Within the last week, I have experienced blood with bowel movements five times. After the first time, I immediately made an appointment with my doctor.
She poked and peeked and could determine nothing that could easily explain the blood. Frankly, I was really pulling for a broken blood vessel or a pimple, but no. So, she ordered two tests for me. She warned me that for one test, I couldn't have vitamin C. I'm a vegetarian, so this was a daunting task, but like a trooper, I ate not much all weekend and produced a sample for the two bottles the lab had given me on Friday.
Sadly, there was blood on these samples and I worried. Okay, honestly, I cried.
I took those samples to a different lab, where I learned that there was one more test required - this one was the no vitamin C test. I did not cry. I mumbled to myself and went home to read the instructions for the three-day test. I could eat vegetables, so that was a plus.
I called my doctor's office and asked if we could just go ahead a schedule a colonoscopy. There was blood in the samples I turned in and there was blood on the sample I took when I got home, so why not? The receptionist was quite willing to to do so, but warned me that it could take two months to get an appointment. Of course, I could play the system and go to emergency. I've already spent time in emergency this year, so that idea doesn't thrill me.
My next option is to find a doctor, in the Detroit area who will take me on and refer me for a colonoscopy, more quickly than two months. I haven't been to an American doctor in at least six years. So, I turn to you, my readers, for referrals. If you really like your family doctor, please feel free to share the doctor's name, phone, and address.
I was not going to share this with anyone. Frustratingly, I need to formulate a Plan B and I need a little help to do that. I am sure that this is not a big deal, but I'd like eliminate all the concern that is creeping into my head.
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