Ibs or cancer?

[Stan1986]

hey community, I have a quick question as of July 2019 I was dealing what sounded like bowel movements from my right side they were loud and aggressive so I made all the appointments need it to get checked they did blood work and ask my symptoms which was just the gurgling sounds and sometimes a belt like by my belt line tight pain that comes and goes usually if I eat something suspect. I also requested to get my colon check and got denied due to no bloody stool or stomach pain blood work came out fine no anemia. After then my anxiety has been thru the roof which I suffer from health anxiety since 09 and with no treatment I check my stool daily now and I don’t remember the last time I had a firm stool it comes out mushy and dissolves quick. I been so focus on it that everytime I go I worry about my next. It’s still brown and I go ones a day usually I am 33 with no history of cancer in my life and I eat a lot healthier then I did in my 20s oats usually fruits rice and bean chicken and occasionally a pizza or some fast food very occasional tho at this point. Should I worry?

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

We suggest speaking to your GP.

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[Hidden]

Hi Stan1986

I have had brief episodes of impending doom regarding my health in the past, more so when suggestions have been made by clinicians regarding 'worse case' outcomes and usually while waiting for test results...but I can sympathise.

I am not an expert, just an experienced [ex] sufferer. Your symptoms could describe any one of a few Gut problems and certainly IBS could be a candidate too.

It may be obvious to say this but what food goes in effects our condition. I would suggest that you stop Pizzas, processed and junk food, or alcohol. Look into Low FODMAP diets which can elevate many IBS symptoms...no one said it will be easy! ☹️

As the site's Admin' has suggested go and see your GP. Depending on how supportive they are might depend on how 'persuasive' you need to be to insists on testing. Remember they should be there to help you.

There is stool analysis that can be done to check for blood in your stool and your GP is qualified to do a simple rectal examination. Unfortunately both of these tests are not necessarily accurate. A Colonoscopy or similar scoped examination is the gold standard. Insist they test the biopsy samples for Celiacs Disease at the same time.

Ask to be tested for IBD too. There is a reliable test this, Faecal Calprotectin.

Bowel cancer is high on the NHS's radar at the moment and testing of older blokes like me is a regular occurrence at the moment so hopefully if you have a less 'flexible' GP this will help convince them, even at your tender age!

I always think it is worth reading NHS guidelines. Whilst we might think they are woefully inadequate at times, least you will know what you will be measured against.

nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-can...

Good luck!

[Stan1986 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your input. I went to doctors and they saw no concern they did do blood test to check for anemia which came out well.

[Maureen1958]

Hi, your symptoms sound classic IBS but nowhere near as bad as most people on here. But if you are worrying about them go back and have another word with your doctor telling him about your anxiety if he doesn't already know. If you are eating more healthy than you used to this could account for the mushy poo!

[Stan1986 in reply to Maureen1958]

Yes I eat a lot more healthier. My morning consist of green tea oatmeal usually occasionally a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread and also at times I get an egg white sandwich. Lunch could be anything but no fast food usually rice grilled chicken and water and dinner could be a repeat. I think due to my younger days of seeing loggy stool I’m not consistently waiting on it. But since my health anxiety is at a all time worst so i been going insane today I learn that maybe I’m fine and should relax a bit I also took magnesium last night has me feeling bleh. Ty for your input

[Maureen1958 in reply to Stan1986]

Magnesium is what you take for constipation!!

[Stan1986 in reply to Maureen1958]

Again Dr google has steered me wrong lol health anxiety. This all started on my horrible bday month of July where I had a bad episode of stomach gurgling and I guess my mind working tricks on me kept it going.

[Sp0513 in reply to Stan1986]

Hiya,

How are you feeling now? Have your symptoms calmed down abit? X