symptoms? Worried

[Mitch002]

hey all been reading through and such a supportive community!

6 weeks ago I had what my primary care thought was an external hemorrhoid, but it ended up being a external anal abscess that then ruptured/drained itself which was a pain relief. Fast forward to two weeks ago I have no noticeable abscess anymore, but am having frequent thin stools which I have never had before. No pain, no blood etc. but it seems odd because my stool wasn’t thin when I had a large abscess and now that the abscess drained I have thin stool. Went back to primary care and they said I probably got unlucky and now have a stomach bug.. but I have no symptoms of a bug other than the thin stool and occasional loose stool. Normal for me is once solid in the morning.

Coincidences or pointing to something more?

I did advocate and see gastro this coming Monday and don’t know what to expect.

Thanks for any feedback and hope everyone is well!

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Mitch002,

Thanks for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. Perhaps what you’re experiencing is a combination of things but the only thing diagnosed was the external anal abscess. It is strange that after that was remedied that all of a sudden you were getting thin stools. It is definitely a symptom to get checked out. Perhaps you should get a FIT test to see if there is any blood in the stool that is not noticeable. Perhaps just for verification purposes. But please know what you are experiencing could be caused by a lot of different things. We just need to narrow the options down.

One definite thing is that it is not normal for you. I’m glad you are trying to get answers for what’s going on. If it can’t be diagnosed with a physical exam, then you’re probably going to need a colonoscopy. That’s not a bad thing. The colonoscopy is the gold standard for getting answers about what’s going on in the GI tract

For me, I don’t think I have what’s called a normal stool anymore. Nothing surprises me. However, I do get a colonoscopy every year and a CT scan. So I get it checked out whether I like it or not😲🤔. I’m glad to see you are questioning what you are experiencing and looking for answers.

I do wish you the best in getting those answers. Good luck with the gastro meeting coming up Monday. Another thing I tell everyone to think about is if there is any hereditary medical issues going on in the family. That’s always good information to know as that may lead to some necessary tests given that situation. I say that because I do have a hereditary aspect in my family called Lynch syndrome.

Please let us know what you find out. That type of information that can be helpful to others on this site. I also appreciate your kind comments that you opened up with at the beginning of your post. I do think it’s a good community as well to bring whatever gastro situations may be happening and you’re looking for answers.

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.

[Mitch002 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Thanks and appreciate the insight and support. What I’m telling myself for now is maybe I just have an infection from the abscess/fistula

Will update Monday

[Mitch002 in reply to Mitch002]

Appointment went about as expected. Doctor said all my symptoms likely can be explained away due to being constantly mildly sick with infections caused by the fistula, but that if those symptoms do not resolve after repairing/removing it then they would want to consider colonoscopy.

Kind of scared, I don’t love anesthesia and they booked the surgery quick(this Friday), but optimistic it will resolve what I have going on.

Does insurance cover colonoscopy if you are under 45? For reference I am 33, but like others said look at symptoms not age.

[Mondlee in reply to Mitch002]

So what’s the outcome, can update?

[Mitch002 in reply to Mondlee]

not the best, could be much worse. I went under to have the fistula repaired and woke up to being told they couldn't fully find the track after using metal probes so they didn't try to lay it open in hopes it would heal. It has not healed and continues to be an issue so I will at some point have to "try again" I suppose to see if another doctor can find it better and repair it. Thankfully I work for the government and my insurance covers almost all of this failed attempt to repair it. I can feel the track of the fistula myself so not sure how they can't find it.. Side note a coworker of mine saw the same doctor, had a colonoscopy and was told she had cancer that same day, scary how fast it can all happen and wishing them the best.

[Mondlee in reply to Mitch002]

I see, but it is still better than anything sinister, stick around, I love reading all the comments here