Hello, I am 51 and a fairly healthy mum of two young adults.

The other night I couldn't sleep because I was getting waves of excruciating stomach pain (below my belly button) which I thought might have been something I ate or IBS! But I didn't eat anything out of the ordinary.

I have been experiencing times where I feel like I need to go urgently, then all that comes out is mucus or small / slim stools. I have woken up in the morning with mucus round my rectum too. Some days I don't pass any stools, other days I go and very little comes out, I think I'm done, then I have to go back to pass more. I am experiencing constant tailbone aches. There have been no traces of blood which I hope is a good sign. I also think I have been getting neuropathy in my feet (not sure if this is linked).

After the cramping in the night, I managed to get a GP appointment the following day. The Dr examined me and found what he called a mass in my rectum, which he said 'he wouldn't expect anything to be there, but not to worry'. Of course I was in shock and could only think of the worst, but I am trying my best to stay positive until I KNOW exactly what is happening! I am awaiting an urgent referral to the hospital and have already had bloods taken.

I wondered if anyone can relate?