Scared and Frustrated

[Tummytroubles1]

The beginning of February i thought i had the beginnings of maybe a stomach bug. Bloating, gas, sudden urge and need to use the bathroom.... only nothing would come, just mucus and very very small amounts if unformed fluff. This continued till I noticed i hadn't had a real movement for nearly two weeks and started seeing small amounts of frank blood in toilet and on toilet paper. Of course pcm can't see me so off to urgent care. They recommended a miralax clean out. I completed and did feel like i passed the majority. Still seeing some blood, and recontacted PCM. They still haven't seen me but did refer to GI. I can't get in with GI till June 5th! The worst of the stomach pain is over just generalized discomfort. But the bleeding and urgency have gotten worse. Its not so much when i have formed stool, but i will get an urge to go and just pass bloody mucus and unformed "fluff". I've never inspected my stool more or taken pictures of it till now. My husband is deployed and no family near me at all to help with kids. I'm alone, frustrated, and frankly scared. I know i have good things in my corner- no family history, no alcohol or tobacco use, decent diet and exercise. But i know that truly doesn't mean much in bigger scheme. I'm praying this is just some weird form of IBS and a massive hemorrhoid- ha, who wild have guessed that would have been a prayer?

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Hello you may have Ulcerative colitis or some other IBS well mines I B D I got checked for cancer came back positive but that just means blood shown so if you get this done bowel cancer test don't be alarmed I had colonoscopy no cancer showed 🤗

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Tummytroubles1,

Thanks for posting with us. I need to get this out first … JUNE 5th … WHAT!!!!!! Ok. That’s not acceptable at all. Anytime there is blood in the stool, there needs to be an answer. If a physical examination doesn’t lead to a diagnosis, then you’ll probably need a colonoscopy to determine what is going on. What you are experiencing could be a lot of different things and you just need it sorted out.

The MiraLAX probably helped with the constipation and gave some relief, but since the symptoms have gotten worse, we need to escalate it issue. You should be upgraded to a fast track by your GI physician. Are you dealing with the VA and their doctors? Also, are there other military families around that can give you some assistance with your family so you can get this issue handled? I think there would be something there to help you from the VA. You need to get on a path to being well ASAP!!! Look at the chat message I’m going send you.🤔

It's very good you have this going for you … “no family history, no alcohol or tobacco use, decent diet and exercise.” That does actually mean something good for you, but you still have symptoms that need to be checked out. Knowing family history is very good to know.👏👏👏👏

We do wish you the best in getting this issues handled and on a path to being well. The kiddos need you well. I would ask the GI doctors to exclate the issue and go from there. Please keep us up to speed as we want to see you get the help you need.

~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.

[Tummytroubles1 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Thank you for "getting it". We're an active duty family usually seen at a military treatment facility (mtf). I was actually referred off post to a civilian office due to the wait on post. I'm trying to work with the referral center because June 5th seems too long, even if things weren't getting worse. I'm mentally prepared for a colonoscopy and trying to figure out which family member can fly up here to help, once I've been seen and can schedule. I just wish these symptoms would have presented 6 months ago when i could have had help here.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Tummytroubles1]

You don't have to say, but what area in general area you deployed in?

Also, this hits home with "health equity" in general issue. The ability to determine the logistics of the individual situation that has to be delt with and not just the individual needing a procedure and what needs to be done. Your logistics to get a colonoscopy done are far different than a single person with no kids getting one done. We need to do better in this area.👍

[Tummytroubles1 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

We're in the PNW. There's just too many people here and just not enough providers. I'm grateful I got the referral but wish the primary clinic could maybe start some sort of rule out testing (stool studies, cbc, etc.). I can't even get an in petson appointment with them till end of april. I am on the cancelation list for GI so fingers crossed that maybe I'll see someone prior to June

[GBP4L]

good luck with the colonoscopy. Best thing you can do. I’m also active duty. The prep was not bad at all, drank Gatorade and 16 scoops of muralax. I just chugged the hell out of it. I ended up having hemorrhoids that causes my intermittent bleeding. So I take 3 tablespoons of Metamucil daily. Help with the forming and regulating and prevention of bleeding. Bought a squatty potty and helps to poop as well. Let us know how it goes.

[Tummytroubles1 in reply to GBP4L]

Yeah, that's what i did under guidance from urgent care. Things have been moving ok. As things have changed it seems like this is more than a hemorrhoid. I'm hoping that I can see GI prior to June so that i can get things scheduled sooner rather than later