life, I can't stress that enough. I am not taking this lightly, I am not just hoping for the best, I am doing all I can to get better, as is my doctor.

Really, I'm in good hands, I just wish you all knew that. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stringer

Both sides have horor stories and sadly I fear ours just got worse.

They do. Actually, it's not just our two sides, I'm sure every country has problems with their health care systems. There is no perfect health care.

You deal with the hand you're dealt, do the best you can within the system. That's all you can do. That's what I'm doing, what my doctor is doing. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

They do. Actually, it's not just our two sides, I'm sure every country has problems with their health care systems. There is no perfect health care.

You deal with the hand you're dealt, do the best you can within the system. That's all you can do. That's what I'm doing, what my doctor is doing. :)

Just continue to stay in daily contact with him Alty and do what he says to do (Period)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stringer

Just continue to stay in daily contact with him Alty and do what he says to do (Period)

unless, of course, he tells you to stand on your head and sing the national anthem ^_~

Quote:

Originally Posted by hheath541

unless, of course, he tells you to stand on your head and sing the national anthem ^_~

It might be a new cure... I would certainly listen and do it, but in private.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

He's glad that my doctor is going about this the way he is.

The studies don't matter. Even I know a transfusion is not what you need at this point. You need a colonoscopy and a diagnosis.

I can't stand on my head. I've tried.

I was kicked out of gymnastics class when I was 12 because I can't stand on my head. That and the fact that I wore my very long hair in a pony tail, tied together with those bobble elastics, you know two balls connected to elastics, you put one ball over the other to hold it in place.

Anyway, I tried to do the head stand, the balls on the elastic hair thingy poked my head then my hair (past my butt at that time) got tangled around the balls attached to the elastic and got stuck.

I ended up kicked out of gymnastics and getting a hair cut. My hair was that tangled around those stupid balls.

I hate balls! Wait... um... I meant... you know what, never mined, it's WT anyway. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

I can't stand on my head. I've tried.

I was kicked out of gymnastics class when I was 12 because I can't stand on my head. That and the fact that I wore my very long hair in a pony tail, tied together with those bobble elastics, you know two balls connected to elastics, you put one ball over the other to hold it in place.

Anyway, I tried to do the head stand, the balls on the elastic hair thingy poked my head then my hair (past my butt at that time) got tangled around the balls attached to the elastic and got stuck.

I ended up kicked out of gymnastics and getting a hair cut. My hair was that tangled around those stupid balls.

I hate balls! Wait...um... I meant....you know what, never mined, it's WT anyway. ;)

:):):rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stringer

I'm right there with you hon!

I should have called you -- Elmhurst Hospital, Three South.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

LOL! Do they have popcorn and coffee there?

I'm no longer able to have either. I'm guessing they will be off your food list too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I should have called you -- Elmhurst Hospital, Three South.

I'm no longer able to have either. I'm guessing they will be off your food list too.

We do some of their off site facilities... (client)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

I can't stand on my head. I've tried.

I was kicked out of gymnastics class when I was 12 because I can't stand on my head. That and the fact that I wore my very long hair in a pony tail, tied together with those bobble elastics, you know two balls connected to elastics, you put one ball over the other to hold it in place.

Anyway, I tried to do the head stand, the balls on the elastic hair thingy poked my head then my hair (past my butt at that time) got tangled around the balls attached to the elastic and got stuck.

I ended up kicked out of gymnastics and getting a hair cut. My hair was that tangled around those stupid balls.

I hate balls! Wait...um... I meant....you know what, never mined, it's WT anyway. ;)

My mom refused to buy those hairties because she couldn't figure out how to use them. She did, however, like to put those stupid plastic clips in my hair. You know, the ones with the animal shapes that came in crayon colors. And matching plastic earrings. And my hair was ALWAYS in pig tails, because my mom didn't know how to do anything else and my hair got too tangled if it was down.

When I was 7 I got a boy cut just so I wouldn't have to wear those stupid pigtails anymore.

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

I'm no longer able to have either. I'm guessing they will be off your food list too.

Forever! :eek:

Okay, what's the point of getting better if there's no popcorn or coffee in my future? :confused:

I'm only kidding.

Just so you guys can see, this was my hair when I was younger. I'm around 11/12 in this picture.

Attachment 29920

I'm in the middle. The epitome of health. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Forever! :eek:

Okay, what's the point of getting better if there's no popcorn or coffee in my future? :confused:

I'm only kidding.

Just so you guys can see, this was my hair when I was younger. I'm around 11/12 in this picture.

Attachment 29920

I'm in the middle. The epitome of health. ;)

Whew... I was afraid you were blond... only because of the way 'she' is standing... :):):) Kidding, kidding, kidding...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Forever! :eek:

Okay, what's the point of getting better if there's no popcorn or coffee in my future? :confused:

I'm only kidding.

Just so you guys can see, this was my hair when I was younger. I'm around 11/12 in this picture.

Attachment 29920

I'm in the middle. The epitome of health. ;)

I'm guessing that would be your irritated little sister and irritating little brother?

The part that was left out of the Wiki posting:
In severe, acute bleeding, transfusions of donated blood are often lifesaving....

I wasn't stable:
Transfusion of the stable but anemic hospitalized patient has been the subject of numerous clinical trials, and transfusion is emerging as a deleterious intervention.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

The part that was left out of the Wiki posting:
In severe, acute bleeding, transfusions of donated blood are often lifesaving....

I wasn't stable:
Transfusion of the stable but anemic hospitalized patient has been the subject of numerous clinical trials, and transfusion is emerging as a deleterious intervention.

But alty is stable, so she doesn't NEED a transfusion right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hheath541

but alty is stable, so she doesn't NEED a transfusion right now.

She is? I don't think so.

If she wasn't stable, I don't think her doctor would let her be at home. He'd have her in the hospital under observation.

I think that we may need to cool it for a while. We all care what happens to Alty, but I don't know what else we can say that won't stress her more. :)

How 'bout this?

YouTube - I've got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts!

Alty you were such a cute kid! I'd love for that tan and some of your hair please! PLease?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hheath541

I'm guessing that would be your irritated little sister and irritating little brother?

Nope, I'm an only child.

The little girl in the polka dot bathing suit was visiting from Germany. The boy is my second cousin. :)

Great news!

I just got a call from the hospital. I'm booked for my colonoscopy for this Friday! :)

Bad news, I can't be on the iron pills for this procedure, it can interfere with the results, so as of today I have to stop taking the iron. This may not be good.

Best news. The nurse that called mentioned needing a ride home afterwards because I'll be sedated! YES! Pretty please! Knock me out! :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Great news!

I just got a call from the hospital. I'm booked for my colonoscopy for this Friday! :)

Bad news, I can't be on the iron pills for this procedure, it can interfere with the results, so as of today I have to stop taking the iron. This may not be good.

Best news. The nurse that called mentioned needing a ride home afterwards because I'll be sedated! YES! Pretty please! Knock me out! :)

Yaaaaaaaaaay!! Now we can find out what's up with our baby Alty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catsmine

Yaaaaaaaaaay!!! Now we can find out what's up with our baby Alty.

:o Baby Alty? :o Gosh. :o

Now we can find out what's up baby Alty's arse. :eek: :p

At last things are getting a little faster. I'll be patiently waiting for the results of the colonoscopy.

You may perhaps not take iron pills anymore, but continue your diet with iron. I don't think that it would interfere with the colonoscopy and will do you good. Perhaps J or your doctor can confirm this?

Wow, all those greenies in a post! I rarely had that much, lol. Thanks everyone!

And I don't know about the doctor thing... My mom don't quite want me to have the hectic life of a doctor to always be ready 24/7... I don't quite know myself what to become... there are so many options, and even more I don't know of...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unknown008

Wow, all those greenies in a post! I rarely had that much, lol. Thanks everyone!

And I don't know about the doctor thing... My mom don't quite want me to have the hectic life of a doctor to always be ready 24/7... I don't quite know myself what to become... there are so many options, and even more I don't know of...

Unky, the world is yours if you want it. You are a very smart person, a good person, you're the whole package.

Whatever it is you decide to do, you'll excel.

I know I don't only speak for myself when I say that we're all so very proud of you. We've sort of watched you grow up on this site and I think we all see you as our kid. I know I do. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Unky, the world is yours if you want it. You are a very smart person, a good person, you're the whole package.

Whatever it is you decide to do, you'll excel.

I know I don't only speak for myself when I say that we're all so very proud of you. We've sort of watched you grow up on this site and I think we all see you as our kid. I know I do. :)

I'm always proud to say the smartest kid on the planet asked me to be his friend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Unky, the world is yours if you want it. You are a very smart person, a good person, you're the whole package.

Whatever it is you decide to do, you'll excel.

I know I don't only speak for myself when I say that we're all so very proud of you. We've sort of watched you grow up on this site and I think we all see you as our kid. I know I do. :)

:o You're living up to your reputation of making people blush... :o

It's strange how today started like hell for me compared to the other days... then everything seems to be getting way better than any day... :rolleyes:

Well now that I've made Unky blush my work here is done. ;)

I've got to go lay down for a bit, I didn't sleep very well last night and I'm exhausted.

I'll be back a bit later everyone.

Unky, you're in charge. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unknown008

Wow, all those greenies in a post! I rarely had that much, lol. Thanks everyone!

And I don't know about the doctor thing... My mom don't quite want me to have the hectic life of a doctor to always be ready 24/7... I don't quite know myself what to become... there are so many options, and even more I don't know of...

We are proud of you buddy I think that is obvious. You're kind of our 'child' and we just puff out our chests when we hear of your accomplishments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Well now that I've made Unky blush my work here is done. ;)

I've got to go lay down for a bit, I didn't sleep very well last night and I'm exhausted.

I'll be back a bit later everyone.

Unky, you're in charge. ;)

Unky is one of the few teenagers I don't mind the thought of being 'in charge'. :)

Rest well, Alty.

Well, I might not be 'in charge' for a long time... homework calls... in 15 min.

Yep, rest well. After all you have that colonosopy prep to look forward too.

I'm sure we'll get a humourous account.

Sweat dreams.