graphic picture! CAUTION

[dogs4eva]

i am very worried something could be wrong. i was recently living in a different state than my family and went to the doctor back in february for having a lot of blood during bowel movements but it started in january and i got worried in february. i got super worried as my father has diverticulitis and have colon cancer in my family. i am 21 years old and a female. i got referred for a colonoscopy back in feb, but had no way to get home after had i went. i moved back home and covid happened so i havent been able to see a doctor since the last time, i figured it’d go away. but its now june and its still the same. the hospital in february said there were no external hemorrhoids. anyone experienced something similar?

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello dogs4eva, It is important to get a colonoscopy. It sounds like you are in the U.S. - I suggest you contact the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and speak to a Patient Navigator. Their helpline is [phone]. They may be able to connect you with local resources that can help you get screened. There are some programs that will cover transportation costs but you would need someone to go with you. It may not end up being something serious but it is best to get it checked out, particularly having family history. You are young, but unfortunately colorectal cancer can strike at any age, even though people tend to think of it as an "old man's disease." Please let us know what happens and good luck. Many people will tell you the worst part of the colonoscopy is the prep that you drink the night before

[Wexford1968]

That happened to me and I have bowel cancer in my family two of my cousins, three of my aunts and 2 of my uncles all on my mothers side of the family died of bowel cancer, I would get a colonoscopy ASAP because if you leave it too late it can spread to other parts of your body, I was lucky the found it early and it was stage 1. I had an operation to remove it, I didn’t need chemo and I am full recovered. One thing about bowel cancer is it is one of the easiest cancers to treat it can be a number of different things so don’t worry too much, but I would definitely get a colonoscopy ASAP if even to put your mind at rest. But the main thing is finding it early. Good luck and god bless

[Wexford1968 in reply to Wexford1968]

The prep definitely is the worst part. It is absolutely disgusting

[lovetao in reply to Wexford1968]

Can I ask if you had stomach pain in the head up to your diagnosis? Great to hear it all went so well for you in the end.

[Taylor158]

This looks like exactly what is happening to me currently. The doctor couldn't find any obvious reason for it (haemorrhoids) so I've been referred for a colonoscopy. I'd definitely try to get that done just to get a clear answer and to get it sorted. I'm really scared so I understand how you must be feeling.

[mondlee6248 in reply to Taylor158]

So Taylor did you get any answers after your colonoscopy

[Taylor158 in reply to mondlee6248]

I'm still waiting to have it done! They said its taking a while at the moment as they are only seeing 5 patients a day due to covid so I'm on the waiting list 😒

[mondlee6248 in reply to Taylor158]

Alright Taylor, please update after the scope

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Taylor158]

Hi Taylor158 - While you are on the waiting list, it is a good idea to check in with the doctor's office every so often just so they know that you are ready, willing and able to come in if there's a cancellation (if that is possible for you to do). Sometimes there are cancellations for colonoscopy's with enough advance notice for them to fill their spot and for you to get your prep completed in time. But do keep at the top of their mind by checking in to see where you are on the waiting list. Keep us posted, too! Thanks