23 & waiting for tests

Hi guys,

i'm 23 & i suffer with crohns disease for 8 years but i've had a recent flare up which won't go away. Doctors have tried all sorts of medications & tried treating me for gastritis. My doctor has scheduled a colonoscopy & MRI scan but i'm really scare. I get constant bloating & gassy in my body, i've had rectal bleeding, my stomach feels a little swollen too, i'm worried it's bowel or stomach cancer. I've gotta wait 4 weeks for a colonoscopy & i'm so scared it's all i can think about, i can't go to work because i'm not well enough. basically what i'm trying to say what are my chances i've got cancer 

  • Hi Shaun and welcome to the Cancer Chat forum.

    I'm sorry about your recent flare up but hopefully the tests the doctor has booked you in for will be able to find an answer for dealing with this.

    I hope the information we have on our website about the colonoscopy will help put your mind at ease slightly about what's to come but you're more than welcome to chat with our cancer nurses about this. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040.

    If you feel your fear is getting the better of you then it may be worth getting in touch with your doctor to discuss this. There is also some handy information for managing anxiety on the Anxiety UK website.

    Waiting for tests can be tough as many of our members have found out and I'm sure they'll do what they can to help you at this time once they see your post.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator