help needed

[TanjaFullu]

hi there, i just found this group! I am 33 years young and had have stomach pain and digestive problems (very mixed with loose stool and constipation) for like 15 years. In 2018 i got the diagnosis of IBS but with nooo tests done! The last years it got worse I believe. In 2021 i had a week where i had a lot of pain in the mornings and my nutritionist said I probably have gastritis. So i went for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. They found nothing. After a week or so post I found blood in my stool. My grberal practisioner said its hemmorid. I was sceptical so I went to a proctologist, she did not find anything but she only used her hand to check? She said maybe its endometriosis, so I went to my gynaecologist and he said yes I do have endometriosis but not in that area and that it can not be the cause. They did a Ultrasound. So I am back at zero not knowing the cause. My blood was checked last year with no results only deficiency of folic acit and b12 vitamin. I also did a lactose test which was weired because the indicator was hightened from time 0. Should it not be that it goes up after? It said i am lactose intolerant. My ph value of my stool last year was high and some bacteria where out of balance. Calproctine last year was fine.

Do you have any suggestions? I am very anxious right now.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi TanjaFullu,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. So, your last colonoscopy was in 2021. You were about 31 years old. So, it's been a year and a half and now you have blood in your stool. And you went to three medical professionals and you still don't have an answer. I would think it is time for another colonoscopy to determine where the blood is coming from. There could be a lot of different reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing. And it looks like three medical professionals gave you a physical check and have not been able to determine the source of the blood.

Blood in the stool is always something that needs to be checked out. Do you think that some of your diagnoses are the result of your age being a factor? You didn't mention it, but it seems odd to not find the reason for the blood in the stool and not have a conversation about getting another colonoscopy, or even an endoscopy as well to determine the causes. I know you are young, but you should never accept the diagnosis based on your age. Any diagnosis should be focused on the symptoms present.

Another thing to think about is if there is a history in your family of certain diseases. If there is a hereditary aspect going on, that's good information for your doctor to know as well as that could lead to certain tests that should be performed. Also, perhaps finding a patient advocate and one of the healthcare facilities that you go to would be beneficial to getting what you need.

We do wish you the very best in finding an answer to the symptoms you're experiencing. I would think a colonoscopy would be the way to do that but please follow up with your doctor or some patient advocate because no answer is not a good answer. You need to know the reasons. You have to advocate for yourself. I see you doing this and that’s great, but you still need more tests to get you the answers you’re looking for. Please keep us informed as to how you find these answers you're looking for. That type of information can be beneficial to others as well on the site.

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.

[TanjaFullu in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Hi, thanks for your answer! The last colonoscopy was in 2022, in September. But yes, I think I have to do that one again. I also went to the proctologist yesterday again, and she said the same. I am having a few appointments now to follow up. Also handed in a sample of my stool. What would be a patient advocate? I am from Germany, and not sure if we have that?