terrified I have colon cancer

[scaredsick]

I am a 33-year old woman and have struggled with health anxiety over the past couple years. However, I think it has mostly gotten better and today I am really, truly absolutely frozen with terror that I have colon cancer. This doesn't seem like hypochondria, it seems just to be what must be true. I have long had stomach troubles, for years, but I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor and assumed I just had IBS. Recently they've gotten a bit worse, and I've had a lot of trouble with constipation. I've also been very tired and low energy for months, although I'm having some personal issues that are affecting my sleep. But recently, it seems like I need to sleep for 12 hours to feel rested.

since last night I've been suffering from a pretty bad stomach ache too, which I don't usually have. when I googled these symptoms I keep getting colon cancer, and now it seems like it all fits together: the exhaustion, the ibs, the stomachache. I am so, so petrified, and feel certain I'll go to the doctor and learn over the coming days or months that I have advanced colon cancer and am going to die. I don't know what to do but see if someone can help me .

 

[Richard G]

I am a 33-year old woman and have struggled with health anxiety over the past couple years. However, I think it has mostly gotten better and today I am really, truly absolutely frozen with terror that I have colon cancer. This doesn't seem like hypochondria, it seems just to be what must be true. I have long had stomach troubles, for years, but I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor and assumed I just had IBS. Recently they've gotten a bit worse, and I've had a lot of trouble with constipation. I've also been very tired and low energy for months, although I'm having some personal issues that are affecting my sleep. But recently, it seems like I need to sleep for 12 hours to feel rested.

since last night I've been suffering from a pretty bad stomach ache too, which I don't usually have. when I googled these symptoms I keep getting colon cancer, and now it seems like it all fits together: the exhaustion, the ibs, the stomachache. I am so, so petrified, and feel certain I'll go to the doctor and learn over the coming days or months that I have advanced colon cancer and am going to die. I don't know what to do but see if someone can help me .

I too have had ibs and stomach troubles for years. Also the fatigue from the anxiety. If you are truly worried about colon cancer have a screening done. I've had 2...all ok. Your symptoms though do not sound like it to me though I am not a Dr but had a good friend who had colon cancer and his symptoms were much different. 8 years later he is still cancer free!!

 

[scaredsick]

thanks Richard. I have an appointment with a GI doctor in a couple weeks -- I tried to get it moved up but they couldn't. Your message is putting my mind at ease at least a little, which is very helpful.

 

[Richard G]

thanks Richard. I have an appointment with a GI doctor in a couple weeks -- I tried to get it moved up but they couldn't. Your message is putting my mind at ease at least a little, which is very helpful.

We're here to help each other...thats what it is all about

 

[JohnM]

I've had similar problems, and it turned out to be something completely harmless. And like Richard G said, anxiety has an incredible power to sap you of energy, which often feeds right back into the anxiety, creating MORE exhaustion, and so forth. See the doctor, you'll be fine. I'm in the middle of my own health-anxiety struggle right now, so I'll be pulling for you.

 

[Concernedgal]

I am a 33-year old woman and have struggled with health anxiety over the past couple years. However, I think it has mostly gotten better and today I am really, truly absolutely frozen with terror that I have colon cancer. This doesn't seem like hypochondria, it seems just to be what must be true. I have long had stomach troubles, for years, but I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor and assumed I just had IBS. Recently they've gotten a bit worse, and I've had a lot of trouble with constipation. I've also been very tired and low energy for months, although I'm having some personal issues that are affecting my sleep. But recently, it seems like I need to sleep for 12 hours to feel rested.

since last night I've been suffering from a pretty bad stomach ache too, which I don't usually have. when I googled these symptoms I keep getting colon cancer, and now it seems like it all fits together: the exhaustion, the ibs, the stomachache. I am so, so petrified, and feel certain I'll go to the doctor and learn over the coming days or months that I have advanced colon cancer and am going to die. I don't know what to do but see if someone can help me .

Hey. I think you'll be fine. You know why you are sleeping more? You are depressed. I don't think you have colon cancer. You will see mucus in your stool. But, go see a gastroenterologist just for your own peace of mind (although I think your fine) ,do it anyway so you can stop worrying about it. Best of luck.
Concernedgal

 

[scaredsick]

thanks everyone. I will go to the doctor, but you've all helped me relax a bit for now

 

[Concernedgal]

thanks everyone. I will go to the doctor, but you've all helped me relax a bit for now

Just calm down. Whatever happens is God's will.

 

[janemariesayed]

I am a 33-year old woman and have struggled with health anxiety over the past couple years. However, I think it has mostly gotten better and today I am really, truly absolutely frozen with terror that I have colon cancer. This doesn't seem like hypochondria, it seems just to be what must be true. I have long had stomach troubles, for years, but I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor and assumed I just had IBS. Recently they've gotten a bit worse, and I've had a lot of trouble with constipation. I've also been very tired and low energy for months, although I'm having some personal issues that are affecting my sleep. But recently, it seems like I need to sleep for 12 hours to feel rested.

since last night I've been suffering from a pretty bad stomach ache too, which I don't usually have. when I googled these symptoms I keep getting colon cancer, and now it seems like it all fits together: the exhaustion, the ibs, the stomachache. I am so, so petrified, and feel certain I'll go to the doctor and learn over the coming days or months that I have advanced colon cancer and am going to die. I don't know what to do but see if someone can help me .

Go and see your doctor if just to put your mind at rest. It may just be IBS or something that you ate that didn't agree with you. Sometimes eating gluten can affect us and we don't realise.