Changing Drs so Mad right now

Barb5454

Oh my gosh I'm so mad right now..Ok so I forgave my internal medicine dr because he missed diagnosed me. He thought he was treating a hemmrhoid but it was cancer.

So I have been on antidepressants because the chemo caused me to go into depression, so I thought.

I was on Celexa and Lamictal. I had my blood levels taken today by my onc and my potassium levels are alarming low!!!

I found out it was because of the meds I was on. I'm so angry. So I'm looking for another internal med dr. Two strikes and you're out. He cannot play with my life. Had I not had these tests I could have gone into renal failure.

Just wanted to vent

 

Barb

nicotianna

K level

Hi Barb - What was your K?  This can happen & is easily corrected. Were you on a diuretic?

Nic

mp327

Barb

I don't blame you for changing doctors.  I dumped my internist who misdiagnosed me with a "hemorroid."  Once you get a new doc, I would ask for a CBC, a CMP (which includes tests for potassium level and kidney function) and liver function tests.  Given that you've had chemo and radiation and now renal failure, your bloodwork results should be monitored on a regular basis.  I hope you find a new doctor you will like and trust.  Best wishes to you. 

Barb5454

nicotianna said:

K level

Hi Barb - What was your K?  This can happen & is easily corrected. Were you on a diuretic?

Nic

Nic

Hi Nic,

 

I don't know what my K is. The onc didn't tell me but I have to go into see him this monday. Also my cancer markers went from 1.7 to 2.7 which scares the hell out of me

Barb5454

mp327 said:

Barb

I don't blame you for changing doctors.  I dumped my internist who misdiagnosed me with a "hemorroid."  Once you get a new doc, I would ask for a CBC, a CMP (which includes tests for potassium level and kidney function) and liver function tests.  Given that you've had chemo and radiation and now renal failure, your bloodwork results should be monitored on a regular basis.  I hope you find a new doctor you will like and trust.  Best wishes to you. 

mp327

Oh believe me I will!!

nicotianna

Barb5454 said:

Nic

Hi Nic,

 

I don't know what my K is. The onc didn't tell me but I have to go into see him this monday. Also my cancer markers went from 1.7 to 2.7 which scares the hell out of me

labs

Barb - My labs are posted on line after the doc who ordered them reviews them.  It's usually 4 das. after being done.  This includes radiology & path reports.  I think that you should have this info.  Ask for copies.

The gastroenterologist who did my colonoscopy diagnosed my rectal bleeding as a hemorrhoid.  He even supplied me with the pictures!  I think he missed the boat.  I do not know the details of your hx (history) but perhaps your internist did not refer you to a specialist when he should have.  I do not think there is an easy test to dx (diagnose) anal ca.

What kind of cancer is being treated?  Curious, 'cuz I did not know what markers are out there for anal cancer.

If your K is dangerously low or high the docs would have treated it immediately.  Monday is a little slow.  If it is low & untreated, eat bananas & OJ (orange juice).

Nic

 

Ouch_Ouch_Ouch

Me, too

Like you and nicotiana, after my initial visit, the colo-rectal surgeon thought I had a thombosed hemorrhoid and an anal fissure. (I was too uncomfortable to tolerate an anoscope.) I was scheduled for a hemorrhoidectomy and fissure repair, but awoke to find that a frozen section had been immediately done and the cancer found. Misdiagnosis happens, unfortunately, even with a board-certified colo-rectal surgeon. The tumor erupted through my skin after the visit, but before the trip to the OR. Therefore, he didn't see that when he intially examined me.

He is the only certified colo-rectal surgeon in the area, so I have no desire to switch horses mid-stream. That said, trust is very important. If you have no trust in any of your MDs, you should find one in which you do have trust.

As I understand it, the symptoms for hemorrhoids and anal cancer are very similar. However, the chances of having the cancer vs hemorrhoids are extremely low, but of course, bear checking into.

I have intermittently had low potassium levels, too, from the enteritis diarhea. I've had both IV and oral replacements, so if it was too low, you would have been immediately sent to the infusion center for an IV round. Since I've gotten farther away from chemo, radiation, and the diarhea stopped, I just try to eat potassium-rich foods regularly. Potatoes have high K (thank goodness!) and the same with avocados (nearly twice that of a banana). I cannot tolerate citrus foods yet - my mucous membrane cells are still too sensitive from my mouth and all the way down. Take the time to see a Registered Dietician for more solid suggestions.

sandysp

Ouch_Ouch_Ouch said:

Me, too

Like you and nicotiana, after my initial visit, the colo-rectal surgeon thought I had a thombosed hemorrhoid and an anal fissure. (I was too uncomfortable to tolerate an anoscope.) I was scheduled for a hemorrhoidectomy and fissure repair, but awoke to find that a frozen section had been immediately done and the cancer found. Misdiagnosis happens, unfortunately, even with a board-certified colo-rectal surgeon. The tumor erupted through my skin after the visit, but before the trip to the OR. Therefore, he didn't see that when he intially examined me.

He is the only certified colo-rectal surgeon in the area, so I have no desire to switch horses mid-stream. That said, trust is very important. If you have no trust in any of your MDs, you should find one in which you do have trust.

As I understand it, the symptoms for hemorrhoids and anal cancer are very similar. However, the chances of having the cancer vs hemorrhoids are extremely low, but of course, bear checking into.

I have intermittently had low potassium levels, too, from the enteritis diarhea. I've had both IV and oral replacements, so if it was too low, you would have been immediately sent to the infusion center for an IV round. Since I've gotten farther away from chemo, radiation, and the diarhea stopped, I just try to eat potassium-rich foods regularly. Potatoes have high K (thank goodness!) and the same with avocados (nearly twice that of a banana). I cannot tolerate citrus foods yet - my mucous membrane cells are still too sensitive from my mouth and all the way down. Take the time to see a Registered Dietician for more solid suggestions.

Don't forget Coconut water

Coconut is great for post radiation cancer survivors. It has as much potassium as a bannana but hydrates at the same time. The taste has grown on me but if you don't like plain try one of the flavored ones.

I recommend buying it by the case and keeping some always cold in the refrigerator. I also routinely had low potassium levels and painful spasms that are all but gone now that this is a beverage I drink at least once a day.

Good luck to you.

Sandy

mp327

nicotianna said:

labs

Barb - My labs are posted on line after the doc who ordered them reviews them.  It's usually 4 das. after being done.  This includes radiology & path reports.  I think that you should have this info.  Ask for copies.

The gastroenterologist who did my colonoscopy diagnosed my rectal bleeding as a hemorrhoid.  He even supplied me with the pictures!  I think he missed the boat.  I do not know the details of your hx (history) but perhaps your internist did not refer you to a specialist when he should have.  I do not think there is an easy test to dx (diagnose) anal ca.

What kind of cancer is being treated?  Curious, 'cuz I did not know what markers are out there for anal cancer.

If your K is dangerously low or high the docs would have treated it immediately.  Monday is a little slow.  If it is low & untreated, eat bananas & OJ (orange juice).

Nic

 

Nic

I agree.  I've never heard of any markers for anal cancer.

Ouch_Ouch_Ouch

sandysp said:

Don't forget Coconut water

Coconut is great for post radiation cancer survivors. It has as much potassium as a bannana but hydrates at the same time. The taste has grown on me but if you don't like plain try one of the flavored ones.

I recommend buying it by the case and keeping some always cold in the refrigerator. I also routinely had low potassium levels and painful spasms that are all but gone now that this is a beverage I drink at least once a day.

Good luck to you.

Sandy

Thanks...

Thank you for the reminder, sandysp. I remember reading at some point about the good nutrition in coconut water, but completely forgot about it. Will have to try it.