Scared I have abdominal Cancer: Hey Everyone... - Anxiety Support

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Scared I have abdominal Cancer

ag4354 profile image
13 Replies

Hey Everyone,Lately I have been getting pain in my stomach usually under the left rib region that hurts to the touch. I also get pain in the bottom left abdoman and right side of abdoman. I have been super gassy and had some nausea. I have been noticing my stomach has been distended and have been very bloated.

Last year I had similar issues and made a trip to the ER. They ordered a CT scan with contrast and everything came back normal. Just curious if it's possible to get stage 4 cancer in a year after having normal tests? It's pretty terrifying. I don't want to make a trip to ER I'm afraid to get bad news. Has anyone else ever suffered with these symptoms and worries?

Thanks

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ag4354
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13 Replies
SCC1 profile image
SCC1

Hi. You might have constipation. If your symptoms contine, you should see a Dr or you can call him/her or a pharmacist and explain how you are feeling. Maybe they can give you an answer sooner or at least some idea if their is anything to worry about.

I don't know if you have other physical issues that you shouldn't do this, but you can try drinking or eating foods that are high in fiber. See if that takes away some of your discomfort.

But, of course, talking to your Dr, is the best thing to do.

Good luck!

Marysblue profile image
Marysblue

I've had that it comes from being nervous and eating too fast for me. Take some Gas-X and lay on your stomach.

CDanielle98 profile image
CDanielle98 in reply to Marysblue

Here to say I get the same things! I’ve had eliosical valve malfunctioning which can be from stress and tight muscles and eating too fast. Relax, relax when you eat and massage your tummy and KEEP doing it for a few weeks and you’ll see improvement. Lots of coconut water and regular water and good Whole Foods will help. Cutting out fast food for a bit to get you back on track and diatomaceous earth can help clear your gi tract as well. Best of luck. ❤️

designguy profile image
designguy

it could be that you have SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth or food allergies that can cause digestion issues and bloating, gas, etc... You can get tested for it and it's best to work with a naturopath or functional medicine person, they can help with healing it and diet suggestions.

Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943

Relax, the chances of you having stomach cancer are remote. You have high anxiety and it is well established that the organ most sympathetic to anxiety is the stomach.

When we have anxiety disorder normal concerns are magnified ten fold. Muscular tension in the chest becomes heart failure. Headaches become a brain tumour. And as in your case, stomach upsets become stomach cancer. Always the worst case scenario!

Do see your doctor and discuss your fears with him or her. Otherwise you will be worrying yourself sick every day - seek the reassurance only your doctor can give. Then set your sights on overcoming your health anxiety which is part of anxiety disorder. A good self help book like 'Self help for your nerves' by Claire Weekes will set you on the course for recovery. Available new or pre-owned on Amazon and E-bay.

I'm thinking no, you probably don't have cancer but, I suggest you talk to a nurse or doctor. Sounds like you've got a good bit of health anxiety. All I can say is, it seems you need the help of the professionals. I agree with Marysblue here also, anxiety can cause a host of physical symptoms. I deal with them daily personally. Sending light to you ✨️

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT

Dear ag4354,

I'm not 100 Per Cent Sure, of this.... Just maybe 98! You have Constipation, I suspect, quite Long Standing In Nature. I had a Friend, some years ago now, who was convinced that She Had Cancer.... She HAD ALL THE SYMPTOMS- EVERY ONE..... That Was Constipation Too!

DO 'go back', to your Doctor.... Just in Case...... and Come Back, with a 'Case' Of Laxatives and a 'Telling Off'- from the Doctor- to boot!

If you are Offered a Colonic Examination DO 'Take It' but, quite frankly- Your Constipated, pure and simple....

Hope that (sh)It 'Comes Out' Soon.

AndrewT

ag4354 profile image
ag4354

Hey everyone,Thank you for all of your replies. Here's a little update: I ended up going to dr and he ordered a CT scan with contrast. He came into the room and told me that the ct was abnormal but assured it wasn't cancerous. He sent a referral for me to see a gastrenolist. So in conclusion findings.

Diffuse gastric wall thickening

Colon diverticulosis

A kidney cyst and kidney stones.

I am concerned about the diffuse gastric wall thickening. I was told diffuse means it's a big area and dr said it's likely due to gastritis. I'm afraid to get an endoscopy because A) I don't want to get put under anesthesia. B) I am afraid to get bad news.

Even though dr assured me that it wasn't cancer I'm still terrified.

Again, thank you all for the replies. Have any of you had this diagnosis?

Thanks

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT in reply to ag4354

Dear ag4354,

Endoscopies are not Difficult and it is conducted under local anaesthetic.

You are given some Laxative, quite a bit actually, that you have to Take the day Before- yes you WILL 'Poop' a lot! The test itself takes, maybe, Twenty to Thirty minutes and involves a tube being pushed into your Bum..... Don't panic it's NOT too painful.

A Camera then 'Examines' your insides, for any 'Abnormalities'- as the Camera is Pushed Higher. (yes there is Sometimes 'a little' Pain, but Not Serious though- Voice Of Experience here).

Afterwards you are put into Recovery..... to 'Fart Your Brains Out', actually to Eject the air- that was used to 'help' the camera along. (Oh Come On, you get Tea AND Biscuits!)

Really 'Nothing To Worry About', this is probably the Second Easiest Test that I have had 'Done'..... and I have had a lot, over the years (I 'Sound' really Old, don't I?). So No Need To Panic Over This One, My Friend.

By The way, a Little 'Wall Thickening' is NOT a Major Issue and is, in all probability, due to you Continuous Constipation.

Good Luck, my friend.

AndrewT

in reply to ag4354

I've had the contrast ct and found out I have IBS via colonoscopy. It's best to treat yourself good. I have catastrophic thinking a lot, it seems that's what you're doing a bit. There is help though. I offer the best therapist videos on YouTube.

It's about catastrophic thinking and how to stop it. It's super helpful. I wish you the best! Hug

in reply to

It's not working so I'll share the link to her page.youtube.com/@TherapyinaNuts...

I hope it helps. She's so helpful to me.

SCC1 profile image
SCC1

I'm glad you went to the doctor. Even though there are things to be aware of with the results, it's good that you know what's going on.

And, even if you're afraid of any test results, go and get the test done, because IF they find something wrong, you can get it taken care of sooner, instead of maybe missing something and then it might be too late to address any problem, if there is one.

Sincerely, I wish you the best.

stde profile image
stde

When the mind is overactive and anxious your subconscious can latch onto a problem and ruminate...You may be suffering from health anxiety, where others suffer from social anxiety, or financial anxiety (even if they are well off😁), travelling,insects,body etc etc etc...but the source is the same... Anxiety.

See doctor for meds first then try to do or find a hobby which takes you out off your own head ( not a good place to live in...I know😁)....

Then try to understand that an overactive mind stuck in a negative thought pattern is what you are suffering at this moment....but does not have to be permanent....your mind can trick you .. .learn to understand your reactions and trick it back👍😁

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