Acid Reflux, Diarrhea and Constipation for 6 months, is it Colon Cancer?

[kylean11]

Hello I have been having acid reflux with diarrhea and constipation for 6 months now, I dont know what condition this is but Colon Cancer is the first condition Ive thought of. I dont have any blood in my poop but sometimes my poop would be thin and loose most of the time. No black stool but I have been having thin stools. Could it be a Colon problem??? I am only 20 years old. I am also obese.

[Lb_1515]

I’ve been going through the same symptoms! The thin stools are the scary symptom to me. I haven’t been to the doctor yet. I’m young too 24. Hopefully it’s just ibs or something like that. Keep us updated

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Lb_1515]

Lb_1515 - thank you for commenting. I just replied to your separate post - hoping you are able to get checked out and get some answers soon!

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Kylean11,

Thank you for posting and I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms. I definitely recommend going to a specialist to find out what is going on with your acid reflux and stools.

I know it can be scary to look online and see colorectal (bowel) cancer symptoms and see that you are experiencing some (or all) of the symptoms listed.

Colorectal cancer IS being diagnosed more in individuals under 50, and researchers are working to figure out why. Is it because of environmental factors? Or lifestyle (diet and exercise)? The truth is we don't exactly know why more people are being diagnosed younger but it is happening. The best thing you can do is what you are doing, which is to get fully checked out.

If you do not have a gastroenterologist, you may need to start with an appointment with your primary care doctor, it depends on if your insurance requires a referral for a specialist.

I recommend writing down any questions you have for the doctor ahead of time so you don't forget to ask something. Also make sure you tell your Dr. about what medications you are on, some can cause GI symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation.

Please try not to let the symptoms give you too much anxiety, but DO get checked out so you can know for certain what's going on.

We're here for you and hoping for the best,

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Dalph87]

It can be just IBS but imho get at least a blood test and check for inflammation marker values like calprotectin (that hints IBD).

IBS can change the consistency and shape of your stool, you can get flat, soft, mushy and ribbon like stools sometimes, or hard pellet stools difficult to pass.

At 20y old you are way too young for colon cancer but you have to get checked.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Kylean11,

Just checking in, have you made an appointment to see your doctor?

Hope that your bowel movements are improving - it is tough to go from diarrhea to constipation and back and forth.

Let us know how you are doing.

~Nicole @ GCCA