Freaking Out Lol

[Almondsss]

So its happened twice where i see bloody poo.. I'm so embarrassed. sorry for tmi but i just got weirded out the first time. but second time happened a few hours ago and I'm still here shaking and ended up in this black hole of googling for at least 2 hours. I'm actually not sure if it was pee or poo, but i just freaked out and flushed the toilet super fast because it's never looked like that. Now all these thoughts of constant moments of fatigue and weird bowel symptoms are making me go crazy. (19 btw, and most likely have undiagnosed anxiety and depression. My parents believe that mental illness isn't real and I'm just possessed by demons, we're also not necessarily "close" to eachother) but now all these symptoms are making me think i have cancer or something.. godd I'm freaking out. Tmi again, poo looked fine i think, but water was red and didn't get blood on toilet paper when i wiped. It was also not my period, it ended days ago. I also believe i had easily irritable intestines for years, for example when i have spicy food or anything with milk...diahrrea happens. Also been gassy all my life.. . But I'm freaking out over that too... Guess I'll need to update when i go to bathroom again... Aghhh... This is gonna keep me up all night.

Edit:I'm sorry i get all rambly when I'm in this state and probably making a fool out of myself to random strangers on the internet. And probably not thinking clearly. I'm constantly getting scared due to health reasons Sorry. I'm leaving this here but i need to come back when im thinking more clearly and not panicking

[mondlee6248]

How was everything for you already

[Almondsss in reply to mondlee6248]

It hasn't happened again but honestly.. now that I'm thinking about it, it probably was because of the bright red beet juice i was drinking... Dunno, if it happens again though I think I'd have to go to the doctor or something so i don't freak out again over what it is ahahah

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Dear Almondsss ,I'm sorry to hear about the anxiety you are experiencing over the symptoms. Beet juice has caused many people to panic because it can cause what looks to be blood in the toilet. Has it happened again since you posted? And if so, are you still drinking the beet juice?

Don't apologize for posting - many, many people of all ages, post questions and topics very similar to yours. We are not here to judge, we are here as a support and a resource. We do not offer medical advice, rather we share from our personal experiences. Advice you receive on this forum should not replace speaking to a medical professional.

There is a strong relationship between our gut and the brain and any anxiety or depression that we experience. While anxiety or depression may not be the cause of gastrointestinal issues, stress can definitely make symptoms worse.

There is a great group on HealthUnlocked that you might find to be useful if you haven't checked it out - healthunlocked.com/anxiety-...

I'm sorry to read that it sounds like you do not have the support from your parents on your mental health concerns. There are many support groups online and organizations that offer free or low-cost therapy - perhaps posting in the group I linked above and asking for resources will be useful?

Health anxiety is a very real condition and is worth seeking out help.

If you experience any gastrointestinal issues, or if anything is "feeling off", you should get checked out by a medical professional. And seeking out support for your health anxiety could really improve your quality of life and even improve your physical health.

We hope things improve for you.

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Almondsss in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

I haven't drank the juice since and everything's been normal and i haven't seen it again. Guessing it was probably the beet dye, though If i feel off or it happens again I'm going to the doctor. Also thanks for the support, I'll look into health anxiety because it's caused me a lot of freak outs in the past hahaha

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Almondsss - one last thing - have you tried avoiding dairy and spicy food? Taking an over the counter lactase enzyme (here in the states the brand name is called "Lactaid"), can improve or in many cases completely alleviate the gas, bloating and diarrhea that many people experience when eating dairy.

As for the spicy food, I don't have any tips or tricks on to be able to tolerate spicy food better. If you are lactose intolerant, you will know right away if the over-the-counter medication, which is simply taking an enzyme (lactase) that you need to be able to break down and process dairy. People who are lactose intolerant lack that enzyme.

Maybe someone will have a tip on spicy food (although the tip might be that spicy food and you aren't a good mix....) but I can say that if you are lactose intolerant, many people find relief by either avoiding dairy altogether, or taking the enzyme.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Almondsss in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Yeah, i avoid it whenever possible but when I do have dairy, it just messes me up so I'll look into the enzyme or just avoid it all together in the future, thank you for the info