Bowel/rectal cancer symptoms. I'm really not coping.

[TaketheTrain]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help or just talk to me a little bit, I'm so scared and by myself for a few days so starting to spiral into a panic.

Basic background is that I have had unexplained stomach pain/cramping for at least 10 months now. Had a trans vaginal scan to rule out anything reproductive related, all ok. I've had blood tests for various things which were ok (CA25 test, celiac test etc) and I provided a stool sample about 6months ago which was ok.

My stomach cramps are constant. Not severe but enough to keep me awake. GP has continuously suggested IBS but I don't particularly have issues surrounding this - a little constipated sometimes but regular and no diarrhoea. Pain and crying etc are not altered by a BM. I have been waiting 9 months to see a gastrologist. I'm now paying privately to see someone in 10 days.

Now I have started bleeding when I go. Havent seen blood in the stool or in the toilet but when I wipe. It's bright red.

I have had piles on and off for a long time (awful delivery of my son 8 years ago) and I think it might be the piles internally bleeding. I'm also wondering if I have some fissures because it stings sometimes when I go and my bottom is sore afterwards.

However...I know these are cancer symptoms too and I'm terrified. I think I need a colonoscopy, but have just read that the waiting time is awful at the moment.

I'm beside myself with worry. I'm going back to gp on Tuesday if I can get an appt and I've got the private appt next week.

I'm a lone parent and 40

I don't know what to do, I can't stop crying.

Sorry, pain and cramping

Bleeding should always be checked with the doc, but the fact that it's bright red is a much better sign than if it was dark blood. I had bright red bleeding and it was piles x

Hi!!
Sounds like you have had lots of tests to rule put anything sinister which is good!! If it it bright red blood then as you say, it is more than likely piles or a tear and a doc can hopefully confirm that! X

you’ve had this issue for 10 m and the bleeding is relatively new? Plus no change in bowel habits- no diarrhoea or constipation for more than 3 weeks?

That in itself to me is reassuring. If it was a tumour there would be blood in the stool sample, even if you couldn’t see it it would show up in the lab. Tumours bleed as stool rubs past them. As pp said bright red usually indicates very low down so piles or fissures.

Try not to worry too much. You’ve had initial investigations, and you have a plan for further checks. Have you had a good look at your diet? Thought about abdominal migraine?

You possibly have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ie. colitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease- not IBS which is completely different. IBD is treatable and containable.

Have you had a stool sample tested for calprotectin levels?

You definitely need to get a colonoscopy to confirm what is going on.

I’m
Not a dr but agree with all the comments above and I wouldn’t assume cancer with everything you’ve already had

However, the stress and fear you are feeling right now is an absolute reminder that this all needs addressing - and you need it resolving so you know what it is - therefore come new year or sooner if your GP is open you need to go for all tests and keep goin until you find a reason.

Do you feel more uncomfortable today than yesterday ? Undiagnosed pain can be a worry.... IBS is a possibility do you have other symptoms?..... Are you crying because you are frightened and worried or are you feeling lonely and a little lost ? It can be difficult when you are alone at this time of year 😞...so you have arranged to have a private health check ? Hopefully this will help to diagnose anything sinister. How were you feeling yesterday?

Your GP is negligent to be suggesting IBS without colonoscopy. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion that can only be made once everything else has been ruled out with camera tests etc.

The pain has been constant more or less for about 10 months. It doesn't really vary much, although definitely worse at night.

I do have a little constipation but more that it's hard to pass, (sorry tmi) rather than not being regular.
I did have appendicitis about 18 months ago, it wasn't removed and treated with IV antibiotics so perhaps grumbling appendix is am explanation?

Also had several gunae surgeries 3 years ago, GP said adhesions from surgeries could cause pain like this?

The bleeding is recent so im hoping it's unrelated and just piles or fissures. That I can cope with.

Thank you for your kind words. I do feel a bit like I don't matter at the moment.
Being in pain for almost a bloody year and then find out when I call GPs secretary for referral to private, she tells me that my10 month wait so far was just to see a gastrologist, not for a scan or procedure, so the potential waits are incredible.
I can't afford a private colonoscopy though, they are apparently extremely expensive compared to CT or MRI. I have an appt with a gastrologist and see where we go from there.
I'm going to get in with my GP too to talk about the blood sooner rather than later.

I'm just so worn out from being pain all the time.

It could be IBD ...which is not IBS!
I have Crohn's disease and get bad stomach cramping (when untreated) but still regular.
Agree that the blood is probably from piles. Please try not to worry, hope you get some answers soon x

People I know who had internal cancers ( liver and bowel) had really terrible, unbearable pain pre to diagnosis, much worse than you describe.

I am years older than you, had similar symptoms, did an e consult, got colonoscopy within 2 weeks, results say all ok

Hi, I just thought I would update... docs found a fissure which was causing all the bleeding, had some prescription cream and stool softener and fingers crossed it hasn't bled for a few days!
Still having pretty much continual cramping though, worse at night which is making sleep difficult.
GP didn't refer me for colposcopy as he said with "certainty" the blood was from the fissure. I'm seeing a gastrologist privately in a couple of weeks so hope I get somewhere with them.
Just so, so fed up of being in pain every single day.

I hope you're feeling better @TaketheTrain

I’m glad you have some answers at least. Have you tried Buscopan or Mebeverine for the cramps? Buscopan is particularly good for cramping.

I totally get how you feel. I have IBS which has been so bad the last few years. I am seeing a private gastroenterologist tomorrow, I can’t really afford it but the NHS wait is so long.

Hi @TaketheTrain just wondered how you’re getting on? I have similar symptoms to you though more blood in stool and changes to bowel habits. Sigmoidoscopy booked next week 😬

Hi Op I have adhesions, it gives me cramping pains sometimes they have told me to try and rest the bowel (give it a break from eating if it gets bad) I had small bowel obstructions from it in the past and needed further surgery but think this is rare. It is good your GP recognises adhesions as some don't and surgeons can also be a mixed bag in how they discuss it. If you start vomiting green stuff and can't poo go into A&E as could be an SBO.