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Bowel Cancer Fears

Hope2bcancerFree
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I have had chronic stress for years.

In October 2021 I had a bout of diarrhoea and put it down to a stressful event, and was prescribed immodium.

The diarrhoea cleared once the stress was over, excluding the chronic stress.

I have had diarrhoea since December and am taking increasing amounts of immodium, started wijth 2mg a day then 6mg

I had a relationship breakup in January which caused stress and still is.

I have had 2 stool samples this year, one had to be posted away and one sent to the surgery - both came back negative.

I also had bloods done and they came back normal.

The next step is a colonoscopy.

I am scared i might have bowel cancer, but terrified of colonoscopy as i cannot have sedation, due to being on a valium taper under medical supervision and I hate the smell of nirtous oxide, i am also on the autistic spectrum.

Am I right in saying my chances of bowel cancer are slim, as diarrhoea is the only symptom i have and blood is normal?

  • Offline in reply to Hope2bcancerFree

    Hi, 

    I totally understand where you are coming from, but I cant tell you how much my anxiety decreased once I'd got the all clear, so it really was worth it. I'd spent 2 weeks looking at Doctor Google and had worked myself up into a frenzy. 

    As for the erm trots, you are full of liquid, so not remotely hungry, I didnt get any pain, more the annoyance at having to keep going, without wanting to get too graphic, its all liquid. Treat yourself to some nice quilted loo roll, 24 hours and it will all be over.

    The colonoscopy was so professional and the staff were so lovely, I personally would recommend getting it done, but obviously its your choice.

    Take Care

  • Offline in reply to Hope2bcancerFree

    Hi, can I ask if you ended up getting the colonoscopy and if your symptoms settled? I have similar issues. Thanks 

  • in reply to Smoore921

    Hello Smoore921 and thanks for posting, 

    Just to say, in case you don't get a response from Hope2bCancerFree,  be aware that symptoms can occur for lots of reasons so what happens to someone else isn't necessarily going to apply to you and your situation. 

    People often worry about having unexplained symptoms, but as often as not something else turns out to be the cause for whatever is going on. Try and keep an open mind, but do talk things over with your GP and get checked out.

    I hope your GP can help. Give us a ring if you want to talk about anything, our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays 9-5. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

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