IBS/bowel cancer?

[Robinson32]

Hi, i haven't posted in here for a while.

I've had ibs for six years now, bloating, sometimes stomach pains, up and down stool consistency. I've had blood tests done and they were clear in terms of celiac, Crohn's etc. I just put it down to ibs. Recently I read that bowel/colon cancer is not detected by blood tests and can take years to grow. My symptoms have not worsened over the six years so is that a good sign in regards to not having cancer? I never ever thought of bowel cancer until very recently when I read up about it because i just presumed that you would feel really ill if you had cancer, but apparently this isn't the case with colon cancers as they are very slow developing.

[Rocky-Road]

Hi,

Might not be much help but my mum had bowel cancer and it did show in her blood tests.

As for speed of developing, it depends on the cancer. My mum had an aggressive form of cancer but barely any symptoms - just diarrhoea for 4 weeks and the blood test result. She had no symptoms prior to this, unfortunately she passed away 3 months after her diagnosis.

Have you had any colonoscopys done? They can take biopsies to check for any issues.

[nieldy in reply to Rocky-Road]

sorry to hear that your mother lost her battle with this awful disease how old is your mom when she found out she had BC? and what stage is it???

[Rocky-Road in reply to nieldy]

She was only 55 and it was last stage, as soon as she was diagnosed she was also told it was terminal.

[nieldy in reply to Rocky-Road]

she's young she never had any obvious symptoms before such as bloods or in pain???

[Rocky-Road in reply to nieldy]

She had diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain for 4 weeks but that was it no problems prior to that.

[nieldy in reply to Rocky-Road]

that was quick

and that must be devastating to know she had this awful disease and lost with it in just 3 months

so sorry to hear what she have gone through. I'm sure your mum is happy now in heaven.

[MissEd]

I had the same for around 3 years. I had 3 blood tests during this time that were all fine but that did not reassure me in the slightest as i read online blood tests werr not always accurate.

Could you go back to your gp and request a colonoscopy? My gp reluctantly agreed and when it came back clear my anxiety immediately lessened and i now just live with the annoyance of ibs

[Axial in reply to MissEd]

Hello. I am the same, I have had mri ct blood test colonoscopy and endoscopy and still I struggle to come to terms that's its IBS. I went private for more blood tests and a QFit test that came back normal. IBS is hideous

[mondlee6248 in reply to MissEd]

So can I say after colonoscopy, nothing found except 2 small polyps and it was removed means it’s most likely IBS? Cos sometimes I had discomfort in tummy and sometimes I poo 3 times, sometime once. I was troubled too. I had colonoscopy and MRI as well so now I don’t know what to do

[MissEd in reply to mondlee6248]

Well i cant answer that as not a doctor but id say highly likely to be ibs

[mondlee6248 in reply to MissEd]

Thank you MissEd

[Axial]

Get a QFit test done by the doctor, its the latest test instead of a colonoscopy. Results back in 5 days and very easy to do.

[Gg4l]

Could I ask please do your legs ever feel weak or any back pain with ibs? I had stool sample and normal bloods, doc says she thinks its ibs I always feel I need to empty bowels, I'm having a few referrals atm query fibromyalgia too and respiritory, have joint pain/spine pain however my bowels are just not right, that I know. Thankyou for your time in reading g my post. G