Welcome to the forum elwistyuk although I'm sorry for the reason you're joining us.

As you've found out, Google is not our friend in these type of situations so if you can, try and stay away from it from here on out on as it will only make you worry more.  

Many of our members have had similar worries when waiting for tests and results so hopefully you'll receive some support and advice from them soon but in the meantime I hope this article I've found online will help you manage your worries whilst you wait.

Wishing you all the best with your colonoscopy and the results from all the tests you've had done so far.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi, just wondered if you had an update as I am experiencing very similar symptoms and I am trying to stay calm about it all but it's difficult.

kind regards.

Hi There,

No problem, I can give you an update.

Pre-Covid I was referred by my GP, which I was able to push forward.

I had the requisite blood tests and fecal stool tests for blood - All unremarkable.

I had a CT scan which again showed nothing out of the ordinary, save for a couple of small hernia in the lower left quadrant, but these aren't contributing.

Things have definitely eased off and I am feeling very much more positive about it.

I think a combination of factors may be at play for me... certainly work stress has played a part, as has dehydration leading to mild constipation. 

I have also dramatically cut down on the amount of Carbs I eat. Especially bread and bread based meals (pizza) etc.

I have to say that has made a huge difference. 

I have come to realise that i really need to manage my digestive system and to keep things from becoming too slow. If i start to feel a tinge in that lower left side I tend to reach for the Lactulose to keep things moving. 

A few weeks of taking care and staying hydrated and I generally feel much better.

I will also point out that I have moved to Yorkshire from London, so I don't have the same level of stress at this point, which is also positive.

I would really encourage you not to stress yourself out. The high probability is that it is something you can deal with pretty straightforwardly. Sure, get all the necessary tests out of the way. But also try the lifestyle factors.... and give them time. You won't feel better in 2 days, maybe a couple of weeks, but the less stress on top the better you will feel.

Best wishes and I hope that helps.

Cheers really appreciate the swift reply. It started just before Xmas with weird abdominal pain (not excruciating or needing pain relief). It didn't feel like a normal stomach cramp if that makes sense? After that i got a full ache in my left testicle and lower back. I've had ultrasounds on my testicles/bladder/kidney and all came back clear. I've had a Urine test and a set of full Blood tests that all came back clear as well and I am awaiting the results of a stool

sample. The doctor thinks it's a psycho somatic illness bought on by the anxiety of losing my dog just before Xmas however I have it in my mind that I have cancer as these are pains I've never experienced and I'm driving myself Crazy with worry when everything is coming back clear.

It's remarkable but I've had exactly this same series of symptoms, including the left testicle ache and lower back ache. Those have passed now but I still have the left sided abdominal ache; sometimes with sharp pains when eating or drinking, but usually not painful, just aching, and not needing pain relief. I've also had persistent diarrhoea with this. Had colonoscopy yesterday and biopsies taken (waiting for results) but no sign of obvious problems. Did yours resolve?

Hi Matt.KT and welcome to the forum.

It's always a worry when any unusual or unexplained symptoms start to appear but it's good to hear you've had your colonoscopy and hopefully it won't be long until your results come through.

I just wanted to post as I noticed you were hoping to hear back from staycalm. They haven't been on the forum since April 2021 so there's a chance you may not get a reply.

If this turns out to be the case, you're very welcome to connect with others on more recent discussions about this or start your own discussion.

We're thinking of you Matt.KT and will have our fingers crossed for good news.

All the best,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator