Pregnant and colonoscopy. Anxious of bowel cancer

Hi. 
 

I have had a few symtoms of something wrong with my bowels for the last few months! Constipation, soft stools (not diarreaha just a lot softer), blood on the stool normally bright red, mucus on the stool, excessive gas, abdominal pain, and a lot of pain/pressure in my bum. My bloods are fine. But my stool inflammation level has been elevated between 300-400 both times it has been done. I am pregnant. The dr reffered me for an urgent colonoscopy. I had to chase the referral and finally saw a consultant on Friday. He was rude, checking his emails while I was talking to him, was interested in the photos I had been told take by the GP. Said he will see me in 4 months as it's all pregnancy related and ***** the situation then in the mean time take fibogel. It's causing me worry and anxiety when I should be enjoying my pregnancy. Iv been to hospital 4 times with the pain. It's making me so miserable. The reason he won't perform the colonoscopy is because I'm pregnant. Iv seen 4 Drs from a pregnancy side of things and they have all said there's active inflammation in the bowel which isn't pregnancy related. I'm at a loss now and don't know what to do!  

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation. I can understand that it must be hard for you having this pain and not knowing the cause.

    There can be many causes for inflammation and pain such as IBS and Crohn's but it is very easy to assume the worst.  You may want to look at the information on the NHS about these inflammatory conditions here

    I am not sure how far along you are in your pregnancy but it might be worth chatting this all through with your GP. From what I have read there are relatively few colonoscopies that are performed during pregnancy because of the risk to the foetus but your GP maybe able to refer you for a second opinion and another surgeon may be happy to perform a colonoscopy particularly if it is a bit later in your pregnancy.

    We have some information about getting a second opinion here.

    I do hope that you know more about your situation soon. If you feel that it would be helpful to chat this through with one of the nurses on the helpline then you are more then welcome to give us a ring. 

    Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    All the very best,

    Catherine