which type of Dr. to call?

tommycat
tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
My takedown surgery was last Oct., and those of you with rectal cancer know the learning curve that followed that experience. However, I am in so much pain a couple times a week whenever I have to go to the bthrm....which is way too often.
Do I call a GP? the Onc? The Surgeon? The Radiologist?
What do you think?
PS: Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a medical specialty in post-cancer treatment....someone who could help sort out all the strange lingering (and for me, painful) after effects?

Comments

  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #2
    Surgeon first
    Then maybe the GP if the surgeon is no help.

    That would my course.
  • karen40
    karen40 Member Posts: 211 Member
    #3
    Gastroenterologist
    I would call my gastroenterologist first. When was your last colonoscopy? I was told to make an appointment with my gastroenterologist in one year from my last surgery. According to your post,it's been a year. A colonoscopy might help determine what is going on. Perhaps you have fissures or hemorrhoids. I don't think it matters who you call. If the one you call can't help, I'm sure he/she will lead you in the right direction. Just make the call. I know from previous posts that this has been an issue for you. I feel for you. It's been 9 months since my surgery and 7 months since my last radiation and I have no pain. I've been constipated for 9 months and think I have a rectal stricture (self diagnosed) but that a different story. I can't wait to have my next colonscopy. Now that is something that you would not hear come out of the average persons mouth. Take care and let us know what happens.
    Karen
  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    #4
    Thanks guys.
    Karen &
    Thanks guys.
    Karen & Buckwirth, did you receive radiation?
    I did. Thirty blasts, and it hurt then...and re-hurts (if not a word, it should be) now.
    Your Friend in California~
  • karen40
    karen40 Member Posts: 211 Member
    #5
    tommycat said:

    Thanks guys.
    Karen &
    Thanks guys.
    Karen & Buckwirth, did you receive radiation?
    I did. Thirty blasts, and it hurt then...and re-hurts (if not a word, it should be) now.
    Your Friend in California~

    Yes
    Yes, I did have radiation. I had 30 blasts myself. I remember the pain. I use to have anywhere from 20-30 small bowel movements a day and it was excruciating each and every time. The pain did subside. It only took a couple of weeks after radiation to heal. I don't think that you should still be experiencing so much pain. Make the doc. appointment. I hope there's a simple remedy for what you are going through.
    Karen
  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #6
    tommycat said:

    Thanks guys.
    Karen &
    Thanks guys.
    Karen & Buckwirth, did you receive radiation?
    I did. Thirty blasts, and it hurt then...and re-hurts (if not a word, it should be) now.
    Your Friend in California~

    It hurt
    ultimately I had the tumor removed (stage IV removal of the original tumor can be optional).

    Today I have a permanent colostomy, and the pain in my a** is a bad memory.

    Blake

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