Possible cancer? Bowel movements

[Rainbow1612]

Laid awake worrying.
For the past 4\5 weeks I've noticed a change in bowel habits.
The first week I had diahareah, I assumed I had a bug or something but I've not been right since.
Movements are now more normal but more regular. It seems that whenever I eat I then quite quickly need to go to the toilet. No blood as far as I can see.
I've also had some stomach pain\ cramps daily in various areas and bloated\heavy feeling.

A couple of weeks after this started I stopped taking the contraceptive pill, unrelated but I'm aware that some of the pain etc could be hormonal. I just can't work out which is which.

I know I need to contact the doctors, I just can't bring myself to do it. I suffer with health anxiety and hospitals etc in general.
My aunty died from bowel cancer that was caught too late 25 years ago so I know I need to get checked, I just feel that I cant face it and I keep hoping my symptoms will go away.

I'm not sure what I'm hoping for from this... I just feel alone.

You develop intolerance at any age, gluten etc as well as allergies. My DP has diverticulitis and that mimics the symptoms of bowel cancer. They all can be managed once properly diagnosed. You need to get checked. It starts off with bloods and poo samples. Both my DD's in their mid 20's have been diagnosed with IBD.

Also things are worse for my DD's when they are due to get their periods and for the first day.

I know this is very worrying, OP, and that the feelings of anxiety are very difficult to tolerate. But really, going to the GP is the best way of possibly finding out that there may be nothing at all to be seriously concerned about. Or of finding something that can be addressed before it does become concerning.

We all have to get things checked by the GP now and then - it's just a good way of looking after ourselves.

Hope this all resolves quickly and easily for you.

Thank you for sharing.
My anxiety automatically goes to the worst case scenario so it's reassuring to hear of something else it could be that is less serious.

Thank you for being kind.
If it was either of my children or my husband that was suffering I would be straight on the phone to the GP. I just struggle when it's me.

It doesn’t sound symptomatic of BC.
you are letting your kids down by not getting this sorted because a/ if it’s IS anything then you want it caught early and dealt with and b/ if it is nothing, or something very simple - you will be a more relaxed happy mum once you know this.
it doesn’t make it easier that it’s so Damon hard to see a GP nowadays - but you have to persist until you do. Then insist on a scan.
in the mean time have a google of ‘no more panic’ a chat forum for those with HA.
book the GP!
incidentally my health anxiety was ridiculous ( I was the opposite - constantly having tests) because I had my last 2 kids late and didn’t want to leave them. Until I went on to HRT - and all the craziness just went, and the low morning mood, the anxiety, the headaches. It was like being reborn! Are you peri - menopausal?

I had a relative die young from bowel cancer.

At absolutely worst case scenario, you could have bc. However there are a million and one other things that it could be which are far more likely. Even if it was bc, (which it won't be), caught early it's one of the easier cancers to treat.

See the doc about your symptoms and mention how anxious you are. I'm sure they could put your mind at ease.

I thought my IBS was getting worse but kept putting off going to the gp because it's so hard to get an appointment & I was so busy.

At the time Dame Deborah Jones was broadcasting a lot about checking your poo for blood. There was none visible in mine. But when I eventually saw the gp & did a FIT test, they found blood in it.

Other symptoms were poo being more frequent & smaller, always feeling like I needed to poo - as if my bowels were not emptied properly, stomach pains, gas & bloating, especially in the evening.

It turned out mine was cancer. And I really wish I'd gone to the gp sooner because by the time I was diagnosed it was Stage 4.

I don't want to scare you, there are so many other things it could be, but please please take that first step & see your gp.

If it was worst case scenario the quicker it's found the better. And also, anything else it might be can be treated.

Wishing you lots of luck.

I went to the GP in similar circumstances. I’d been putting it off for ages out of embarrassment, but it was actually completely fine. I was examined and had to talk about my bowel movements but at no point did I feel particularly awkward. The GP was really matter of fact about it all. I was given a test to do at home afterwards.
I felt so much relief after I’d gone and got the all clear. Go to the GP. It won’t be as bad as you think!

Thank you for all of your kind replies. I plucked up the courage to fill out the form for the doctors this morning and surprisingly was offered an appointment this afternoon.

I saw a lovely nurse, she didn't seem too concerned. She has a good feel of my tummy and said there was nothing alarming but still agrees that it needs looking into.

The first test she wants to do is calprotectin and then go from there.

I'm glad that I went, I'm still obviously cornered but my anxiety isn't quite so bad tonight.

Thank you to everyone that tried to put my mind at rest.

I'll update when I know more.

So glad to hear you went to see a nurse. Your symptoms would fit IBS quite well and it's super common nowadays. The risk of bowel cancer would depend on a lot of other things too like your age, family history of cancers, your smoking history, diet etc. I'd say it's way more likely to be something innocent but definitely a good idea to get it checked out quickly as a sudden change in bowel habits can also happen with cancer. Will keep fingers crossed it's just a bit of an upset tummy phase.

Great news op. X

I think you did the right thing getting it checked out out, but nothing screams bowel cancer to me. I do have a GI condition that can cause what you describe and worse. But it’s very common to have lasting issues that bumble on a bit after an infection or a flare up of issues. And it could be IBS, but don’t let them just fob you off with that. That being said, stress and anxiety can cause huge issues for your digestive system. A calprotectin test is the right approach. Mine flagged up inflammation that led to a diagnosis (of a very treatable condition).

It would be good to talk to them about any health anxiety you have. It’s no way to live. As someone who actually has cancer and is waiting for treatment, I realise now how much time and energy I wasted worrying about having cancer when I was perfectly healthy and should have been out enjoying my life.

Although I'm an anxious person, I'm usually pretty sensible about things and try not to worry until I have something to worry about, although this has become more difficult since having children. I have to give myself a talking to sometimes.
I think with this I have felt differently due to my auntie having bowel cancer and sadly passing away at quite a young age.

I still can't be sure that I've nothing to worry about but I do feel better for seeing someone about it. Hopefully I'll get some answers soon.

My test results came back today and they show 'possible IBS'.

I've been told to try Buscopan when I'm having a flare.

My symptoms have been a lot better this week, still feeling a bit delicate but the cramps etc have mostly gone.

Has anyone got any advice\ tips on managing IBS? I realise it's probably different for everyone.

Feeling anxious or worried about anything can massively throw off my pooing cycle! As can any change in routine.

We can also develop intolerances/allergies at any age. I became allergic to mint and kiwis in my early 30s.

I had similar and it was IBD. Written off as IBS for years. They really need to investigate properly before they decide IBS over IBD.