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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 3/10/2006 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
my sister in law forwarded an e-mail that is going around about women and the CA-125 blood test. apparently it is a blood test for a type of ovarian cancer that is often missed and/or mis diagnosed as IBS. the patient can experience symtoms from constipation, diarrhea and tremendous bloating (actuall protruding stomach). because the women had more GI symptoms than GYN symptoms it was not caught.
it might be easier to look up CA-125, but i will try to send the info i got if anyone is interested.
i am not sure if it is a hoax/scam thing, but i thought it was interesting. being that as women we have a lot of stuff crammed in our torso, and that we can get all sorts of werid stuff i think it is a good idea to be proactive about our health. i for one haven't had this blood work, i don't even ever remember my GYN ever taking blood from me!

i don't want to cause alarm for anyone, but i feel like IBS is often misdiagnosed, just the way we have all seemed to be shunned and handed a pamphlet...
--bunnybabe
Posted 3/10/2006 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for making us aware of this blood test. I too have never had blood drawn (or even been sent for labs) by my OB/GYN. I will have to Google this CA-125.
If you receive more info about this please share it with us.
Thanks!
Posted 3/10/2006 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
This is very informative... thanks Bunny.
Posted 3/10/2006 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmmm, never heard of that, was always told that pap smears was the best way to detect anything as far as gyno-type cancers, and pelvic exams of course, so fun to be a chick....NOT!!!!

take care
Posted 3/10/2006 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
pb4, I don't think a regular exam will find ovarian cancer. The pap is for cervical cancer and the physical exam can only detect abnormal growths. I think they found my aunt's by ultrasound.
Posted 3/10/2006 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
see, we have a commercial (canada) that relays to women getting their annual check ups (consisting of pap and pelvic exam) as a prevention for ovarian and any gyn cancers so I don't know, I'm sure our screening for cancer is different compared to other countries...I know I have a variety of blood work done as well when ever I go for my yrly check ups. BTW, this commercial does express the possible signs of ovarian cancer, bloating, cramping, bowel irregularities/changes and such so with a commercial encouraging women to see their docs regularly (mind you in Alberta the government has taken it upon themselves to send out a reminder notice in the mail if you miss your yrly exam) so I'm guessing our screening may differ.

take care
Posted 3/10/2006 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
If you go down to "Are there any other tests I might have?" section you will see that they mention the CA-125... this is a website that I personally trust but make sure you ask your doctor.

http://familydoctor.org/279.xml

Posted 3/10/2006 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor never does blood work on me. Some gyns do every year, but some--like mine--don't do it unless you're having problems.
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