Worried about colon cancer

I am 59 and have been having tummy problems, specifically cramps, lower right side pain, nausea, very smelly flatulance, looser stools, for past year and the problems are now constant. When I eat anything I get tummy ache and my bowels move soon after. My GP ran tests which showed high iron levels and I was diagnosed with having haemocromatosis. However I think the liver problem is a red herring and I think my colon is the problem. Am very worried. 

  • Hi

    I think you need to ask your gp to refer you for a colonoscopy.

    Dont leave the surgery until its agreed.

    I am recovering from bowel cancer and was fobbed off by my gp. He accused me of having health anxiety. He must be living to regret saying that now.. 

    I was in hospital with so many people saying the same thing. 

    I hope you get it sorted out x

     

  • Have a Colonoscopy and have the sedation, it is painful, no matter what they say! 

  • Hi Petals,

    I'm having a similar problem with GP.. all my bloods and stool tests came back fine so she found this 'very reasurraing' meanwhile I'm having diarrhoea daily, sometimes with fresh blood, and severe urgency to the point I can no longer wait to go, it comes on so suddenly.

    I would like further investigation but all my results were fine.. not sure what to do next. I'm worried she will dismiss me with IBS  

  • Hello Sarah, thank you for your message. I am seeing my GP on Thursday morning and I am going to write down my list of symptoms and my worries and hand her the piece of paper. I know that when I speak I can get distracted, especially if I am anxious.  I want to be very clear re my concerns. 

    I intend not to leave the appointment until I know I am getting referred for a colonoscopy. Part of me wants to avoid this as I know it will only mean more waiting and worry but I think I have no choice.

    I think it would be very reasonable for you to go back to your GP and request a referral. I am 59 so in the age range where colon cancer gets more common but even if you are a lot younger, you should still press to be followed up. All the very best with it.

    Best wishes

     

    Anne

  • Thanks petals,

    Can you let us know how your appointment  goes?

    ive been keeping a 'poo diary' so I can show the gp. I think I'm easily dismissed as I'm only 34 but I'm going to try for referral. 
    fingers crossed you get a colonoscopy booked soon let us know how you get on xx 

  • Hello Sarah

     

    Yes I will let you know how it goes tomorrow. I am a real worrier and part of me worries more about coping with my anxiety levels in all this. I am trying to focus on one step/day at a time.

    Your diary is an excellent idea. GPs must find it harder to dismiss facts which are written down. 

     

    With best wishes 

     

    Petals

  • Hello Petals

     

    Yes make sure you keep pushing, I had several tests, blood and stool all came back normal. I had a fit test and result was 57 I am so scared now referred for a colonoscopy. Should be within 2 weeks.

    Best wishes

    Harley

  • Hello Harley

    Thanks for your message. I hadn't heard of a FIT test before. Did your GP arrange it? I am becoming less brave as my appointment with GP aporoaches tomorrow.

    Best wishes 

     

    Petals

  • Hi Petals

    Yes they did , i have had diarrhoea for about 6 weeks.

    Best wishes

    Harley

  • I saw my GP this morning and gave her my written list of sympoms. It seemed to work well and she has referred me urgently for a colonoscopy and she mentioned that I would get a stool test first (will be a FIT test, I imagine, like Harley mentioned). 

    I feel better that things are moving along though I know these will be a very difficult few weeks for me as I am a worrier and so will really have to try to get through one day at a time and not spend time looking into the future.