Worried about change in bowel habits

[BonnieBlueButler]

Hi,

I'm looking for some reassurance if possible. I do have quite bad health anxiety normally but it's pretty much out of control at the moment.

For the last 6 weeks or so I've been going to the toilet for a bowel movement a couple of times a day. This is slightly more than usual. The worrying thing for me is that it's looser than usual. I have to go every morning when I wake up and usually have cramping pains too. There is no blood that I can see.

My diet has changed recently in that I'm now vegan after being vegetarian for years. It's not really a major change though and really just amounts to giving up cheese; I didn't eat a lot of dairy anyway.

My mom has ulcerative colitis and I'm worried that it could be the start of this. My main fear, however, is bowel cancer. I've read a lot about a change in bowel habits being a warning sign. I have made a GP appointment but it's not for 2 weeks.

I'm just so worried in the meantime. Anyone have any idea what the GP is likely to do? I'm 38.

Thank you!

Poor you. I'd like to think your GP would refer you to a gastroenterologist especially since you have IBD in your family. But they might take a 'try eating fewer vegetables and let's see how you get on' approach. If you get a choice, I'd push for the referral.

Good luck. Hope you feel better soon

It's far more likely to be the result of your change in diet than bowel cancer

My sister has ulcerative colitis and the cramping pain thing sounds very much like what she used to get. I think it is something that runs in the family isn't it?

Hi op I have recently had a change in bowel habits , some bloating and stomach ache. I'm 38, there is a history of crohns in my family . My GP has taken it seriously and yesterday I saw a consultant who said its statistically unlikely sinister but he can't be 100 per cent so to rule anything out he's doing a CT scan and colonoscopy

Thank you all so much for replying and your good wishes.

I think colitis does run in families. As well as my mom, I have an aunt (mom's sister) and two cousins with it so I must be a good candidate.

VLCos did it take just one GP visit to get referred? How long did the referral take? I'm concerned that it's 6 weeks or so in and I'm going to have to wait a while to find out what's going on.

@BonnieBlueButler it took one GP to refer. I have recently been diagnosed with gallstones and went back with a list of symptoms and said is this caused by gallstones . She said they are not typical symptoms I think I'll refer you for a colonoscopy but non urgent. I saw the consultant on Friday after a 2 week wait. He said he wanted to do a colonoscopy and CT scan. He said to rule everything out. So I am waiting for those. He said I should get those appointments in 3-4 weeks .
Considering your family history am sure your gp would refer you .

Thank you again. I'm really wound up by this today. I've had awful stomach cramps all day and am really worried. I've managed to change my appointment online so am seeing a nurse practitioner tomorrow. She's able to make referrals.

I'm hoping she can give me some reassurance too.

I hope so to let us know :-) when you are worried it's so hard every little thing is magnified