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is my symptoms bowel cancer

Posted , 17 users are following.

loush
loush

Im scared I may have bowel cancer. I am 42 yrs old and have had i.b.s. for a very long time. 5 months ago my bowel habits have changed. ive been feeling very tired a lot also. I went to my gp in January and got blood tests done. they came back I was anaemic. put on iron tablets. went back to gp few weeks later complaining again about my bowels and she has referred me to try n find out whats wrong. got my bloods done again n im still anaemic even though ive been on iron tablets for 5 weeks. im also waiting on fecal occult results. I bought a home fob test and it was positive so now im even more scared. I haven't seen blood but I have seen mucus. I am constantly tired and feel rubbish. Is there anyone that could give me some guidance plz. desperate

4 likes, 120 replies

120 Replies

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  • loush
    loush

    Posted

    Hi Daffs

     sorry i havent been on in a while. 

    hope u r keeping well.  I am glad u have finished ur chemo and i pray for u that it has done what it needs to do.

    Hi John

    thank u so much for finding the time to reply to me.

    As 4 me, well as u said gp is still dragging her heals.  I still havent had an appointment yet.  I have contacted the hospital myself and they said i should have a letter in the post by end of may so i can arrange a date.

    My symptoms have changed a bit.  I'm not seeing blood and mucus mixed in with my stools.  I told my gp this and asked her could she chase up my appointment but as i said she is dragging her heals.  I'm still anaemic my levels just wont go up but they are dropping slowly even though im now on double dose of iron tablets.

    I feel my gp thinks this is just a flare-up of my i.b.s. ( i honestly dont think it is).. I have never been like this with ibs before and i feel this has been going on now for far to long (near 7 mths)  must be a pretty bad flare-up lol.

    hope you both keep well and i will let you know if i hear anything more..

    God Bless to you both, Loush xx

     

    • Daffs
      Daffs loush

      Posted

      Hello Loush,  Getting a bit worried about you.  Didn't want you going to hosp in emergency, like John.  Sorry you're no better, you have another wk before end of May so perhaps you'll get that letter.  There was an article saying you should get an apnt for colonoscopy within 2 wks.  This I think would be after the consultant has seen you and that is what your apnt is for, isn't it?

      I'm beginning to feel better now after that chemoradio. stronger but having said that, I was a bit wobbly today, off balance and I wondered if it was anaemia (white blood cells).  I'll call the Spec. Nurse at hosp. if it continues.  Other than that today, I'm getting better.

      Godbless, chin up,  Daffs

       

  • loush
    loush

    Posted

    hi Daffs and John

    Hope ur both ok.  Just an update on myself.  Got a hospital appointment (finally)  for tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully i will know a bit more than i do now.  Not actually sure what will happen at my 1st app. been told it will most likely be a rundown on my symptoms, a tummy examination and maybe a rectal exam using a small scope.  I dont mind what they will do to me as long as i now know that im eventually going to get some answers as to whats wrong with me.  So fingers and everything else crossed lol that i have some good news at the end of all this.

    Got to go now my wee boy has got a bug so i need to go see to him.

    i will let you both know how i get on tomorrow.

    Keeping you both in my prayers.

    Loush x

    • TheToad
      TheToad loush

      Posted

      Great that you are getting to see someone at last! All the best...
    • Daffs
      Daffs loush

      Posted

      Hi Loush,  So nice to hear from you at last.  Well, today's the Day.  Very glad you're off to the hosp. Horrible just hanging around waiting.  Please do let us know.  You're prob. going to see the Consul., are you.  I've got everything crossed.Hope your boy gets better soon.

      Very best wishes.  You're on my mind.  Godbless,  Daffs

       

  • Guest
    Guest loush

    Posted

    Hi guys, I hope you don't mind me jumping in on your conversation like this but I was looking for some answers and came across your thread. I'm a 34 year old woman, I don't smoke or drink and eat healthily (apart from chocolate) and recently I've been having worrying symptoms. It's hard to get answers from the doctors as I'm sure you have both experienced so I wondered if you guys had heard anything on your travels through these horrid experiences. I've been having mucus which is blood coloured and cramping pains which I can only relly describe as period pains. Sometimes some higher up pain too but not often. I've had ibs for years and can get quite anxious at times which makes that worse. The changes are really only the bloody mucus but it isn't all the time, like once a week or maybe once every two weeks. My question is, if it was cancer do you think the bleeding would come and go? Surely it would be constant? I'm quite worried. I was offered a colonoscopy but I cancelled it because I became so anxious about having it (mainly because when I went to the pre assessment the nurse wasn't very understanding about how anxious I was over the procedure and when I asked her if it was possible to die during it she sharply replies that my blood pressure could drop out and yes I could die) that totally freaked me out. I probably sound really stupid and I'm embarrassed that I'm so afraid about having it that I'm continuing to live with the fear that I could have a serious problem. Anyway, any advice is appreciated. Hope you are both feeling a bit better x
    • TheToad
      TheToad Guest

      Posted

      Welcome Susie. My wife had a colonoscopy, (I haven't, no time for that!) and she was fine. Just the tablets to clean out the bowels, then an injection to make you quite drowsy. I don't think it's as strong as a general anaesthetic. She came back after a short time dozing quietly and said it was like having a good sleep. No after effects. I am sure they monitor you during the process. You could ask for more info or look it up yourself, but I have found that looking things up on the net can make you worry even more! I am sure that Daffs would advise you to have it done and then you will know what, if anything, is wrong. 
    • Guest
      Guest TheToad

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply jhon, I really appreciate the reassurance. In the meantime it is a long wait as loush is experiencing. Have you heard of people bleeding sporadically and having these sort of syptoms and it not being cancer? 

      Are you all clear now?

      Hoping you are well and thanks again for the reply 

    • Daffs
      Daffs TheToad

      Posted

      Hi Susie,

      Yes, I would advise to have the colonoscopy.  It's the only way to get a thorough diagnosis of what's wrong in your tum.

      If it's not cancer and I hope it isn't, then they will be able to tell you what it is.

      Best wishes,  Daffs

      ps.  The bleeding increased as time went on with me.

      Bye

       

    • Guest
      Guest Daffs

      Posted

      Hi Daffs, thank you for your reply, I'm going to contact the hospital tomorrow and try to stop being stupid about it. Really hope your feeling better xx
    • TheToad
      TheToad Guest

      Posted

      No, I don't know about the bleeding. I didn't have any. Just constipation and a bloated feeling. There was an infection which they treated but it didn't go away so I went to A and E. The rest is somewhere in my posts! Yes, so far all is well. All I have had is one routine appt in January and three monthly CEA tests, which are fine. The next appt is next month and a colonoscopy in October. I'm glad you are going ahead with things. It's far better to know, as you can have problems if things are left too long. 
  • Guest
    Guest loush

    Posted

    Ps just seen that loush has replied so I really glad you have got an app now. These doctors are terrible at talking people seriously. 

    Please do let us know how it goes.

    xx

     

  • loush
    loush

    Posted

    hi evy1

    well i went to my appointment today.  Saw the consultant that will be dealing with me.  I was in the room no longer than 50 seconds( flamin disgrace) the length of time i waitedd for this. well he asked about the bleeding and the anaemia and thats it.  He told me i will be getting a colonoscopy hopefully i will have a date in the next 2 weeks.  A nurse gave me my prep sad .  So thats it for now. Back to the waiting again.

    daffs and John i hope you are both keeping well.

    Always in my prayers.. Loushxx

     

    • Guest
      Guest loush

      Posted

      Hi Loush, I know I'm new to this conversation but I just had to write and agree with you about what a disgrace it is that you had a 60 second app. No reassuring or explaining at all. Did they not even check your tummy? I really feel we aren't treated very well in this country when it comes to our medical care sad really hoping it goes ok for you xx
    • loush
      loush Guest

      Posted

      hi Susie,

      its nice to be talking to you. i got no explanation apart from the reasoning behind the colonoscopy is because i have seen blood and ive been anaemic from january and iron tablets arent bringinig my levels back up.

      There was no examination, no checking of the tummy not even a blood pressure check even though i suffer from high blood pressure.

      I agree with John, i think you should also get a colonoscopy at least for your own peace of mind.  The way im looking at it is, once i get all the tests done then i will know for sure what is wrong with me instead of wondering and worrying.

      The colonoscopy doesnt seem to be that bad of a procedure, its just the prep you have to take before to clean out your bowels.

      Take care of yourself susie and plz do let us know how you get on. It might just be a symptom of your ibs. But you will never know unless you get it checkedd out

      Loush..x

       

    • Guest
      Guest loush

      Posted

      Hi loush, thank you so much for your reply, I know your right and I'm going to call them tomorrow and get it back on track. Feel annoyed with myself that my fear had delayed this on top of the massive delays that are already there.

      I really hope yours is something unserious and you can treat it and get on with your life. Please do let me know how it goes x sending you positive thoughts x

    • Daffs
      Daffs loush

      Posted

      Hi Loush,  So sorry it wasn't very good.  Think you should have ignored him and just told him all yuour symptoms.  I know it's hard sometimes to speak out, but you have to with this.  Learn from your own experiences and mine.  I think that's why.  Well, you have one step forward, you're going to get a colonoscopy.  2 wks is about the usual time to wait.  (I think that's NHS rule).  Just think about all the time you had to wait to get this far, no don't.  If it is and I hope it isn't, things will start flying, ct, mri.

      How's your boy.  Godbless Loush,  Daffs

       

    • loush
      loush Daffs

      Posted

      hi Daffs.

      I really hope it isnt as i jet off on my holidays in 5 weeks time. (much needed break). My wee boy is ok now, thank you for asking. there is a lot of bugs going about.  2 of his friends have also got chicken pox so im not on the look out for spotsfrown.   Having him to look after (he's 4)  stops my mind racing and gives me something else to focus on.

      Loush..x

       

    • Daffs
      Daffs loush

      Posted

      Hi Loush,  Know it's early (but not for kids going to school).  I've been up since 4.  Trying to get this mattress sorted out.  Found an article in the Guardian which is on  my side. Got a sneaking suspicion there are lots on my side, if you know where to look.

      Anyway, you sound so positive now.  Must be because you are going for hosp. advice now.  You sound more stable.  I'm very happy for you.  Don't think the worst either.  Told you about a friend who had spotting, had the colonoscopy and it turned out to be verticulitis.  Op yes, to have that part of colon out and maybe keyhole, but  no chemo.  And all done and dusted.  Godbless,

      Oh yes, come on, make me jelouse, where are you going for hols.

      And Susie if you're reading this.  Lots of people on a cancer website have left it.  Listening to their gps diagnosis of it is this, or that, over the yrs.  Only to be told when eventually they do get the colonoscopy, it's in an advanced stage and you must have heard what NHS are saying "better to catch it early".  You wouldn't believe some of the horror stories simply because it wasn't found until the 'mighty' colonoscopy.  The discomfort of that is minor compared to what it could be.  I didn't have any pain.  Will give you sedative if you're neveous.  You can see from a screen as they do it. Doesn't take long.

      Godbless,  Daffs

    • TheToad
      TheToad Daffs

      Posted

      I agree. If I had a colonoscopy as part of regular bowel screening I believe I would not have been an emergency case. They don't do regular bowel screening yet here, what I mean is that if one is available or offered, it is well worth any minor discomfort, as Daffs has mentioned. Rather clumsily put, sorry. Hope everything goes well for you all. Time for bed again and getting very chilly down under! 
    • Daffs
      Daffs TheToad

      Posted

      Hi John,   The colonoscopy is not reguular here either.  If your symtoms are suspicious (usually bleeding) then.  NHS have a self screening programme and they will give out the kit to anyone.  You take your own samples over 3 day, send it to them and they do their tests. I didn't do that but I called them up for advice and was told they don't always send people for colonoscopy if blood is found. My GP had me give them a sample but for 1 day only and then she came back saying it was ok and I knew it wasn't. I never asked for a colonos. at first, like others, went along with GP and thought it was gastroenteritis. But bleeding was getting much worse, daily and a lot.  Then I asked for it. I was asked at the hosp. on consultation, what colour the blood was, bright or dark and I had both. The hosp did do examination and it was then they recommended the colonos.  Like so many others, I never checked myself when had a poo.  Must have been yr or so.  Nurse at GP's office told me I should and I did, maybe another yr.

      I think most men are a bit shy in this sort of situation.  You never went thru giving birth could be one reason.  Take care,  Daffs

       

    • loush
      loush Daffs

      Posted

      Hi Daffs

      God you've been trying to sort out that mattress a long time. Hope u get sorted soon hun.

      Am a bit positive but still have cancer at the back of mind but i also know the symptoms could also be a lot of other things aswell.

      I'm going to Alcudia,Majorca.cool All i can eat and drink and with some glorious sunshine for 10 days. just what i need.biggrin

      thinking of you all Loush..x

    • Daffs
      Daffs loush

      Posted

      Hi again,  I've just got back from a friend who printed off 2 of  my docs. (emails) Both are from me and lists in detail problems.  Apparently the retailer's emails are not to be copied and I don't know if admissable in Ct.  Co. say want to do another inspection at their cost.  My feeling is problem arose when I woke up in pain after about 5 hrs.  Had sunk down too low  in one spot where I lay on side. No inspector will lay on his side for 5 hrs. to test.  I laid on my back for two hrs and no problem at  all. So I think another inspec. will only delay things more.  Called a furn. ombudsman and asked about it.  They said their inspect. would be same as your problem didn't arise until after 5 hrs.  I'm in a jamb!  It's maqking me ill, can't sleep with worry. I wanted to have nice supportive bed (bought in Jan.).  I'm sleeping in Mum's old bed, very good, but now getting pains in back and thaty room is small and squashed.  Want my own back.  My op will prob. be in July and at this rate don't think I will get this sorted. Said to Citiz. Adv. felt like throwing it out window, she said oh no, don't do that. I couldn't weighs ton. They are giving me conflicting info. too.  One person says I have 6 mos. to make claim, another says 6 yrs. The co. say now imposs. to get wedged between springs, bed not made like that.  and they can't take it away and refund. The thing costs over 600.00, down the drain.  I think what is more important, my health (now I'm supposed to be resting to gain strength for the op!) or winning this fight.  I feel very guilty about giving up, but don't think a miracle will happen.  Sorry Loush, your my shoulder for today.  Thought Trading Standards were handling this, but Cit Adv. and Tr.St. don't get involved with civil.  Just take details.  I need a glass of wine.  Bye Daffs

       

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