Colon cancer scare now

[Amw311]

Hi all-
I wrote on here a few weeks ago regarding my health anxiety. I just can’t seem to calm myself down.
After I went to my obgyn and all my scans looked good, I felt relieved. This relief barely lasted 24 hours and now I’m convinced that if it wasn’t gynecological- it must be colon cancer.

My stomach has been in distress for almost a month now (obviously my anxiety has been awful during this time) and I’ve been reading all these stories about young women who got colon cancer. I’ve been having stomach pains/cramps, some nausea, and a change in bowel habits (nothing extreme but I have been needing to use the bathroom as SOON as I open my eyes in the morning and that is new for me) and I’ve read that anything new for you, bowel wise, isn’t good.

I’m 26 and had twin boys 8 months ago— and I keep reading about moms who had colon cancer while they were pregnant and never even knew but they found out later. I’m so convinced that this is going to be me too.

I do have a question— my entire pregnancy I was under close watch because having twins is “higher risk” so I got transvaginal ultrasounds every week for my entire pregnancy almost. Do you think they would’ve seen something “wrong” with my colon or notice something?

I’ve had blood tests from my GP a couple weeks ago that were normal so I’m wondering if that would show anything?

I wish I never read these stories about women my age.

 

[The_Lex_Files]

Have you told you primary care doctor about your bowl changes? I hope it isn’t that extreme. I have a feeling you’re fine

My mom had colon cancer when she was in her 50s and is alive and well My siblings and I have to get a colonoscopy in our early 30s just because our mom had it. I’m a little nervous because I turn 30 this December...not about cancer, just the procedure seems scary.

I send positive vibes your way!

 

[Megs]

Did ou ever go in to the md or for testing??

 

[Future PA with HA]

I’ve had the same exact worries as you- reading the articles. I’ve never had consistent bowel habits but I wrote it off as just how I am- until I read those stories. Once I started hyper focusing on my bowel movements and trying to control things my symptoms got worse (or maybe they didn’t and I was just over analyzing). The first thing in the morning bm happened to me too! But I also have changed my diet, exercised more and drink more water and the bowel movements in the am are typically healthier than my previous “norm” so I’m hoping it’s a good change. My anxiety was flaring this winter with this especially because I had some alarming rectal symptoms too (you can read my previous post). Right now I am calmer but do tend to flare ups of anxiety like today I had a large amount of mucus and haven’t had my normal bowel movement. Best of luck to you- bowel anxiety sucks because the stress makes it worse. I’ll be here if you need to talk!

 

[RobbyH]

All your symptoms sound like IBS symptoms. It is very common for someone with IBS to haev a BM as soon as they get up as IBS typically is worse in the mornings. Having said that - having a BM early in the morning instead of later in the day isn't a "change in bowel habits". I change in bowel habits refers to new case of constipation or new case of diarrhea or a combination of the two but these are also a symptom of IBS.

 

[Richard G]

All your symptoms sound like IBS symptoms. It is very common for someone with IBS to haev a BM as soon as they get up as IBS typically is worse in the mornings. Having said that - having a BM early in the morning instead of later in the day isn't a "change in bowel habits". I change in bowel habits refers to new case of constipation or new case of diarrhea or a combination of the two but these are also a symptom of IBS.

I have ibs and have the frequent morning bathroom trips. .then I'm pretty much good for the day. My stool is hardly ever "normal". I've had 2 colonoscopies. .I'm almost 60 and due for another one next year. Both were clean worst part is the prep..procedure I was sedated so no problem.