I had another appointment with the GP today regarding the low iron levels and trying to determine what's causing the iron to be so low ..Well the tests I had to do over Easter revealed blood in my faces, I was faced with a huge decision .there and then at the doctors .as I don't have private health insurance ..do I go on the waiting list or pay out of our fort nightly pension to get the required colonoscopy preformed for peace of mind and to know exactly what's going on .? .Years ago when I was digonised with diverticula disease I seen a really good doctor ,so I've decided I will see him again with this issue ..His nurse is going to contact me tomorrow with a cost of getting the procedure done asap ..as day surgery .. So everyone please keep your fingers crossed for me for a good result Thanks all
I had a similar result from a test which resulted in me having a colonoscopy, they found I had diverticulosis, and a few polyps which were producing the blood traces. They simply removed the polyps during the procedure and everything has been fine since, these polyps can develop into cancer so removing them is a good precaution. It's evidently much more often something benign like mine, so I hope yours is the same Kate. There can be many causes of low iron, my daughter Caroline has had it for years and now takes prescription iron tablets on a permanent basis. Take Care
Kate, it sounds like it will be an easy fix for you. During colonoscopy, any source of bleeding will be cauterized. It sounds minor since you were mostly unaware of blood, so it's not heavy. As far as self-pay vs waiting list, ask the doctor if time is crucial. I hope the supplements are helping in the meantime.
Kate my friend, I can imagine how worried you are about this, but I agree with everyone, find out if this is something that's a time issue, and then make your decision as to whether you need to have it done privately....(((hugs)) for you chikadee..
Thank you everyone for your thoughts .My GP said exactly the as you mentioned about polyps @Terry Page .I have to have another blood test Tuesday so that will determine if the iron tablets are working ...As you mentioned @Ruby Begonia I'm not aware of any bleeding so it must very minor ,but still needs investigating for peace of mind I used to have heaps of attacks with the divticular however I learned what foods to eat/ to avoid getting infections as a result I've not had an attack in 5 years ..it was so painful back in 2002 Dr Lord whom I'm going to see ,was going to remove part of my bowel . Thank you everyone
I hope all goes well and it's just a minor thing with you...as for payment there is Medicaid or Medicare. All you got to do is go and apply for your Medicaid or Medicare card: * https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/medicaid/medicaid.html * https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid-c...iors-and-medicare-and-medicaid-enrollees.html * http://www.obamacareusa.org/get-quo...ve}&position={adposition}&matchtype=b&mobile=
@Krissttina Isobe , Kate is in Australia and I'm sure they have their own health program probably pretty much like the Uk's but I'm not sure on that.
Opps! Sorry. But I found out that Medicare is also available in Australia: * https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/dhs/medicare
@Chrissy Page our Medicare covers us for public hospital treatment, some GP's charge extra fees some accept what Medicare pays ...Most specialists have the option to charge extra fees on top of the recommended fee for that service . Medicare has never covered fees for private hospitals ...or some procedures carried out in a private hospital..those fees are Not taken inti account for my out of pocket safety net fees The specialist doctor I'm seeing only works in private practice and not in the public system I just phoned Medicare as we are on pensions we are covered by a safety net once I've paid $600 out of pocket expenses for any eligible item number under the system I receive 80% fees refunded ,so that's a little relief Thanks for your information @Krissttina Isobe i appreciate all your advise as I'd never had the need to ask about the safety net before...If I had to wait on the public system waiting list it could be up to six months wait ..and yes it's more than likely not allot to worry about ,but it peace of mind
Had colonoscopy and endoscopy last year - blood found in feces. I was very worried. (This was my second colonoscopy). Aside from prep day before it was a breeze and result was fine. Best wishes.
Kate, blood in the feces, especially such small amount that it cannot be seen, but must be detected by test, (occult blood: unseen), is not always an indication of dire future consequences. If there is bleeding sufficient to lower your blood's iron content, that would be a serious issue. However, minor bleeding rarely causes anemia, low blood iron. So, something else may be in the works. Diverticulosis is not a necessarily a root problem associated with low iron. The question presents itself, whether you consume adequate protein, foods containing iron, to maintain an acceptable level in your blood? Are you a vegetarian? Do you eat red meat? Look at your diet as possibly a means to help yourself. We all hope you get the proper treatment and diagnosis. Frank