Literally depressed

[Berry83]

So I've been having bouts of a bloody stool once in a while. At times with some sharp pain. Initially I associated it with ginger uptake, but have learnt it could be colon cancer. Have not been to a doctor yet, but slowly getting into depression

[Cowgirl20]

Hi Berry83. Bleeding like that can be scary. Do you have a doctor that you go to? It could be a lot of different things. It would be a good idea to talk to a doctor about your symptoms. They may be able to help you figure out what is really going on and help you. I’m sorry you are going through this stress.

[Berry83 in reply to Cowgirl20]

I'm going to see a GP today, my options are not as clear since I'm in Zimbabwe where the healthcare system is totally in shambles

[Cowgirl20 in reply to Berry83]

I hope you get some answers today Berry83. I have had Intermittent bleeding and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis Many years ago. Thinking of you.

[herbert16 in reply to Cowgirl20]

? With UC losing unexplained weight always a symptom?

[Cowgirl20 in reply to herbert16]

Hi Herbert16-Not always but sometimes.

[Ellie12312345]

Hi berry. I had a bout of bleeding and went straight to my doctor who referred me to have a colonoscopy which you will see on my previous posts I had done on Monday this week. And all ok as I have Diverticula which is apparently common in people over 50 but not colon cancer which I had worked myself up to thinking it was ! Please just go to your doctor because the worrying is the Absolute worst thing you can do and there’s far more chance that it is nothing at all serious and you can then get on with your life.

[Berry83 in reply to Ellie12312345]

Thank goodness you are ok, will feedback later on today

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello Berry83,

Thank you for posting and I'm sorry to read about what you are going through. I recommend that you seek out an appointment with a doctor to discuss the blood in the stool and pain, as well as seeking mental health support regarding depression.

You reference the healthcare system below, even more of a reason to contact a doctor ASAP if it may take a long time to get an appointment.

If your pain level or bleeding increases too much, you may need to seek emergency care at the hospital.

Please try to get an appointment and keep us updated.

We're here for you.

~Nicole @ GCCA.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Berry83,

How did the appointment with your doctor go? Remember that we're here for you and hoping for the best. Please share an update when you can.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Berry83 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Saw a GP last Tuesday. When I explained some of the other symptoms (mushy stool) she said it could be h-pylori. Since no colonoscopy could be done at the moment I got a prescription and started on pylobact. It's day 5 now

Stool has normalized in color, and texture now looks solid, buuut.. its narrow and I hear that's not a good sign

Just now I have woken up with a sharp side pain, left side lower abdomen, sort of extends to the back. I feel movement in my colon, and am passing gas

[Dalph87]

I don't think you have cancer but it could be Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) at least try to get a blood test and check for inflammation markers like calprotectin.

You say your stool is narrow but how narrow? It has to be pencil thin to be concerning.

If you wake up at night often due to pain, chances are it might be IBD.