Another poo thread!

[grumpasaur]

Today I was out on a bike ride and had the awful experience of pooing myself!!! I managed to find a gym with a loo but didn't make it by the time I had locked bike, ran into gym, explained to staff I needed the loo, then actually found the loo! Managed to get cleaned up and rode home, where I noticed I had bloody mucus.

Have had some rectal bleeding before which GP told me was hemmerhoids. This was about six months ago, and since then I have had intermittent constipation and diarrhoea, some mucus, and some blood. Often I have bloating.

I am 31, reasonably good diet, a little overweight, (bmi 28). Symptoms tend to get worse when I eat spicy food (which I love), garlic, cheese, and lots of bread.

I suffer from anxiety and am on antidepressants. I also just stopped taking cerazette.

Am panicking that I have bowel cancer! Any other thoughts??? Similar experiences? Advice?

[lozking91]

Didn't want to read and run but it honestly could be anything. Don't rush straight to thinking it's cancer as it might result in unnecessary stress.
Have you explored the possibility of a food intolerance, perhaps lactose or gluten?

Hope someone more knowledgeable comes along soon!

[grumpasaur]

Aww thank you! Yes I have been thinking it may be a wheat and / or dairy intolerance, I also get eczema and bad wind occasionally which I feel is related.

I am trying not to panic- to be fair cancer seems highlighted by unexplained weight loss (which I sadly don't show any signs of!) and fatigue, which I don't have...

Seeing GP anyway on Tuesday... It's just scary reading and imagining the worst!

[KatyMac]

If the blood is sort of snotty mucous-y red blood then it probably is piles & unconnected with the diarrhoea

I've been reliably told the cancer sort is quite different in colour & texture

But go see the GP and see what they say - a food diary will help

[grumpasaur]

Tha is really reassuring- you described exactly what it was like- thank you! Fingers crosses until 10:30 on Tuesday- May nip on here to keep myself calm until then!

[IvyBeagle]

Irritable Bowel?

[grumpasaur]

Ivy Beagle- yes, that is what the gp said... Good that it isn't more sinister (although doing a few blood tests just in case), but she said I have to keep a poo diary to find out key irritants... That will be fun. Trying to find a suitable notebook will prove interesting...

[IvyBeagle]

:)

Sometimes its stress related, so now you know its IBS you have one less thing to worry about!

[IHeartKingThistle]

Sounds exactly like my IBS.

[4seasons]

Personally I would push for a colonoscopy to be done . I've had bowel problems for several months and had an agonising few days in June ( diverticulitis ) . My GP sent me for a colonoscopy ( no where near as bad as you think ) . I had bowel cancer in the family and have suffered mental agony for ages. The colonoscopy has been done and my mind is now at rest . Don't worry and fret any longer . Ask about having the procedure . I went private in the end because of the waiting times on the NHS. Best money I ever spent .
Lots of things it could be ... IBS, diverticulitis , ulcerative colitis etc etc. ..the list goes on . Better to get a proper diagnosis sooner the better . You'll probably end up having the procedure anyway so the sooner the better. It's better than all the worry.

[grumpasaur]

Thanks all for the posts.

4seasons, do you mind if I ask how you went private, and how much it cost?

Although I know it sounds like IBS, I do worry that it is something more sinister... especially when GP asks me to keep a poo diary and sends me for blood tests!! I just feel like I want to know what exactly is happening!

[4seasons]

I told my GP I was happy to pay for private treatment ( if happy is the right word in this context ). He then recommended a local BMI hospital and have me the phone number and also recommended a consultant . I looked on their website and read about their specialist consultants then rang them to make an appointment . My GP sent my records to the consultant . All done and dusted in about ten days . Total cost just under two thousand pounds ... this included the use of my own room on the day of the procedure and all other costs .Hope this helps .

[4seasons]

" gave " me the phone number .... early morning typo !

[grumpasaur]

Oh gosh- that is a bit out of my price range! Will consider for future if things continue to progress and I don't get anywhere with the nhs. It's really helpful information though, thank you!