Worried: change to bowel habits

[Worryingbowel]

I’ve had a change to my bowel habits for over six months. My stools were always regular, one daily. After having two pregnancies (and massive babies) I sometimes had a bit urgent need for a poo but never had any accidents.

Then round December, I started having thin and frothy poos, waking me up in the morning from sleep, pooing 3 times in the morning also with cramps. GP ran tests and couldn’t find anything abnormal, said to keep an eye on it. Now 7 months later I’ve still got the symptoms, until one week ago when I’ve become quite constipated despite plenty of fibre and fluids. I’m quite worried and GP has referred me for a coloscopy but it won’t be for several weeks. Does this sound quite worrying?

Hi @Worryingbowel
i work in a hospital and have done colorectal admin
Try not to panick

There is a special pathway for these symptoms it’s the 2 week wait rapid access pathway and you need to ask your GP to upgrade the referral and you also need to have a full blood count as a matter of urgency. Once they’ve got this they will see you within a 2 week timeframe. If you have been put on this pathway and they’ve said “several weeks” you need to escalate to PALS or attend your local A&E and ask to be seen. I hope you get an appointment soon.

A change in bowel habits can be all sorts of things please don’t think the worse but it is important you get checked ASAP.

This sounds like typical IBS. I wouldn't be overly worried but always best to know for sure. Have you done a stool sample test? As that is a marker for the big C however again many reasons you cd have blood in your stool. I've been through similar and all clear,I hope to have put your mind at ease a little.