Right sided bowel cancer

Hi,

  I'm hoping to hear other people's experiences with symptoms and bring diagnosed with right sided bowel cancer, if possible. 

I am 32, so I don't think my GP is taking me seriously. 

I had a colonoscopy 2years ago for a change in bowel habit and intermittent swelling in the right lower abdomen, after seeing a private surgeon. It was normal and biopsies normal too. Very reassuring at the time. I've been well since then until 5 months ago when I developed a constant pain in the right hand side. It is pretty much always there, a dull ache, and much worse when I'm moving around, and I can feel a sensation of fullness there in the area of pain. I can also now feel my right side colon all the way up to my ribs which is new. The last few days I've had a stabbing pain around my liver and collar bone too.

I know it must be hard for those with diagnoses to try to answer and reassure us worriers, and it is really helpful and kind. 

I just hate being brushed off because I'm young.

Going to see a private colorectal surgeon again in 2 weeks which is next available, which will be worth every penny. 

  • Have you an update please? I've read your posts and we both lost a parent to this horrific  disease and I'm going through hell at the moment convinced myself I have it too, I'm just waiting for a colonoscopy.

    Thanks

  • Any updates? I've been experiencing pains in the lower part of my stomach for months now, it brings no pain just irritating and my health anxiety is going crazy I've been Googling what it could be which in turn is making me much worse im struggling to eat now through worrying and I've been to the toilet many times.

  • I am in a similar position, it has been going on for over a year. It is driving me insane. For me, it can be painful (a sudden onset of sharp / burning pain or a dull constant pain), other times it can just feel irritating (like I'm carrying a tennis ball around in the lower right abdomen). There was a period of months last year when I didn't notice it at all. Now, it's only the odd day or few hours here or there when I don't notice it.

     

    I am genuinely terrified something sinister is going on. I am 42, I have two young children - I really want to see them grow up in to great adults. The health anxiety is dreadful, I'm sure it is a vicious circle - I have stopped Googling - it only adds to the anxiety. As me mentioned previously, I have been for 2 abdominal ultrasounds, 2 chest x-rays, a CT of my brain (due to a blackout), a range of bloods (going back next week), a private bowel health/screening blood test. ALT was raised, as was vitamin B12, all else comes back ok - private hospital didn't think raised ALT/vitamin B12 is an issue - they just wanted to retest next week (6 weeks after original tests) - I'm having this done with my GP.  The thing is, I'm told it's nothing to worry about, you'll be fine, don't be negative, but I know my own body and it wasn't like this just over a year ago. 
     

    I have cut out alcohol, improved diet (it wasn't bad before but now even less red meat, fats, sugars etc...). I have also improved exercise - but no noticeable in my right side pain and discomfort. 
     

    I have been referred to a gastroenterologist, the wait time is approx 4 months.   I can't really afford it but will pay for private gastroenterologist and either a CT or MRI of my bowel - or endoscopy, whatever is best. 

     

     

     

  • Hey thanks for the reply. My symptoms sound pretty similar. Is yours in the lower left side too? You should be satisfied that the tests you've done have all come back clear. Google is honestly a nightmare for people like us with health anxiety. My pains are usually always lower left I've got time off work this week and they seem more frequent now I had a bad day yesterday where I was just Googling and it scared me.so I couldn't eat a thing. A lot of the issues could be anxiety I've always had it a couple of years ago I was convinced I had a brain tumour. I dont really seem to notice the pain when im off work but unfortunately due to lockdown its hard to keep myself busy

  • Hi 

    I have similar symptoms lower to mid right side pain that radiates in my groin , this has only started in the last 4/5weeks  

    my bowel movements have change where they are more narrow than usual and sometimes pencil thin (I've be to my gp and he has told me it's hemorrhoids  and I then went for a second opinion and voiced my concerns and he also said it's hemorrhoids and not to be worrying but he has referred me fora colonoscopy just to be sure which I'm having done next Tuesday (cant say I'm not worried but needs to be done .

  • How did you manage to get a colonoscopy so quickly. I've been told 4 months waiting list to see a gastroenterologist - who will then decide if I need a colonoscopy or endoscopy - so it will no doubt be 6 months before I get a colonoscopy. 

  • I getting it done private 

  • I have these exact symptoms and a small cyst on my right ovary. Bloods all fine just slightly raised crp. Ultrasound found nothing. The pain is barable but it's playing on my mind every day what it could be. Did u get any answers x

  • Hi thoughts with you, just to say I have the same issues with this pain in my right side. All tests so far show nothing other than slightly raised crp. But mine seems to settle at night when I'm laying down but it comes on when I get up and walk around. Will keep you posted if I get any answers. I hope you get some. It's horrible thinking something is wrong all the time. It takes such a toll on your Life

  • Hiya, please make sure you push and push until you are taken seriously. My brother was 29 last month. A year and a half ago, at the age of, 27,he was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, after months and monthsof being fobbedoff by his age at the gp. He got rushed to a and e, where they found two tumors, and that it had spread to his lungs. YOU ARE NEVER TO YOUNG FOR ANY TYPE OF Cancer, I don't want to worry you, but it can and unfortunately does happen. Fingers crossed for you.