My bum needs your support

[PrayForMyBum]

Flippant title. But I'm actually really worried and would appreciate some hand-holding.
I've been having blood and mucous in my poo all week. Not spotting when I wipe - it's streaked through with it. Some fluid leakage from my bottom which I'm having to wear pads for.
Have other weird symptoms which I'd previously shrugged off - terrible wind after eating, complete and utter exhaustion generally (blood tests found I was anaemic a few months ago, but had been taking iron tablets and it improved).

I submitted the online form to my GP this morning and they rang within half an hour to make me a face-to-face appointment first thing Monday morning.

I'm 43 and there's a history of bowel cancer in the family.

There are lots of things it could be, though, right?

Didn't want to read and run - sending you a massive hug and positive vibes.

You are right that there are lots of other things it could be, not necessarily cancer.

I had very similar symptoms which turned out to be Ulcerative Colitis, a form of Inflammatory bowel disease. Mine is well managed with medication and has very little effect on my day to day life.

Hope your appointment goes well and you get some answers.

Thank you so much. I'm trying to be relaxed and open about what it could be, but it's hard not to stray to the darker places.
I think I'll actually be glad to be 'seen'. I was just quite shocked at the speed of the GP response.

Good luck. Bowel/digestive issues are awful. I’ve been through it all recently and still only been diagnosed w acid reflux!
it could be ibd or diverticulitis but GP will do stool tests initially. They always err on side of caution.

How stressful for you! Even in the unlikely event that it is bowel cancer then it sounds like you’ve picked it up extremely quickly and it’s very treatable usually if caught early. I also have family history of bowel cancer so can understand the stress! You are absolutely doing the right thing and sounds like the GP is too.

There are loads of things it could be, but very good it’s being tested promptly

Main thing is you're being seen. It could be so many things, colitis, ulcers, IBS, allergy, intolerances. Due to family history you can't rule the other thing out and course it will have you worried sick but you've not waited you've gone quickly to the GP. Speed of response is key.
Hand hold and hope you will be ok 💐

It's more likely to NOT be cancer but you have done the right thing and I am glad the GP is seeing you promptly. Good luck, I wish you well.

I went through this last year and it was very frightening. Went to the doctor who sent me for firstly a flexible sigmoidoscopy (aka arse-cam) and then a full colonoscopy because they found some polyps. No cancer. The whole process was sorted in a few weeks :)

Piles?

How did you get on at the GP @PrayForMyBum ?

Thanks for asking @MaggieMagpie357 - I appreciate it. I've done a FIT test, have an appointment in ten days for blood tests and, depending on the results, I'll either be referred for colonoscopy on the urgent or routine pathway.

I did have a pile pop out a couple of days ago, so it may well be that causing all the bother. Fingers crossed, anyway. The GP did take it all very seriously, though, and said that although it was overwhelmingly likely to be linked to the pile, he couldn't rule out other things with my symptoms.

So definitely worthwhile paying attention to symptoms...

Glad your GP is checking it out for you. and you get answers soon.

I had similar.
Colonoscopy showed some diverticular and a benign polyp.