38M Colon Cancer concerns

[Dcast5]

Hello,

I’ve been having some bowel inconsistencies for a couple years now, never saw or noticed any bloody stool or blood anywhere but I always feel tired and defeated from the time I wake up and I feel this huge pulse in my mid stomach, also have frequent headaches and back pain.

Recently I have been having some stomach bloating and light pain on both sides of my inner stomach/ lower back sides.

I go to the restroom a min of 2 times a day, sometimes they are really small stools like they are getting forced out, other times they are bigger more full shredded style stools (sorry for details).

i appreciate any feedback.

Sending prayers for anyone dealing with colon cancer or any other health problems.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Dcast5,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to hear you been having these issues, especially for a couple of years. I would say it would be a good idea to get things checked out. Especially when you're dealing with anything abdominal pain wise. It's definitely not going to hurt to know what's causing these symptoms and it'll also give you some Peace of Mind. There are a lot of different things that could be causing this, and your doctor should be able to narrow things down for you.

Personally, I'm a stage 4 colon cancer survivor. I did ignore some symptoms and one of them was abdominal pain. I don't remember having blood in my stool, but there could have been and just not noticeable. I definitely had some changes in bowel habits. Given that, I'm a big advocate about getting early detection, screening, and not ignoring things.

We do wish you the best in finding answers to what you're experiencing. There could be a lot of different reasons for the symptoms you are seeing. I would definitely be on the safe side and get them checked out as you have had this for a couple of years now. It would be best to know exactly what's causing it. I would also write down any other symptoms you may be having as well so you'll be sure to cover this with your doctor. Another thing to think about is if there is a hereditary aspect of disease in your family. All good things for the doctor to know.

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.

[Dcast5 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

thank you for the reply and the advise. I scheduled an appointment with my Dr. Which I will see later today.

I also ordered 2 different FIT test (home kit & mail in kit), would this be a good start for screening?

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Dcast5]

Your doctor may want to do the FIT test. It may be a protocol procedure. Tell your doctor what you are doing when you visit. Cover everything. You've been dealing with it for several years and it hasn't solved. A colonoscopy would be the ideal procedure to get the best answers.

Also, Slicedtomatoes61 brings up a good point. Never accept a diagnosis based on your age. You are never too young. Symptoms. Not age. Hopefully you won't run into that.

Good luck today.

[GBP4L]

I would begin with a Metamucil supplement to help regulate your BMs. Increase water intake as well. And begin exercising more. Try that for a month. If not, go get a colonoscopy and tell them you have a family history of colon cancer. This way they don’t give you the “you’re too young for colon cancer”. Ask for a CT scan as well. Hope this helps.

[Dcast5 in reply to GBP4L]

thank you for the reply, seeing my Dr today and I’ll definitely look into the supplements.

[Slicedtomatoes61]

Hi, Dcast5,

Since you’ve been having problems for several years, I would start with a colonoscopy from a G.I. - not your GP. A G.I. will have more knowledge about intestinal problems. I had always had colon problems, but when I couldn’t go to the bathroom at all even after high colonics twice in 2 weeks, I got a colonoscopy. I did have a cancerous tumor that had to be removed. That was 10 years ago and I’m fine now. There are other problems you could have, so don’t get scared about cancer, but don’t put off getting a colonoscopy. I just wish I had gone 2 years earlier than I did. I will pray for you.

[Dcast5 in reply to Slicedtomatoes61]

thanks you for the reply, I appreciate the help and advise. I am seeing my Dr today and will see what she recommends. I am also going to use some FIT screening test.