potential colorectal cancer

[Sheldomtheshrimp]

Hi,

I am 23 and currently stressing whilst awaiting my colonoscopy.

About a year about I started seeing blood in my stool. It would cause the water to go red and be intertwined with the stool.

I have always been told I suffer from IBS and intolerant to wheat and gluten. For over a year and a half I have stuck to a very strict diet of no wheat or gluten.

Prior to this I lost 3 stone within a couple of months. This has all recently been regained unfortunately.

I often experience horrendous pain in the left side of my stomach and my stool changes frequently for days on end.

Over the past year I have seen frequent episodes where blood has appeared on the tissue and in the bowel. I have experienced anal fissures before and this doesn’t feel the same.

I finally went to the doctor and was ordered a FIT test, I got the results this week that my sample had >400 UG HB. I am not too sure what to make of this and the symptoms I have been experiencing.

I have been fast tracked for a colonoscopy and am awaiting a date. I am also concerned about whether to have sedation or just medication during the procedure.

Any advice or anyone experiencing anything similar would assist with putting my mind at ease.

[Sheldomtheshrimp]

I forgot to mention, I recently underwent an ultrasound in relations to a liver issue. The ultrasound revealed that there was limited view of my liver and pancreas due to my bowel. I’m unsure whether this relates.

Moreover, I have for the past 2 years increasing liver enzymes. Again, I am unsure whether this is related. My current liver enzymes are at 90 (supposedly meant to be around 40), is this a potential link to the suspected colorectal cancer?

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Sheldomtheshrimp,

Thanks for posting with us. I'm proud of you as you have that colonoscopy coming up and that will give you some definitive answers and direction to focus. You've got a lot of things going on here and need to narrow them down and get on a path to being well. Whenever there is abdominal pain and blood in the stool, there needs to be an answer. You are young and that's an advantage, but symptoms are symptoms no matter the age. Catching things early is very beneficial as well. I'm glad you're not ignoring anything and searching for those answers. The colonoscopy will go a long way to doing just that.

Another thing to think about is if there are any hereditary medical issues within your family? This would be good information for your doctor to have as it could lead to some further testing.

I get a colonoscopy and a CT scan every year. My cancer was hereditary so they want to keep a close eye on me. I would go for full sedation. To me, it's the most restful experience and I have and go from falling asleep to waking in the recovery room. I give myself a day before getting back to normal. I feel fine, but I just give it a day. I don't have issues afterwards and just hydrate a lot to flush my system and I feel fine.

The big part of the colonoscopy is the prep. It is what it is. You have to be cleaned out to facilitate the procedure. I recommend moving up the timeline 2-3 hours so you can get a good night sleep and not have to keep getting up to find a bathroom. Same goes for the day of the procedure as you will be fine by the time you have to leave and go to the facility. Also, it is a lot to drink but that's necessary. I actually add additional water to thin it out a bit and add lime Gatorade (nothing red) to mix for electrolytes and hydration. There are many flavors you can add to help with the taste. I usually get the MoviPrep or Suprep brand prep kits. They work very well. I would suggest getting something like that and not using the over the counter laxatives, etc. as some insurance companies try to save a buck here and there. The prep is the most important process and the toughest.

You are looking for answers for blood in the stool and abdominal pain. The colonoscopy will go a long way to doing that, but you may end up needing a CT scan as well if the pain symptom can't be determined by the colonoscopy. Just putting that out there as a possibility.

We do wish you the best in finding the answers and getting on that path to being well. I think you are all over it and doing exactly what you need to be doing. Also, please let us know how it goes and any results you find. It's that type of information that can be helpful to others on this site as well.

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.

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The FIT needs explaining. Of course, what we fear isnt always the reality. I had similar problems and I thought bowel cancer. What I have is attributable to stomach disease and not bowel. Sounds like your doctor is mapping out what needs investigations. Don't assume.

[Oliver1488]

any update?