Haemorrhoids for years?

[Hegi2018]

Is it possible to have haemorrhoids for years? For the last few years I've have spots of bright red blood on the toilet paper after wiping. Never really had any pain. Sometimes a bit itchy. I recently started having getting a "full" feeling down there. Is it anything to worry about?

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Hegi2018,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. Interesting situation. I would say yes that it is possible to have hemorrhoids for years. You have obviously been putting up with it for a long time. The question as to whether it is something to worry about or not can only be answered by medical professional. The fact that you are saying you are getting a “full” feeling maybe something you wanna get checked out. That is another symptom along with the bleeding.

I look at these things as being symptoms. Some symptoms you can deal with and that's fine. And then there are the symptoms that you shouldn't let go and need to get them checked out. I would think to give you Peace of Mind it would be wise to have your GP check it out. That's probably the only way to get on a path to getting better and not having to worry about it. Is there a family history of anything like what you are experiencing?

I'm definitely a fan about catching things early before they turn into a fight. I don't think it will hurt to have a doctor check this out and put you on a path to knowing exactly what's going on and what can be done about it.

We do wish you the best and hope you will get this checked out. You are obviously concerned as you are posting the issue on this site. And that's a good thing. You're not just ignoring what's going on you're questioning it. It may turn out to be something to not be concerned about and then again it may be something that's a precursor that may lead to something else? Getting it checked out by your doctor will go a long way to getting you the answer about what you are experiencing. Catching things early is key and you are definitely doing that.

Please let us know the plan that you take and what you find out. It's that type of information that can prove to be beneficial to others on this site as well. You're definitely not the only one that could be having these symptoms. But I'm proud you are questioning it and I hope you will get it checked out.

Thank you,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - 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.

[Hegi2018 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Hi,

I have seen my doctor twice in the last 4 years or so, but both times he said it's nothing to worry about as their is no cancer in my family history and in the last 4 years I've shown no other symptoms of cancer. Im 34 years old and he said colon cancer normally start at 50?

The haemorrhoids does get enlarged if I get constipated and he said that is the main sign that it's only a haemorrhoid.

I'm just a bit worried that they have missed something.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Hegi2018]

That is good to hear that there's no cancer history within your family. You are 34. That is young and you have that going for you. And if your diagnosis for everything you are experiencing is due to hemorrhoids, that's fine.

If you look at my cancer story and the cancer story of my family, we have a hereditary condition called lynch syndrome and that makes us more susceptible to getting cancer as our immune system fails to fight it. I had two cousins passed away in their early 30s from stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. The exact same thing I got. At that time, it was not suggested that I get screening. I had stage four metastatic colon cancer at age 49. Knowing what I know now, I should have been getting a colonoscopy when I was 36. The age to get an initial colonoscopy has moved from age 50 to 45. That's in the United states. One of my favorite quotes that I tell people often is “you are never too young to get a colonoscopy.”

You are 34 with no family history. That's great. You have bleeding symptoms which have been attributed to hemorrhoids. Your doctor said that colon cancer normally starts at age 50. A high percentage of colon cancers do occur at age 50 or later. That does not mean colon cancer cannot start before age 50. The signs do say that it is not colon cancer. But now you toss in lower abdominal issues. Are these symptoms that are escalating for you?

You do definitely seem concerned that something else is going on with you. There are other tests that can help you find out if something else is going on. Have you seen your doctor since you have had a lower abdominal issue? I would flat out ask your doctor if you were able to get a colonoscopy just to make sure there's nothing else going on. It also may be a good idea to get a second opinion.

[Hegi2018]

The symptoms have never got worse. The fullness feeling comes and goes. I haven't seen my doc since it started.

I was at the doctor in the beginning of November just for a yearly checkup and a complete blood count test. Not for any reason, just try to keep myself healthy. We always speak about the haemorrhoids and always come up to the same conclusion that it is nothing to worry about.

I'm going to get a second opinion now when everything opens up again.

Thank you for all your time and information. Have a great day.