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Bowel cancer or IBS

Posted , 3 users are following.

Jade1111
Jade1111

So I've been having ongoing problems for over a year now I first started having problems a little over 2 years ago when I started noticed bright red blood on the toilet paper during bowel motions I was too embarrassed to say anything to my doctor and it wasent a large amount at this stage so I put off telling anyone for a really long time . I finally confided in my partner about the situation and he talked me into seeing a doctor . I made an appointment and my doctor gave my a physical exam and put it down to an anal fissure he prescribed me cream to use and told me it should go away in a few weeks . Well some months went by and the blood was becoming heavier and I was starting to get more concerned so I went to see a diffferent doctor this time who also gave me a physical and couldn't find any trace of anal fissures . At this stage I was getting more symptoms such as constipation , loose stools , excessive thirst , fatigue . She referred me to get blood tests which stated that my iron levels are low . I have been taking iron tablets for over a year and my body still isn't absorbing it . She told me I'd have to have an iron infusion but she wasent sure it would help at all as my iron levels keep going down . I then was referred to see a specialist about a colonoscopy who gave me another physical . He couldn't find any trace of fissures and no heamorooids . Since I saw him which was about a month ago my symptoms have progressed I now cannot pass a bowel movement that isn't loose there is always a lot of blood in them and mucus , I have lost a total of 5 kilos so far without trying and I'm constantly fatigued , I have a feeling of fullness without eating and am constantly thirsty .there is family history of bowel cancer and I believe 3 or more members have had it .I was put on a 3 month waiting list for a colonoscopy and the specialist told me after doing a physical exam that it could be IBS ? I did some research about this and noticed that the information said that symptoms for IBS only show up for theee days at a time ? Obviously I am not going to know anything until I have my colonoscopy but my question is has anybody ever been wrongly diagnosed ? Or have the doctors confused cancer with IBS ? Did you have similar symptoms ? And is it worth getting ANOTHER opinion ? My symptoms only seem to be getting worse and I feel like no one is taking me seriously 

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • anthony10484
    anthony10484 Jade1111

    Posted

    A three month wait for a colonoscopy is far, far too long.  With your symptoms you need to be put on a faster track than this.  Press your doctor, or see another one, and ask as a minimum for a blood test for CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) level.  You may not have cancer but there is obviously something that needs to be looked at with more urgency than seems to be happening.
  • Adldiane
    Adldiane Jade1111

    Posted

    Hi Jade I am so sorry about your symptoms. I am wondering have you had your colonoscopy and what were the results? My sister was just diagnosed with colon cancer but we are in the US and they did her colonoscopy immediately. Please let us know how you are. Diane
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