Bowel movements - bowel cancer?

[Grumblina]

I’m not a poo troll!!

Recently I’ve noticed that I’m going to the toilet more often and my poo is usually on the softer side but still formed (tmi sorry). I’m
Going more often but smaller quantities iyswim.

I’m 38 if that’s of any significance.
No other symptoms at all, no pain, no urgency and it’s not at all watery.

I was following a higher fibre eating plan previously but I’ve been a bit lax with that the last few weeks - could this effect movement? I was thinking the increased fibre would make me go more often than now. If I’m honest I’ve been a bit unhealthy lately.

Only other changes was a short course if antibiotics which I finished over 4 weeks ago. This is also the time of year when my anxiety levels spike and I start obsessing over my health and google points to bowel cancer. 😢

I’ve made a gp appointment in a couple weeks just for my piece of mind.

[MrsMaiselsMuff]

A change in diet and a course of antibiotics can definitely cause a change in bowel movements.

You need to see the GP about your anxiety.

[Grumblina]

Thank you for your reply. I am on Venlafaxine for anxiety but for some reason this time of the year is alway the absolute worst. I’m not even sure that I have a particular pattern for going to the loo, I’m just fixating on checking my poo.

I’ve had a particularly stressful year since April also. Tried cbt but it didn’t really do anything

[Tatty101]

This seems like a pretty over reaction to your symptoms - by all means, see your GP if you're concerned but as PP mentioned, I'd be more concerned about my anxiety if I was in your shoes

Good luck!

[Grumblina]

It’s the google - it says to watch for changes in bowel movement and it’s stuck in my head. Gah

[artisanparsnips]

I've so been there, so many times. My spike is in spring for what it's worth, so I do completely appreciate how you feel.

All you can do is try and sort the anxiety, because otherwise any reassurance will be replaced by the next worry.

When you go to the GP, have a chat about the peri-menopause because - as far as I can tell from my friends - the anxiety is pretty much the worst and most pernicious symptom. HRT really does help, although I'm using citalopram, which is v good for anxiety. Look at your magnesium levels, supplementing makes a huge difference for me.

Also, take some probiotics. The links between anxiety and gut health are so complex that it's worth tackling it from both sides.

[Grumblina]

I was wondering about perimenopause. My mum was through her menopause by 46 so I could be within the age range. Had a few other symptoms such as being unable to lose weight, changing periods etc

[Grumblina]

Thank you for the replies so far they have really helped. I’ve been thinking about going privately for therapy or trying hypnotherapy or something to combat it. It ruins my life

[Poppy3249]

I always have a habit of thinking the worst, particularly as my family are going through a tough time with various health problems at the moment. Autumn into winter is also a dreaded time for me, I hate the shortening days and it definitely makes me feel low. My husband had a scare with bowel cancer last year but not the symptoms you’re describing. Blood, dark, was the only symptom and one that should always be investigated. Go and discuss your worries with the doctors, I’m sure they’ll put your mind at rest. Nb, special diet plans are not a good idea!

[Mumma1984]

@Grumblina I have awful Health Anxiety so totally get your thinking, maybe you can self refer to a local NHS talking therapy - there is one for my local area so I presume some in other areas :) also ... and I know I shouldn't say this but I'd want to hear it if I were u ... u can buy home bowel cancer tests from here if you were thinking a test is the only thing will put u at rest ... https://www.letsgetchecked.com/gb/en/home-bowel-cancer-test/?imp=cpc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItcbnkM3v5QIVgrTtCh0WhgdEAAYASAAEgLL4PDD_BwE

[Grumblina]

That’s exactly what I’m not going to do. As @artisanparsnips said I will just move onto the next worry. I’m being rational and because I haven’t any other symptoms I think the antibiotics must be to blame and I need to restore my good bacteria

[Grumblina]

So I went back to my gp and he’s done some tests. He agreed that 4 weeks was a long time to have loose stools.

He’s done the caplrotectin test, FIT test and bacterial test.

So I’m scared stupid he thinks I have cancer (even though he still thinks it’s the antibiotics)

I hate waiting on results 😢

[LennyPugGoat]

How did you get on?

[TheHagOnTheHill]

If he thought it was cancer you'd be on a 2 week referral.

[Chocolateandchats]

Look up chronic diarrhoea and look into IBS. Does it come after certain food groups? I have both so avoid dairy unless I’m within easy reach of a comfortable toilet. Different things might irritate you. Fibre is a no-go for me too.