Slightly worried I might have rectal cancer

[ProblemBum]

I am not the poo troll...whatever that is but have seen mentioned previously. I'm worried and looking for reassurance.

Always been regular with no bowel issues. Since July increasing constipation

I visited the GP who said I have piles. (Was expecting to be told it was a fissure) internal and external. Prescribed an ointment which can only be used for 7 days. So I'm now nearly 3 weeks on with no change and have been using the ointment when desperate and anusol suppositories as well. Pain most days especially if I've used the loo.

Diet is pretty good. Every day I have either yoghurt or porridge with chia and flax and fresh fruit/prunes or apricot. I drink at least 2L of water along with cups of tea and coffee.

I use senna at night if I've gone 2 days without the loo. I use laxido in the daytime. (Never ever needed this until recently) Despite this I'm still struggling to poo. It feels as if I'm giving birth.

Why has my bowel changed habit and what can I do? Is this just normal bowel habit if you have piles? Going back to the GP if I can get an appointment.

Close family member died of bowel cancer age 37 so it's on my mind. I'm hoping you all tell me its a result of piles.. I'm frightened, embarrassed and a bit desperate to resolve.

@ProblemBum, have you got a appointment yet? Please let us know how you get on.

I went to the gp with changed bowel habits - different symptoms to yours. She thought probably ibs age, thyroid or peri related but said she would try and refer me on the 2 ww to rule out something more sinister. The 2 ww is for cancer I think but doesn’t mean it’s always the outcome. I had a colonoscopy within 2 weeks but everything was clear.

Yes to glycerine suppositories instead of laxatives. Products like senna just fly through the bowel so it kind of gets lazy. So when you stop the senna you can have rebound constipation which you don't want. Glycerine is a much more gentle approach and they work really well.

@Greysowhat, it doesn’t sound as if OP would be able to use suppositories at the moment, for a couple of reasons.

Just had FIT results- normal so I'm really reassured. No appointment yet.
I can use suppositories and have been doing (anusol) for the haemorrhoids they told me I had. Only used them when I had any pain which was probably a fissure. The pain is very minimal. Last year it was excruciating which is why I suspected a fissure then...I've stopped using them now.
The FIT result has completely reassured me re cancer and I don't want to hear any stories of it not being accurate 🙉 (if that is even true)

Thanks for telling us, and best wishes for a reassuring appointment.