1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Bowel Disorders

22 and stuck between IBS-C, lazy bowel syndrome, or colon cancer?

Posted , 3 users are following.

dwolfe94
dwolfe94

So I'm 22 and I've had constipation (and never dhiarrea) my entire life. But a few years ago I started exercising, eating a lot of fiber, and drinking as much water as I can, and I lost weight and pooped just fine for a few months. Then I started having flare ups where one week I'd go fine, and the next I could do everything the same and be plugged for days. I've since discontinued any medications that might have contributed.  

Osmotics and stool softeners have never helped me go, so I take ex-lax maybe two or three times in a month. But in the last two weeks, I've had hardly any movement other than a few pebbles and soft but very thin stools. I'm so bloated and fairly nauseous, and I have a scattering of pain throughout my abdomen. I have to strain harder than ever to go no matter how soft, so much so that I get a sharp pain in my back when I push. So I wound up taking three doses of ex-lax in a week just so I could bring myself to eat.

I went to go see a doctor and she perscribed me lactulose, but after a week I still saw no improvment. Today I went back and the doctor gave me an anal exam to rule out anal stenosis. The fecal blood test came back negative as well, and she perscribed me an anti-spasmoic even though my discomfort isn't very crampy.

I am concerned because cancer runs in my family and my grandfather has polyps on his colon. On ther other hand, I know I use stimulant laxatives probably more than I should. I have a lot of anxiety and depression, so the doctor suggested I might have IBS-C but she still gave me a referral to see a GI specialist for a colonoscopy. Can I rule out lazy bowel syndrome? Is there nothing to worry about if there's no blood in my poop? 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • ruari1
    ruari1 dwolfe94

    Posted

    My advice to you is to leave the laxatives alone, have the colonoscopy which will put your mind at ease! Healthy lifestyle is always good! Try not to worry so much, that never helps! You have youth on your side! Good luck!
  • kelly58419
    kelly58419 dwolfe94

    Posted

    Its always best to check these things out so Colonoscopy is good. Many people go for a Colonoscopy and its normal. It sounds to me it could be IBS which is bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation or both and sometimes nausea. You didn't mention any rectal bleeding which is good and your only young. 8 out 10 people with colon cancer are over 60. Your fob was normal too do there isn't any real indication its colon cancer. Usually your fob would be positive which indicates your there's no blood or inflammation.

    • kelly58419
      kelly58419

      Posted

      Try coffee. That usually helps me if I'm constipated

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.