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Do I have colon cancer or IBS

Posted , 8 users are following.

scott3857
scott3857

About a year ago I started having changes in my stool and bowel movements. I have always been very regular and all of a sudden I had lots of gas and thin stools, constipated stools, all sorts of small different shapes (sorry to be graphic) and after a few months it went away. Over the last year it has come and gone 3-4 times. I have no other symptoms other than when it happens I feel like I have to go all the time. I am petrified that I have cancer and was wondering if this was cancer or IBS. I am getting scheduled for a colonoscopy which I have never had one. I am 57 years old. I do have an enormous amount of stress in my life.I did not know if cancer would have shown other symptoms by now.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • claudiaUSA
    claudiaUSA scott3857

    Posted

    Been there, done that.  I'm glad you scheduled your colonoscopy, that should tell you alot about what is going on.  I also had the same problems.  They got so bad that I was afraid to go anywhere, because I couldn't trust my system.  My colonoscopy put my mind at ease that it wasn't cancer.  I was diagnosed with IBS however, watching my diet didn't help much.  My suggestion for after the colonoscopy, assuming you pass the test, is to be tested for a possibility of a food intolerence, such as gluten or lactose intolerence which can cause the same bowel symptoms.  Your mention of stress may be the answer to all your symptoms.  You would be amazed as how that destroyes your body.  Try to relax (easy to say, but not to do) your problem could be a number of things other than cancer.  I'm still trying to get my system straight.  Hope this helps,  Good luck.
    • scott3857
      scott3857 claudiaUSA

      Posted

      Thanks for the sharing of your experience Claudia !!  I am really worried about the possibilities of cancer. I seemed to have all the symptoms.

       

    • Cheetah
      Cheetah scott3857

      Posted

      Well, the red flag symptoms, which show that it could be something more serious, are usually blood in the stool and weight loss.  You haven't mentioned either of these.  Also, I think it's a good sign that your symptoms have come and gone over the past year and not simply got worse.  I hope you don't have to wait too long for your colonoscopy as I can understand that you're anxious about it.  The good thing about a colonoscopy is that you will be told on the day if everything is clear.  I agree with Claudia, if you're under a great deal of stress this is the likely culprit for your problems.  So then, you'll have to look at cutting down this stress and dealing with it!  I wish you well.
    • scott3857
      scott3857 Cheetah

      Posted

      Thank youi for the input!! Yes I am very worried right now that it may be something serious. I am hoping you are right !

  • samantha22598
    samantha22598 scott3857

    Posted

    As mentioned above, the main symptoms are blood in bowel motions, black stools, frequent watery diarroreah, weight loss, anaemia, sometimes abominal pain where the tumour is located and loss of appetite.  Also, if you've been referred for a colonoscopy on a routine basis (that is, within the 18 week mark instead of the 2-week-wait) then your GP/specialist will no doubt be thinking there's nothing sinister going on.  Obviously I can't say that nothing bad will be found, but fingers crossed everything will turn out okay for you.  I hope you get the reassurance you require. 
  • lee_ann65204
    lee_ann65204 scott3857

    Posted

    The suggestion of checking on a food intolerance is a good one. I suffered for years & finally found that I have a food intolerance to the protein in beef fat called sodium caseinate (which is in "non-dairy" foods, by the way). At first I could eat 10% fat, then 7% and finally zero% in ground beef. I could eat hard cheeses & no-fat milk at first, but now I just say NO COW! Last year my neice phoned for advice because she has the very same thing, so it may even be hereditary. Also, it may be connected with changes in hormones. My problems started and escalated with each of 3 pregnancies...I carry a laminated card explaining the foods I cannot eat. It comes in handy at restaurants. I hope you can get help with your situation. Don't let someone tell you it's just in your head when it becomes difficult to pin down. Be persistant and be your own advocate.
  • cristina13083
    cristina13083 scott3857

    Posted

    Hi scott3857 I'm not a doctor but your symptoms are more likely IBS .Hope this helps and all the bestsmile

  • jon48796
    jon48796 scott3857

    Posted

    I have found that coffee is a strong trigger stimulent for IBS.  If you're drinking coffee, you might want to try going without it for a few weeks (or indefinitely).

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