Scared . Ibs ? Or not . Need reassurance

Posted , 3 users are following.

Since May I have been having various bowel issues . First started as small pebble stool with white speckles . I went to my gastroenterologist in June . He was not concerned . He reassured me that it was not something that was cancer ( my constant fear ). I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy 4 1/2 years ago . Nothing found except hemorrhoids and gerd. ( no polyps ). At that time I was experiencing urgency and loose stools . He mentioned ibs at that time .

So my Gi dr. told me to increase my fiber intake this time around . I did not quite follow through . Anyway , symptoms have continued until this past week where my stomach has been gurgling non stop , been feeling less hungry and been having loose stools . I also for some time have been feeling that need to go to the bathroom even when I don’t have to. Feels like something is there . I know my hemorrhoids have been extremely irritated . 

There has been no blood in stool or toilet  just a little bright red dabs on tp which I know is due to my hemorrhoids . No doubt there . No weight loss or though I expect some this week as I have not been eating too much . 

I am scheduled for another colonoscopy this Friday as my dr back in June asked me what could make me feel better . 

So what does everyone think it is ? I know he was not concerned about cancer . I suffer greatly from anxiety , especially from health anxiety . 

Just so tired of feeling this way . Want to feel healthy and not be afraid that I have cancer . I know most colon cancers are slow growing so since my previous testing showed nothing , it is most likely nothing . Would love reassurance . Thanks . 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Firstly, don't worry about cancer. I don't know why people jump to worst case scenario immediately.

    How long have the loose stools been going on?

    The feeling like needing to go all the time is the inflamed haemmarroids, you are correct

    • Posted

      Thanks for replying . Loose stools have been for past few days . It’s been the pain I have above  my belly button to the right ,

      The loose recent stools , mucous and the precious had stools with white in them that have all asses up to this fear . I jump to the worse possibility all the time . I know having had a clear colonoscopy 4 1/2’ years ago is a good sign but I still can’t embrace all is ok. 

    • Posted

      Stools with mucus is pretty common. If the loose stools happen regularly then it more than.likely IBS.
  • Posted

    Sounds like IBS. Do you experience shifting abdominal pain?
    • Posted

      Hi. I have occasional pain . Cramping is not quite as common lately as pains above my belly button ( I’m guessing more stomach area ). 

      So I took Imodium 2 nights ago. Gurgling and need to go basically stopped yesterday . Still feel occasional gas pressure like I need to . 

      Had a bowel movement today which was a bit strained and there was white again in it . 

      I feel like I go between hard stools with white or really loose stools . Just want to have a healthy bowel movement . 

    • Posted

      If you have IBS, your stools will alternate during flare ups in response to diet or stress. The white in your stools could be mucus which is common with IBS.  Have you tried a food diary?  Increae your fibre intake as was suggested by your GI.  When your stools are loose, dectrease fibre.  A colonoscopy and other tests will tell you more.  I had an ultrasound, urine test, stool tests for h pylori and fecal calprotectin and a celiac test.  All were negative.  When all your tests are negative, IBS can be diagnosed.  Since your doctor is unconcerned, accept this and believe and trust your doctor who is the expert.  Ask for the tests I mentioned to reassure you.  Keep going back to your doctor until you get answers. I had great health anxiety for three and a half months.  Once IBS was diagnosed, my health anxiety cleared up and my symptoms got better.
    • Posted

      Will do . Thanks . Have you ever head any red or black specks mixed in stools ? Two online doctors told me not to be concerned , that it’s not indicative of cancer . I have pin above my belly . Wondering if ulcer . Or If it’s just food particles in my stool . Thanks 
    • Posted

      Could be food particles. I have never had this with my IBS because food doesn’t trigger symptoms..  However, everyone is different. If two doctors were not concerned, you should not be either.  See your own doctor for reassurance.

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