IBS vs IBD vs Cancer

[Taffeta1981]

IBS vs IBD vs cancer

Hi all, I’ve been having problems with abdominal pain for the last 3 years. Initially my test results showed cal protectin at 97 (would have tested further at 100+) and a normal sigmoidoscopy, sent to gynea and had ovarian cysts, monitored and then surgery found my abdominal wall had adhered to my intestines (2018), this gave no relief and gastro still only giving IBS as a diagnosis. The pain was always on my left but has now also moved to the right (upper and lower), the pain lower right is sharp and stabbing. I feel sick and very tired. An ultrasound 2 weeks ago showed ovaries and kidneys to be normal. I now also have a very painful back which I’m unsure is related. BM go between constipation and lose, sometimes blood present. I also haven’t had a period for 102 days, I’m 36 years old. I am terrified to push for tests as I feel like I’ve been ping ponged around and waiting times etc, especially now with COVID-19. Both my Grandmothers had bowel cancer (paternal at 62), my dad had bladder cancer at 45 and I lost my paternal aunt to pancreatic and liver cancer aged 55 2018.

[Dia89]

You do need to go to gp or your primary doctor( not sure if you are in the uk or USA) and push for colonoscopy.. I’m afraid that’s the only way to make sure it’s not a cancer and then you can keep investigating further.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello Taffeta1981, thank you for reaching out and I'm sorry for what you are going through. I agree with Dia89's advice - you'll need to see a specialist and push for a colonoscopy. There may also be some genetic testing that should happen given your family history with cancer.

I know it is a delicate balance between trying to keep safe and away from exposure to COVID-19, but given your symptoms and family history, I would recommend that you advocate to get a colonoscopy and take whatever precautions that can be taken to try to remain COVID-19 free.

Please know that we're here for you and keep us updated.

[Baksoc]

Hi! I'm sorry ypure going through this. It's scary when things like this happen. Your talk of adhesion makes me think maybe endometriosis could be part of the problem. Have you asked you docabout that? It cause horrible cramping, lower back pain, adhesions, and at times blood in stool depending on where they adhesions are. And with the ovarian cysts and tiredness it or poc could be part of the diagnosis for you. So maybe check in with you OBGYN too.

[Taffeta1981 in reply to Baksoc]

My surgery in 2018 showed no signs of endometriosis, it was investigative surgery to look for endometriosis but they just found multiple adhesions and removed as much as they could, no mention of POC?

[kmd026]

Are you taking birth control?

[Taffeta1981 in reply to kmd026]

Yes I am on the mini pill, I’ve been on it for 5 years and always had regular periods up until they vanished in March, 5 negative pregnancy tests and doc did a sample too.