IBS or bowel cancer?

I thought I made a post a few days ago but I cant find it? Anyway, starting again...

About 4 years ago I started to get a extended stomach, especially when eating (I still do to this day). I've gained around 7kg in weight in those 4 years. Other symptoms were acid reflux (although I don't get that now), constant change in stools ie.. One day soft, next day rock hard, next day all fluffy, next day piles, next day diahrea, then back hard again,..etc. so they keep alternating, I've also get (although not lately) bright red dots of blood on the paper. I went to the GP, had a fecal test, blood test and it all came back fine so they diagnosed me with IBS. They adivised im way too young (31 at the time im 35 now) to have bowel cancer despite my nan and grandad (mothers side) both dying with bowel cancer at age 62 and 72.

Anyway, fast forward a number of years and im getting more and more concerned by my condition.

In the last 5 days my bowel habbits are still the same, but the colour is very much different. I am now pooping very dark (hard to class it has black, possible very very very dark brown) which I've never done before. When its this dark, its relatively hard and in the form of piles. It will also be accompanied with softer stool which is a normal light brown in colour. So the contrast each time I have a bowel movement is quite unique.

My diet has remained the same and nothing has changed in the last 5 days, hence my concern.

Obviously the first port of call should be a GP. Unfortunately its virtually impossible to get an appointment with my surgery. They now demand you call in at 8am (I cant as I am busy at that time), and on the rare ocassion when I could call in at 8am, the lines are so busy, I once got through after 25 mins to be told no appointments available.

So, i'd very much appreciate as much info from here if possible.

Parents
  • Hi, I am speaking from experience, don't let your GP keep telling you it' IBS if you are not happy with this. It may well be but so many bowel cancer cases are missed like this. Almost 5 years ago I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 49. I had seen 5 or 6 different Dr's at my practice, all telling me it was IBS. This went on for 18 months. You need to insist on a colonoscopy, it is the only way to rule cancer out and get rid of the cancer worry which if it is IBS, stress makes worse. I had stool samples that came back normal. I did have problems with my iron levels but as far as pain just indigestion and the 'knotting pain' like on the tv ad. I had surgery. Last year it came back, symptoms were different this time, I had almost everything on the bowel cancer list except weight loss. Again I had surgery followed by chemo and my last ct was ok. Any age can get bowel cancer and if close relatives had it before 55 you are more at risk. You will probably be fine but PLEASE find out for sure. If it is anything serious, the earlier it is treated the better chance of a full recovery. Good luck and keep on and demand the test.

  • Thanks Ineedabreak, you're right, a colonoscopy is the only way. I will put the request forward to ny GP as soon as i can get an appt with them.

    How are you coping now? I take it you're free from it now? 

Reply Children
  • Please do, it's the only way. Once you get the all clear you can forget it and the stress. If it is IBS this will probably improve with less stress too. Don't let them fob you off, insist.

     

    As far as I know, I'm ok thank you. My 10 month post op CT was fine. I have a colonoscopy in 2 weeks, I was due one in about a year but my consultant knows I worry so said if if would put my mind at rest he would do it soon. I only have about a third of my bowel left so shouldn't take long.

    It does mess with your head though, every little ache/pain causes major panic and a visit to my GP, usually turns out to be nothing but my new theory is..... whatever it is, get it checked out straight away. If it is something, best to find it early and if it's nothing you can forget it.

     

    Let me know how you go on.