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Original poster

Worried about DH-handholding/advice

11 replies

skandi1 · 07/12/2011 23:40

DH has had a big change in bowel movements recently. Lots of loose movement and some blood Went to GP who did blood tests and a Stool sample test.

Bloods came back ok but sample had blood contained in it. No bugs, virus found.

He has been referred for a colonoscopy.

Unfortunately I googled (I know, I know!) and his symptoms are exact match for colon/bowel cancer.

His symptoms do not seem to match any other diagnosis or any other explanation.

Has anyone else had the whole list of colon cancer symptoms (as per NHS website) and it was something else and Not cancer??

He has had weight loss too.

OP posts:
ClapTrap · 07/12/2011 23:49

Crohn's Disease maybe? My Dad has it and recently DH's cousin was diagnosed with it after exactly the same symptoms as your DH. It is an unpleasant disorder and needs managing for the rest of your life with a cocktail of drugs. Severe cases need surgery to remove damaged bowel and most severe would need a colostomy bag. Of the 4 people I know with Crohn's only my Dad needed surgery to removed ulcerated intestine. That was 30 years ago and he is living a full and happy life.
I really hope everything goes well for your DH. Please try not to worry, but I know it is hard not to.

ClapTrap · 07/12/2011 23:51

How old is your DH? Most (but not all) people are diagnosed with crohn's before they are 30. My dad and DH's cousin were both diagnosed at 23.

Original poster
skandi1 · 08/12/2011 00:00

DH is 43. No history of inflammatory bowel disease within his family.

OP posts:
Original poster
skandi1 · 08/12/2011 00:04

And he hasn't had any bowel issues previous to this.

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DigOfTheChristmasTreeStump · 08/12/2011 00:34

Skandi, hand holding and hoping you get quick answers.

Tell him not to worry about the colonoscopy, I had one, for similar reasons. It was less distressing than you might think.

HighHeidYin · 08/12/2011 00:41

Yes chrones. My dad was diagnosed at 65 despite having no earlier symptoms so can happen at any age although uncommon so late on. Not nice but manageable.

Hope you get an answer soon.

HighHeidYin · 08/12/2011 00:42

Crohns even... Pah must preview

exexpat · 08/12/2011 01:14

Ulcerative colitis? I was tested for that after what basically seemed to be a bug that wouldn't go away for two or three months with symptoms like your DH's: diarrhea, blood etc. Was referred for a colonoscopy, but in the end turned out not to have UC and the problems cleared up by themselves - it was probably just a very irritated bowel after a bad stomach bug. Crohns symptoms are similar.

So there are things it could be other than cancer. Keeping fingers crossed for you, but it is definitely a good thing that he is getting it checked out.

Original poster
skandi1 · 08/12/2011 09:25

Thank you! You have all helped relax me a bit after a sleepless night (teething 5 month old!).

Hoping it will all turn out to be nothing. At least there are some alternative explanations although not necessarily nice ones.

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SparkyDuchess · 08/12/2011 09:58

exactly my symptoms and I was diagnosed with crohns - I was over 30, btw, 33 to be precise. Got a friend with similar, and he has UC - no cancer there either.

It'll be fine - keep your chin up and try to get some sleep when that baby nods off later :)

Original poster
skandi1 · 08/12/2011 16:04

Thank you. I should have known not to google!!

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