Terrified I have bowel cancer

[GoldPaperStars]

Looking for some reassurance or a handhold maybe.

A couple of weeks ago I had what I thought was an upset stomach. The next day I went about half a dozen times and the day after that I spent the whole day rushing to the loo thinking I needed to go but nothing came out. Since then I’ve been going a couple of times a day with quite loose movements. In addition to this there has been blood when I wipe (not every time). I’ve had occasional blood since I was a teenager, so it’s not new, although that’s always been after constipation. I also have low level discomfort on the lower right of my stomach. I’ve had tailbone pain for a few months too.

I’m absolutely terrified that it’s bowel cancer. I spoke to my GP on the phone and she was reassuring, but wants to see me at the end of next week for an examination.

I have an 11mo DS and fluctuating PND which I also spoke to the GP about. I do tend to get an upset stomach when I’m anxious about something and my GP has suggested that this could be contributing. I’m sure that it might be, but I’ve been anxious before without it resulting in these symptoms.

Realistically I know I can’t know anything until next week, but I’m in bits and so worried. I’m doing my absolute best to keep as calm as possible but my reserves were already low and I keep thinking that there’s a chance I might not see my little boy grow up.

If anyone could reassure or hand hold I’d be so grateful.

I was put on the acceleration program for bowel cancer. Basically they triage you to the top of the list.
I am only 36
I was seen within 2 weeks and had my colonoscopy. Those 2.weeks were absolutely horrendous emotionally.
Luckily it was not bowel cancer.

What is your GP actually putting into action though? They need to refer you for a colonoscopy. You must push this.

Have you had a blood test? With the placement of those pains it sounds a bit like coeliac disease. I had similar symptoms and got diagnosed with that. Its bascially an allergy to gluten and wheat. It can occur at any point in your life.

Obviously you won’t know until you get it checked out, but my FIL was diagnosed late stage bowel cancer over 20 years ago, the only symptom he had was dark blood in stools, no pain whatsoever.

I have ulcerative colitis - they should be able to tell if it's that or Crohn's from a blood test, stool sample and then a camera up your bottom x

A hand hold for you OP. sending you positive thoughts.

Sending you a reassuring , OP xxx

Hiya chick
I completely understand how terrified you are. I’m having very similar symptoms on and off, apart from the toilet trouble. I even found a lump a few weeks ago which I’ve had checked out and wasn’t anything to worry about. Is it constant the pain in your tail bone? I’m asking because I’m also quite tender in that area but I’ve put that down to where I’ve had an epidural, even though it was 15 months ago. Gross I know but I’ve had recurring piles too since child birth which can cause bleeding/discomfort, could be something like that? You’ve got me thinking I should speak to my GP about this too now.
I really hope it’s nothing serious xx

To be honest I think you would get bloating or a full feeling most of the time and cramps. Have you lost weight. You don't always get blood with bowel cancer it may be piles? You may have an intolerance.

I understand how you feel as I was afraid of the same thing, my symtoms are pretty alarming and it is now lasting more then 1 year , change in bowel movement , diarrhea loose stools, urgency , had blood when I wipe on few occasions . Ask to be referred to do all tests and colonoscopy, this will clear your fears . I finally got my peace after having a colonoscopy , bleeding was from hemmaroids. I still have issues , but now I know is not bowel cancer .

Sandsea - I have had a lot of changes in bowel movements for the last 6 months - I am on the waiting list for a colonoscopy and during this time I have also been diagnosed with gallstones.

Can I ask have they suggested to you what could be causing your symptoms or have they just advised the colonoscopy was clear?

lostandfound55 - they just discharged me saying that no follow upis required, noone explained me what is causing this , I started to get all these symtoms approx 2 months after having a baby via c - section. I almost never have a normal bowel movement is always either loose either in weird shape, but predominantly diarrhea and the urgency is that I need to go now ! I mentioned them a gallblader but I have no pain , plus my liver function tests are clear. I dont know what is causing this, but symtoms are here and is definitely not bowel cancer

lostandfound55 - forgot to add , your gallstones can be blamed for diarrhea and changes of bowel movements as these two are connected

I often get tailbone pain when I am constipated, even just a little. I also get stomach pain in my lower right abdomen. Constipation can also cause diarrhoea. I get it because I have IBS which in my case is triggered by fructans (in some fruits, wheat, rye, onions, garlic), lactose (in cow's milk) and stress. I went through a whole rigmarole 2 years ago of coeliac, crohns tests only to end up seeing a dietician with this diagnosis of ibs.
Seeing your GP is the best thing you can do, but please do remember that your symptoms can be caused by a large number of very treatable things. It's completely understandable to worry but try not to let it take over.

Try not to worry @GoldPaperStars although I know it's easier said than done. I'm screened regularly due to family history and my consultant always tells me there can be lots of reasons for any symptoms that crop up.

One thing to check is if the blood is fresh or dark - I always understood that bright red often means something like piles or a tear post constipation.

Might be worth seeing if you can get an earlier appointment to put your mind at ease.

Personally I would go to GP. The advert on TV that advise symptoms to me are text book not everyone is the same. Personally I would say weightloss plus feeling really bloated is a symptom however its also a symptoms of many other things. I would not say its blood that comes later. Sometimes there is no blood. Instead of worrying go to GP if your GP takes no notice go to another one.

I have recently had bright red blood on poo - turns out I have quite bad piles.

Previously when I have had a stomach bug, I know personally it takes my stomach about 2/3 weeks to recover, and I have diarrhoea on and off whilst it does.

Best of luck Op