Terrified

[djroo]

47 years old. I had knee surgery almost 2 weeks ago and after the surgery I took the prescribed narcotics for 4 days. Every time I take these I get constipated. I started taking stool softeners (colace) and after a week nothing. I did a Fleet enema and finally 9 days after surgery I had a BM and it was like the flood gates to hell opened. I went over and over again with it getting softer and eventually diarrhea. Just as the cramping was stopping I looks and there was bright red blood in the toilet. I made an appointment with a GI this Thursday and I know I will need a colonoscopy to rule things out. I feel almost back to normal slightly crampy on and off and I don't know what is in my head and what is just a angry gut from the trauma. What I do know is that I am terrified.

What if I have cancer. What do I do. You know all the same questions. Anyways just posting here to get it all out.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi djroo,

Thanks for posting here. Vent all you want. This is a good sounding board. I see a lot of ppl here with some great advice. I realize what you are going through. I hear you. I also know you are doing exactly what needs to be done. What you are experiencing could be a lot of different things. The problem is the speculation because you don't know. The colonoscopy is a procedure that is one of the tools to get you answers. It will go a long way to getting you more focused on what is happening and on to a path of being well. I see ppl dreading the colonoscopy and the prep that needs to be done, but we are actually lucky to have such a thing to help diagnose symptoms. The colonoscopy itself is getting smarter with capabilities to learn what to look for.

The colonoscopy is a benefit to help diagnose. It just doesn't identify cancerous issues. The key is to identify things early and remove them before they become an issue. This is exactly what you are doing. It's great you "feel almost back to normal slightly crampy on and off". Take that as a win👍💪. The colonoscopy should give you the answers and peace of mind. Otherwise, you'll always be wondering. You are doing exactly what you need to be doing. That's awesome. You are not on defense, you're playing offense and controlling the situation. Getting answers and getting them early. I was 49 when diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and I'll never forget my oncologist telling me "you know that tumor we removed in 2012 was a polyp in 2006." This is why I am huge on getting screened, not ignoring symptoms and catching things early before they become a fight.

We do wish you the best in getting those answers. You are on the path to doing just that. Also, please let us know what you find out. That type of info can be helpful to others on this site as well.

~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.