[craggle58]

I have had abdominal pains for weeks now. I thought it was venlafaxine withdrawal but today my GP has ruled this out. I had standard blood and liver function tests last week which were all normal.

I continued having persistent moderate epigastric pain in upper left abdominal quadrant and stabbing pains in lower left abdomen. Today my GP said the pain was in the pancreatic area and sent me for blood tests (amylase etc.) and a further sonogram. I can rationally describe the pain as fairly moderate and mainly after eating. It doesn't keep me up at night. I also have nausea. The abdomen is not sensitive to touch/pressing.

I am trying to not let the whole Health Anxiety thing get out of control but obvious worst case scenarios are starting in my head. I can tell the panic is going to escalate over the weekend before I get my results on Monday.

I could tell my GP was reluctant to tell me what the new tests were for. When I asked what he thought the problem was he did say 'honestly, nothing' but I always think they are trying to shield me from the health anxiety because its on my file.They also see Bipolar Disorder and read drama queen. I've been for that many tests over the last year that I am sure they think all the pain is psychological. It definitely isn't.

I had an abdominal sonogram and pancreas blood tests in August last year which were all normal. Can pancreatic cancer develop over just 9 months and be easily missed by a sonogram? If the test results are bad I am seriously concerned about the nightmare waiting period for the sonogram.

To add to this I have started smoking again after quitting for five weeks. As smoking is a major cause of pancreatic cancer I cannot believe how dumb this is.

[gayleggg]

I don't really know the answers about pancreatic cancer. Just wanted to let you know I can relate to your health anxiety and sympathize. I do happen to have a large blood clot that they haven't gotten to disolve in a year. It drives crazy knowing this thing can come loose at anytime and kill me or at least damage my lungs. My head gets full of those worst case scenarios. I know how disturbing that can be. Do your best to try to stay calm over the weekend and try to keep busy. Just my opinion but I don't think if it were pancreatic cancer it would stop hurting at night, but I'm a nobody.

Good luck with your tests. I have to have another blood test this afternoon, my platelets were low last week. Don't really know what that means in the grand scheme of things.

[Fresia]

If he wasn't taking you seriously he wouldn't have ordered the tests. It is good that he is listening.

Amylase can check for a variety of endocrine and digestive disorders, all of which are easily treatable, easily recoverable, and have nothing to do with cancer. Same with having ordered the sonogram.

It is hard not to think about the possibilities but until you know what it is, it is wasted time on the possibilities until you know more. During these times I try to find things I enjoy doing to distract myself as I know that they are doing what they need to find the cause of it. You will know soon and can deal with whatever comes your way at that time. You can handle it. In that regard, not knowing can be bliss and also it may turn out to not be near as bad as your are imagining, so try to do what brings you joy in the meantime to distract yourself and know you are in good hands with your care. Hang in there and take good care of you meanwhile. ((((((craggle58)))))))