One of the tests to confirm carcinoid syndrome is a 24 hour urine collection. The test is called 5hiaa. the level of serotonin excreted into the urine is measured. From day one my levels have always been elevated. As my doctor would say results are on the high side. Serotonin is a feel good chemical. A doctor was once described it to me as your happy clappy chemicals are very high. I believe this is why I do not get down in the mouth and my glass is half full and not half empty. I try my best to keep upbeat and positive. With a wonderful husband and beautiful family such as mine it makes wanting to be happy relatively easy.
The test is simple enough and can be done at home. As long as you remember to pee in a urine pot and then pour it in the designated container. The container has acid in it the last thing you want to do is put your ****** over the containers and have the acid vapours direct themselves at you – most of us have enough problems without adding to them. My main issue is trying to pee and not poo at the same time. As well as reducing the flushing the lanreotide injection has cut down the diahrea from 9 times a day to loose bowels 3 or 4 times per day. I’ve perfected a stance that allows me just to collect the urine. I certainly wouldn’t win any prizes for looking cool but it gets the job done 🙂
I start my next 24 hour collection for 5hiaa in 7 hours time. I’ve been practising my pee positioning all week.
smile each and every day 