Red flags

[Bassem1979]

Hi

Why are the red flags for Bowel cancer similar to other bowel disorders??

Am losing weight which is dropping of me still not skinny/skinny but for the first time I can feel it in my clothes and when I weigh my self can see it dropping. However am not sure how much weight loss is classed as worrying. Yes I have changed my diet cause of the IBS not having as much sweet stuff prob not eating as much in general. My previous diet I would have 2 sugars in my brews which I would have at least 3-4 a day, I love sweets, chocolate and cakes etc but not eating them for a while now (do miss them) also stress and worry make you loss weight which am constantly worrying.

Life really crap at the minute.

Has other people lost a lot of weight with IBS ??

[winfong]

How much weight have you actually lost? And how much did you weigh before?

[Bassem1979 in reply to winfong]

Well from reading the post below my weight loss is not that bad 6kg in about 4mths I know it’s due to being scared of food, scare of eating anything in case causes pain.

[XDjames]

Oh yes! Due to loss of appetite and being frightened of eating anyway I dare not look at the scales any more; I've lost over 12kg (~2st old money) in about 6 months but BMI still in healthy range. I was a bit overweight -great way to lose weight! And for those tight trousers to suddenly fit. Not sure if worry itself drops your weight and I know human body can endure quite a lot (yeah!) and pull through so in itself it should not be cause for concern. It's an effect not a cause.

[Viklou]

Cutting out sweet things and reducing what you eat will cause weight loss a 6kg in four months isn't drastic but keep an eye on it. I lost 25kgs in 6 months which is what prompted more testing

[Frasina]

I never lost much weight in well over 20 years of IBS (I still only ever lost about 3/4 of a pound in weight a week calorie counting) but last summer I did lose over10 lbs in 3 weeks and was concerned enough to go and see a gastroenterologist. My symptoms were no different to being in an IBS flare but because of rapid weight loss I got a colonoscopy done quickly and found out I had colitis. So, my advice is that if you are concerned about your IBS see if you can be referred to gastro. As for bowel cancer, it is really really unlikely but speak to your GP to alleviate your worries.

[BlackIsleGirl]

Honestly, if you're worried have a chat with your gp. Chances are it's nothing more than eating less and cutting out the high sugar foods but better safe than sorry.