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Worried I have Bowel/Colon Cancer! :/

Posted , 5 users are following.

jay53812
jay53812

Hello People!

Sorry for the long post in advance but I feel I need to vent somwhere.

I’m a 26 year old Male, normally healthy albeit slightly overweight (fatherhood for you) & I’ve been suffering from bowel issues for the past 3 weeks.

This all stemmed from about 4 weeks ago, where initially I thought I was suffering from a heart attack - due to chest pains etc. I’d been to A&E and doctors and had tests done which all came back clear and I felt reassured! 

But then this is where the bowel issues started and have been plaguing me daily for the past 3 weeks. It all started when I noticed a small amount of fresh bright red blood on the toilet paper after wiping! So of course I googled it and was met by hundreds of posts about bowel/colon cancer! So that was me convinced I had it. 

So, over the past three weeks I have had multiple symptoms which cause me to be alarmed it could be bowel/colon cancer..

Firstly my bowel habits seem to have changed.. I am finding that I go to the toilet for a bowel movement in the morning (15 minutes after waking) then will normally go again 2-3 times in the morning. I will then go maybe another 1 or 2 times the rest of the day! I also have had bright red blood numerous times on the toilet paper when wiping (however my anus has been very sore lately, burning/stinging with and after bowel movements) - I also ‘think’ I have seen blood in my stool - I haven’t investigated thoroughly though lol! - but I have read certain foods can do this. My stools do seem looser in the morning then they do later on in the day.. 

Before this all started and due to my heart attack scare - I started monitoring my calories intake and decided to try and lose some weight.. I have lost 8/9lbs over the 4 weeks (don’t know if this is due to diet changes or due to ‘bowel/colon cancer’) 

My stomach also seems to be making a lot of noises (more noticeable to me) like a gurgling sound in gut? 

I sometimes feel a sort of pressure feeling near anus? And have had a lot more flatulence lately it seems.

I have also gone to have a bowel movement a few times and only been able to pass wind with some clear mucous?  And I have also felt a bit nauseas since this all started!

I don’t seem to have lost my appetite as I can still eat food easily and I do get hungry a lot! I don’t really feel bloated either!

I have contacted my GP who arranged blood tests which I had done on Thursday and should be able to get results this week! (Dreading it may show anemia as this is a big red flag for them cancers) rolleyes 

Just need some advice and support from people who have suffered this also? And any help from anyone would be massively appreciated!

Sorry for the long post again!

Thanks! 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Tracypo
    Tracypo jay53812

    Posted

    Hi Jay, I had same problem starting in 2012 had tests no cancer just anal fissures and piles and IBS symptoms I take mebeverine for IBS and eat healthier a lot of the time and have 1 laxido at night all prescribed by my doctor. the soreness might be a anal cut through constipation they bleed pretty badly I used to find the toilet awash with blood and though I would die, but very well now.

    Tracy.

  • Dracula
    Dracula jay53812

    Posted

    Hi ! Sorry that you have been unwell.   The trouble with the Net is that it comes up with really the worst kind of diagnosis.   Please try not to worry as you it's very possible that you don't have bowel cancer .   I have mucus and sometimes blood.   The way you do.  I was rushed to ER in April and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis .  Wait until your blood test results .  Ask your doctor for colonoscopy so they can see what is wrong .  Remember what you have read on the internet is not a medical diagnosis for your personal condition . 

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 jay53812

    Posted

    Colon cancer is rare in young people; that is the first thing to remember.   Googling your symptoms causes health anxiety and is likely to give you an inaccurate diagnosis.  Trust your doctor's opinion and your test results instead. Try not to speculate on what your test results will show because they may show nothing or something that is not sinister and can be successfully treated or cured.

    Lots of negative tests are good news. If you are dieting and anxious, both these things can cause you to lose weight. So your weight loss can be explained. If it was rapid and unexplained, you would have more to worry about.  Fresh, bright red blood is characteristic of haemorrhoids and fissures. It is also possible it is not blood but undigested food such as tomatoes or peppers  or a red food dye.  Try a food diary to monitor what you are eating to see if it is food particles. 

    I fell into the google trap when no doctor could diagnose me for three an a half months.  I thought doing my own research would give doctors more to work on but instead it gave me severe anxiety, panic and despair.  In the end I was diagnosed with IBS.  I had four different types of stomach pain that moved about: stabbing, dull, deep seated and sore to touch.   I alternated between constipation and loose, urgent stools,  and had back pain and nausea though I did not lose my appetite.

    Try not to panic; it will make your symptoms worse.  Concentate on the alternative, more reassuring explanations I have outlined. Bowel habit change and bleeding do not always point to bowel cancer.

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