Cylinderkicker

[Cylinderkicker]

Hi I’m a 64 year old male and probably 21/2 weeks I’ve been dealing with rectal bleeding had blood work done and a fit test which came back positive, I’ll get cramps and feel like I need to go to the bathroom and when I do it’s usually diarrhea along with blood bright red but sometimes it looks like a darker red but I’m not if it’s because it lands on toilet paper, today was the first time I had a proper bowel movement along with red blood of course, I’ve spoken to a Dr. And awaiting a colonoscopy appointment which seems to be taking for ever I feel because their are some many people in this world that by the time I get an appointment it will be to late, I should mention I have great appetite and have not lost any weight if that means anything but feel like I’m bleeding to death and my blood work did come back with a little high cholesterol and above normal THS 9.4 as I have had Hypothyroidism for over 30 yrs. My mind is going in so many places don’t know what to think, is it Colon Cancer is it IBD is it hemorrhoids.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Cylinderkicker,

Thanks for reaching out on Colon Cancer Connected. There could be a lot of different things going on with what you're experiencing. The positive FIT test doesn't surprise me as you already mentioned having blood in the stool as a symptom. You didn't mention abdominal pain as being an aspect and that's good. One thing I would ask is if you have a history of disease in your family? Is there a hereditary aspect to IBD or cancer? That would be good information for your doctor to know.

You are 64 years old. When was your last colonoscopy? Was your last colonoscopy performed because of your age or were there symptoms involved with having that procedure done?

We do wish you all the best in finding answers. Not having answers is what makes your mind wander and that cannot be good. I would focus your energy on getting that colonoscopy done. You could always call and see if there's been a cancellation if your schedule is flexible enough to do that. The colonoscopy is the gold standard for getting answers what's going on with all the gastro issues. My situation requires me to get a colonoscopy annually. I also get a CT scan annually. They keep a close eye on me because I do have a hereditary aspect the cancer. It's an important thing to know. I hope your colonoscopy appointment comes very soon.

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.

[Cylinderkicker in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Thanks the info still waiting for a call or something for an appointment,I have no family history as I was adopted hoping to hear something soon.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Cylinderkicker]

Great. I don't think it would be the big "C", but you are doing all the right things in getting it checked out so you'll know FOR SURE what's going on.💪👍👏