‘Colon-aid’ the Yeovil District Bowel Cancer Support Group
Site last updated 18th August 2008
Rex’s Story Page 1
My story starts in the May 2003 when I was experiencing extreme soreness on and around my anus. I assumed this was caused by piles and obtained ointment from the chemist. There being no improvement I went to my GP who prescribed another ointment. Still no improvement, I returned to my GP and mentioned that I had lost a stone in weight and he promptly referred me to Mr Kennedy at YDH.
In August of 2003 I saw Mr Kennedy and on the 26th August I had sigmoidoscopy at YDH to examine my lower bowel and I was able to watch on a colour screen. I can recall seeing a mushroom-like polyp waving around and another small bump in the lining and thinking “ I don’t like the look of this”. I was told by the Doctor that the growths might or might not be malignant. He said he had seen some that looked worse but proved to be benign. At around the same time I had an ultra-sound scan, which discovered 2 stones in my gall bladder but nothing more sinister. I also had a blood test which proved satisfactory. On 31st October I had colonoscopy and the polyp was removed and the bump cauterised. A biopsy on the polyp confirmed that I had colorectal cancer.
On the 12th November 2003 I agreed to take part in a trial of open surgery and laparoscopic-assisted surgery using enhanced recovery techniques. A computer would select which method would be used and I was selected for open surgery, which was a disappointment. I had meetings with Maggie Soulsby concerning both the trial and the use of stoma bags. I also met the trial nurse, Louise Evans.
On 19th November I attended a pre-admission clinic to have blood test, blood pressure and urine checks. Also the operation and the risks involved were explained to me. On the 24th I entered the YDH, level 6, for the operation the next day. I recall Mr Kennedy saying that there was a possibility he might not need to make a stoma and as I read my consent form now I see that it says the proposed procedure was “Open Anterior Resection + - Stoma”. I awoke from my operation to find that I did not have a stoma. I was expected to stay in hospital for 5 to 7 days but a wound infection proved to be stubborn and I stayed for 12 days. The wound treatment was then passed over to my practices nurses and they called daily