Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 5 replies
  • Views 2558 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Convinced I have bowel cancer

Anxietyaunt90
Offline

Hi everyone,

I feel so stupid doing this when there are so many people worse off than myself but I have convinced myself that I have bowel cancer.

I'm a 33 year old female. I first noticed a tiny amount of rectal bleeding last April. Was only once & didn't notice it again until December where I've had on and off bleeding & for about 7 weeks have had a change in bowel movement. I've been experiencing pellet like stools which can be mixed with a normal stool & occasionally will have loose stools. I went to my GP who treated me for haemorrhoids, she also did an exam, bloods & fit test. All these where normal.

I still had the bleeding & consulted Dr Google (I know this is the worst thing you can do) & have convinced myself I've cancer even though my tests have been normal.

I'm in the lucky position that my husband has medical insurance through work & I knew if I went back to my GP for a referral to the NHS I'd be waiting years.

I saw a colorectal surgeon on 8/3 who carried out another exam & also a small camera test & couldn't see anything but he's referred me for a CT colonoscopy which is on 28/3. He did say he didn't think it was anything but that just went completely over my head.

I suffer from terrible health anxiety to the point that I obsess over things at an extremely unhealthy level & it is completely taking over my life. I have 3 children who I adore & im so scared of leaving them if I am ill or ruining their childhood with my over worrying.

I don't really know why I'm posting here other than I don't want to burden my family with my anxiety & I'm hoping that even just writing this it will help, even if no one reads or responds, just putting it down in writing feels like a weight off my shoulders.

 

Much love & health to you all

 

xo

Parents
  • Offline

    Hi, I hope you are feeling better now and you found out the cause of your symptoms. Thank you so much for posting here, it’s the middle of the night and I’m posting here because I have a similar situation to yours. I suffer with health anxiety although this has not been diagnosed. I had a change in my bowel movements for about 4 weeks, including bleeding for about a week which has now stopped. I had a GP appointment, a physical exam, the GP said she isn’t concerned but asked me to do a FIT test. I have pain in my lower back which is something new for me. I feel so guilty for worrying when I know other people are much worse than I am. I also feel bad to speak to my husband about this as in the past I’ve often thought the worst when it wasn’t the case. Like you, if all these symptoms turn out to be caused by something else, I’m planning to see someone regarding my anxiety. I’m 41 years old and I have 2 children and it is very sad and scary to think I won’t be here to see them growing up. All I wanted to say is that your post helped me and made me feel I’m not the only one feeling this way. Thank you 

Reply
  • Offline

    Hi, I hope you are feeling better now and you found out the cause of your symptoms. Thank you so much for posting here, it’s the middle of the night and I’m posting here because I have a similar situation to yours. I suffer with health anxiety although this has not been diagnosed. I had a change in my bowel movements for about 4 weeks, including bleeding for about a week which has now stopped. I had a GP appointment, a physical exam, the GP said she isn’t concerned but asked me to do a FIT test. I have pain in my lower back which is something new for me. I feel so guilty for worrying when I know other people are much worse than I am. I also feel bad to speak to my husband about this as in the past I’ve often thought the worst when it wasn’t the case. Like you, if all these symptoms turn out to be caused by something else, I’m planning to see someone regarding my anxiety. I’m 41 years old and I have 2 children and it is very sad and scary to think I won’t be here to see them growing up. All I wanted to say is that your post helped me and made me feel I’m not the only one feeling this way. Thank you 

Children
No Data

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.