Concerned about Bowel Cancer

A few years ago I was having serious bowel issues, I was told it was IBS and I then cut gluten out my diet and it got better. Then a month or so ago the symptoms came back, but not as severe, though I am still on a gluten free diet. 

 

I am having loose BM's once sometimes twice/three times in the morning then sometimes once in the evening, usually with a fair amount of mucus and the second and third time in the morning are very thin. Loperamide and yakult made things slightly better but not great. 

 

I had a blood and stool test done recently, the blood test came back fine but the stool test showed a small trace of blood and Ive been asked to do another one in a week. 

 

I have discomfort in my lower right side above my hip in line with my belly button and I think I might be loosing weight but not totally sure as I tend to fluctuate. I dont feel fatigued and Im eating fine but with the blood present and loose BM's it is very concerning. Im also getting a trembling feeling just below my belly button most evenings. 

 

Im Male 28 and very active. Does it sound concerning or more like IBD ? 

 

  • Hi there - sorry you are having these problems & I do understand why you are concerned. I recently had very similar problems & went to my GP who referred me immediately for tests. All but one has now been done & ALL have come back clear.

    I can't comment at all I'm afraid about what the problem is, so it's definitely best that you go & see your GP. When I saw mine she thought there was 'cause for concern' hence the tests but at the same time she told me that 9 out of 10 patients who are referred come back clear. :) Just as important she said that the symptoms I was having could very easily be made worse by anxiety. I have to say I found it hard to believe. However, since my good results came back, my symptoms are much, much less bad than before the tests. This may well be happening to you even if on the surface you don't feel anxious.

    Do go & see your GP just to be on the safe side - better to err on the side of caution. Try not to dwell on the symptoms until you get your appointment if you can.

    By the way the small trace of blood might be piles & nothing at all to worry about. Do hope this puts your mind at rest a little but, as I say see your doctor.

    All the best.

  • Thank you for your reply. 

    I had another FOB check and that came back as not urgent and showing no signs of inflammation which Im not taking as a good thing as that rules out colitis. 

    The discomfort in my abdomen is still there despite my BM's getting marginally better in consitency, though somedays the frequency is quite high. 

    Today I noticed some obvious blood on the tissue paper after going which has me very worried as it seems to be the firmer stools which are accompanied by blood. 

    The only think keeping me sane is that I feel fine, can play hours of intense sport, have a good appetite and dont fill up quickly. My weight seems to fluctuate between 86-88kg with it only dropping into the 85's once or twice which also gives me some relief.  

    Should hopefully be seeing the GP tomorrow. 

    If anyone has had the same or similar symptoms please let me know what the outcome was.