Bowel problems

Hi just want some advice, for the last 10 months I've been having bowel problems, loose narrow stools and blood, occasionally constipation and daily stomach pain that's not relieved by passing gas or bowel movements.

I've been to the drs dozens of times and also a and e that just did a check for piles and found none but did find blood so passed me straight to surgeons who said based on my age 22 I was ok to wait for the further investigations this was now 4 months ago in which I've also been urgently referred for these issues by gp since and still had no appointments.

I'm just at a loss on what to do because I struggle having to go to the toilet multiple times a day with uncomfortable bloating that is also making me self conscious. The pin is moderate in my stomach which makes me feel terrible when it happens and I can never finish a stool and always feel like somethings there like a pressure. I also have constant pelvic pain and need to wee bit little comes out been treated with loads of antibiotics but didn't want to give me anymore due to there being no present UTI. Just want some advice on where to go from here as my age seems to have a great effect to anyone being willing to check me out :)

  • Hello Tatts and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to learn what has been going on and can understand the impact these symptoms must be having on your everyday life. 

    Because bowel cancer is so much less common in younger people, age is one of the criteria in the NHS suspected cancer urgent referral guidelines, but in this situation, I think you need to remind your GP that you are still waiting to be seen and that your symptoms are no better or even worse. Perhaps you could ask your GP to  contact the hospital team directly to discuss your case, and if your GP hasn't seen you recently, you could ask if it is worth having some up to date blood tests. I think you need to be persistent with your GP and ask them to intervene with the hospital waiting system on your behalf. I hope something can be sorted out. 

    Having unexplained symptoms can be unsettling, other conditions aside from cancer might be the cause, but I think it is reasonable to ask your GP for their help so you can get a diagnosis. 

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here weekdays, 9-5.

    Best wishes,

    Julia