Worried about bowel cancer

Hi everyone.

 

I was just looking for some opinions really.

I've always suffered with anxiety and I began getting awful pains in my bottom right abdomen at my pelvis a few months ago. The pain got so bad I went to a&e but after blood tests and an ultrasound everything came back normal.

I have a strong history of bowel cancer in the family with my mum diagnosed in her early 40s (I'm 26). After I got these pain my anxiety hit the roof and I was convinced it was bowel cancer. I got so stressed about this it really effected my day to day life, a lot of crying and worrying, couldn't bare to make plans for the future and no sleep at all. 

The only symptom I had before this was the lower abdominal pain. When my anxiety and stress hit a high level my immune system must have been low as I then had a sty in my eye along and  psyoriosis on my arms. I then had very frequent loose bowel movements up to ten times and per day. Dark stools and also blood in stool but not on toilet paper at all.

I also had radiant pain all through my body. Through my legs, ribs, upper back and very painful hip bones. This lasted around six weeks.

I went back to the doctor who did more blood tests including full blood count an anemia test which came back normal. Also felt my tummy and did a rectal exam which came back normal.

I have now booked a colonoscopy privately for in a few weeks. 

My partner spoke to me about this and thought I should try and remain relaxed about the situation as my anxiety was effecting our day to day life. This made me realise how stressed I was being and then I started relaxing more. Since I've been less stressed all of my symptoms seem to have stopped completley. Now normal bowel movements although larger stool than usual (sorry about the detail) and no pain at all.

 

I was just wondering on anyone's opinions on the symptoms. 

 

Thank you in advance. 

  • Welcome to the forum Bubb although I'm sorry for the reason you're posting.

    As you've found out anxiety and stress can really put a strain on our bodies but I'm really glad the chat with your partner helped you to relax and that you're no longer experiencing any more symptoms.

    Hopefully some of our members will offer their thoughts and insights soon but try to remind yourself of how beneficial staying calm is if you find your anxiety starts to get the better of you.

    Wishing you all the best for your colonoscopy in a few weeks time Bubb.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator