BOWEL CANCER

[Shanliss]

I have been having trouble with alternating constipation and diarrhoea for about 7 weeks now. Going for a colonscopy in 2 weeks time. I have one large bowel movement per day usually in the morning. I have been tried on many laxatives but not working for me. I am scared this could be cancer. I have had tumor markers done CEA for Liver and Colon Cancer and CA 125 for ovarian cancer and CA 19.9 for pancreatic cancer all clear. I did have a test for CRP and I was told it was slightly elevated so I am not sure if this could be the reason for it. When I do have a bowel movement it eases the pain for about a few hours. I feel that my bowels are not empyting. Doctor has examined back passage cannot find anything. Also felt my tummy and said it was soft. Any body any idea what is going on.

[Saintgermain]

Hi Shanliss,On a good note all the tests you’ve had so far have been clear. Glad to hear your going for a colonoscopy I’m not a Doctor but IBS can produce symptoms that your experiencing there’s 2 different types IBS-C with constipation this type doesn’t really respond to OTC laxatives the prescription Linzess is typically used. The other type of IBS produces loose bowel movements typically a FODMAP diet is followed something to bring up with the Gastroenterologist as a possibility have you noticed any blood in your stools?

[Shanliss in reply to Saintgermain]

No visible blood in stools. Have not been able to do the Occult Blood Test as I am preimenopausal and I have long and heavy periods, occasionally have a shorter period but some of my periods last 4 weeks now but even if it did bring something up not sure how reliable it would be given the hormonal imbalance.

[Shanliss in reply to Saintgermain]

Do you know where I could get this Lizness. Are you in UK. I need something I am going mad with these symptoms 7 weeks now however IBS hass also been mentioned and I have been told that if under stress IBS episodes can last for months. I am under severe stress.

[Saintgermain in reply to Shanliss]

Hi Shanliss I’m in the states it’s prescription only I would speak to your Gastroenterologist who’s doing your colonoscopy he’s the one that would diagnosis IBS while waiting for your colonoscopy up can pull up the FODMAP diet it should also tell you what foods to avoid that tend to irritate stress can put a tremendous stress on the body.

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Dear Shanliss,

Thank you very much for your post seeking information about bowel cancer. MyOvacome is a forum for people who have been affected by ovarian cancer so you may find that your post has more responses if you put it on a forum about bowel cancer, such as the online community at Bowel Cancer UK. I will put a link to this here if you would like to take a look: community.bowelcanceruk.org...

I wish you all the very best for your future investigations.

Best wishes,

Cathryn

Ovacome Support