Really worried think there is something wrong with me!

[ImuststopdrinkingBlossomhill]

Have suffered with constipation on and off for years. Have alos bled slightly when I have gone to the toilet for about 3/4 years because of this. Went to gp and she examined me and said I had piles internally from childbirth (oh the benefits of being a mum) and not to worry.
I am just so worried that it could be the big C. My friend who works in a hospicew said that if it was and I had been bleeding for that long 1 - I wouldn't be putting on weight and 2 - it would have got a lot worse and I would probably not be around if it was left untreated for so long.
I just feel so scared as I have also been having pains in my left hand side which the gp said was connected to constipation. Should I trust my gp's judgement?
Oh and sorry it's a bit of a personal post but I really needed to talk to someone . Dh just dismisses me and says I am worrying over nothing.
I am just really worried and scared

[anorak]

Blossom, if this happened to me I would go and have a colonic. The therapists examine the colour and texture and can tell you a lot from that. Sorry to be graphic.

[mummylonglegs]

Bh, I'm a hypochondriac too. Just now for instance I've had a flu virus which has gone on and on and left me with a continual cough. Because I've smoked on and off all my life though given up since pregnant (over 3 years ago now, dd's 2.5) I started suspecting lung cancer. I know it sounds daft and dp actually laughed when I told him. But I've spent a couple of weeks mentally visiting my own funeral and imagining my horrible, slow, pointless death and driving myself crazy.

If it's any consolation re. your worries, and this is going to be straightforwardly graphic, if you pass very bright red blood and especially if it's on the toilet paper rather than in the toilet, the likelihood is that it's very close to the anus. And if your GP has actually felt that you have piles and this is a long term thing with no weight loss, low left-hand sided pain, no change in appetite etc. I think you can put your mind at rest. As best you can of course!

My Ex dh's mum and grandmother both died of cancer of the colon a year apart from each other. In both cases it was very quick, from the moment they started getting diarrhea and constipation constantly alternating with pain and bleeding, and were then diagnosed they had died within 3 months.

I'm intending this to be reassuring rather than scary.

Incidentally I think I've become SO much more afraid of being seriously unwell since becoming a mother. It's the thought that you're so needed and so responsible and that without you everything will fall apart.

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[jamiesam]

To be reassuring in a different way, my dad and step-mum had colon cancer, treated (operated) very succesfully and both happy and healthy five plus years down the line.

Can't remember all the symptoms, but remember my dad talking about the extremely unpleasant taste in his mouth, which turned out to be a classic symptom.

As for blood when you go to the loo, I've had that on and off for years, but no constipation or other symptoms (and started pre-baby) so presume it could be down to lots of things and never really worried (have recently had internal investigations for consequences of third degree tear iykwim, and Dr didn't spot anything that I didn't know about?!?)

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[ImuststopdrinkingBlossomhill]

Thanks Secur. I am sure dd will be fine xxx

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories with me - much appreciated.

Mummylonglegs - yes i do have all of those symptoms so should know that it's okay. Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me though

[Cod]

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[ImuststopdrinkingBlossomhill]

Thanks Cod

[Cod]

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[ImuststopdrinkingBlossomhill]

That is the problem there are so many minor ailments that share symptoms of more sinister ones!

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[ImuststopdrinkingBlossomhill]

Hi Secur

Yes my old gp was aware as I had some counselling to try and help. One of the bits of advice , which I still stick to, is not to read take a break, woman, womans own, bella etc. As 9 times out of 10 there would be a story about someone ill/dying etc and it would be enough to trigger me off again!

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[ImuststopdrinkingBlossomhill]

Thanks You too! xxx