stomach cramps, colon cancer?
Posted , 3 users are following.
hi, i suffer from an anxiety disorder, mostly revolving around health. i go see a therapist, tho now im taking a break from seeing her, since she is on vacation until the end of summer, i also see a doctor every few months, and my next appointment is at the end of summer, and i have no specific date yet.
so three weeks ago, i went to the toilet to have a bowel movement, and then i had a huge panic attack. the day after, my lower belly (the space between the belly and the beginning of the groin specifically), my lower back and the inside of my hips were cramping, and i felt really gassy. the gas and the cramps kept getting better and worse during the day. i didn't think much of it, but now it's been three weeks and almost nothing changed. the cramps slowly get better during the week, not disappearing completely, and when i go to have a bowel movement, it's back to square one. my stool is normal, no blood or mucus, my bowel movements seem regular, i haven't lost a lot of weight, but i just have the awful cramps and the gas. while the cramps are all in the same area, they often change place, like sometimes they're in my back, sometimes in the front, but most of the time they're in my hips
in september i had a blood test that came back clear, and in november i had an x-ray of my abdomen that was normal.
does this sound like something bad, or like something like ibs or anxiety? i'm a teenager, so it's not really likely to be cancer but my grandfather died from it so it scares me.
0 likes, 5 replies
steven47549 cam16720
Posted
If you're extremely concerned, maybe you should try to get into a doctor sooner just to get some reassurance.
I have had the exact same worries as you, about intestinal/bowel issues and so forth, and I have had some basic testing done that was clear. I for sure suffer from potent anxiety, and I've had doctors tell me that chronic anxiety can trigger, or exacerbate digestive conditions. This becomes apparent for many people when they have a panic attack, as many people feel a pressing need to use the restroom in those instances. I also have mild GERD and some of my doctors feel that anxiety is likely the root cause of this condition, since it only seems to flair up when I'm dealing with extended bouts of extreme worry/anxiety.
If this is disrupting your life I'd suggest that you see a physician sooner, just so you can rest easy. Obviously this won't be a premanent solution for you, because many anxiety sufferers will simply find another ailment to obsess over after the initial condition they were worried about is ruled out, but that's where therapy comes in.
cam16720 steven47549
Posted
i can't really get to see my doctor sooner, the health services are always packed and my parents don't want to, they seem to think i'm exaggerating...
steven47549 cam16720
Posted
Considering you mentioned your parents, I think it would be exceptionally rare for a person your age to have colon cancer. I know it's not impossible, but incredibly unlikely and there are many other culprits that seem much more probable.
Try to take solace in the fact that anxiety can definitely cause digestive symptoms, and there are a lot of other more benign things that can cause what you're experiencing other than cancer. When you go to see your doctor be sure to mention all of your concerns. In the mean time if it gets more severe, or you develop additional symptoms, try to let your parents know how serious it is and that you need immediate medical attention.
I know where you're coming from, my parents often dismissed my concerns because I was a hypochondriac as a kid, but going around worrying all the time is no way to live. I hope you can find some relief sooner rather than later.
aga02916 cam16720
Posted
Hiya Cam , just go and see doctor when you can , to put your mind at ease that everything is okay. Probably cause of your anxiety you might suffer with some pain. I always wake up with stomachache and feel sick thru the day. Its cause of stress. But Im going to get it checked to put my mind at ease 🙂if you are concerned you should go, its your health and your mind 😚try not to stress about it xxx
cam16720 steven47549
Posted
yes, as you say, cancer is unlikely in my case. i am sure this is linked to anxiety, as the symptoms worsen when i am anxious. i also noticed that lately i go have a bowel movement more often. i'm a little scared that it's a sign of cancer, but anxiety can make you feel the need to go more often. i am slowly getting over this fear, but sadly it's because i found another thing to worry about. i will get through it, but it's going to be a hard road!
also, i noticed that when the stool comes out, it feels like it has to pass over a lump in my anus. it's never quite at the same place. i have a history of hemorrhoids, so could it be an internal hemorrhoid? i tend to strain, so that would explain why i would always have one.