Help?

[Lilytownleyxx]

So I’m 20 nearly 21 and for the past year I’ve had and still been having blood in my stool. I’ve started going to the toilet more often than normal and sometimes notice blood clots. I’m too scared to go to the doctors, as a family member of mine had bowel cancer. I’ve been getting awful stomach pains in my lower stomach aswell. I’m constantly tired and can sleep up to 14 hours a day. Nothing seems to help me feel more awake. I was just looking for some help on what to do (I know I should call the doctors I’m just scared)

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Dear Lilytownleyxx,

Thank you for posting and I'm sorry to read about your pain, symptoms and anxiety.

There are many possible reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing, many of which are chronic conditions. However, the only way to know for sure what is going on, and to rule out colorectal cancer, is to get checked out by a medical professional, most likely a specialist.

Unforntunately, we know that there is no such thing as "too young to get colorectal cancer." Colorectal cancer (also called bowel cancer) in young adults is on the rise and it is important that we end the myth that young people are not able to get colorectal cancer.

I say that not to increase your anxiety but to encourage you to see a specialist, as soon as possible. Depending on where you live, as well as insurance, you may need to start with a primary care (or general practictioner) to examine you and make a referral to a specialist.

Family history is important - and you should tell your doctor about the family history. Hereditary colorectal cancers account for about 5% of all colorectal cancers. So while it is important to tell your doctor, the majority of colorectal cancers do not have a hereditary component.

If you check out other posts on our community here, you will see a lot of people who are in a state of panic due to symptoms. Many people do post following their screening, and the cause for symptoms are chronic conditions that can be managed with medication and dietary changes.

Please do not delay. The anxiety that you are experiencing now can aggravate your GI system.

We're here for you and hope you'll keep us updated,

Nicole @ GCCA

[Zeemaj]

Hi Lily ,

I’ve had similar problem, and i was scared too, i had mucus and blood . Change in bowel movement, lost weight, dr did colonoscopy and endoscopy and found nothing. All I want to say is please go see the doctor. Hopefully it will be nothing to worry about.

[Worriednanxious in reply to Zeemaj]

So what caused the bloody mucus? I’m experiencing the same thing

[Moon_maiden]

Do speak to your GP and someone close to you. It’s so easy to think of worse case scenarios, our imagination gets carried away. It could be as simple as an infection but would only get worse.

If you initially have a phone call with GP have it on speaker with someone else with you. This way you aren’t relying on just your ears, especially when you’re worried.

Take care 🙂

[mondlee6248]

So how have you been, have you seen the doc? Did you go for colonoscopy? Do you still poop blood? Can you update