Hello,
I'm 26 and have suffered from rectal bleeding on and off for a while now (around 2 years), sometimes a pretty regular and horrific amount. Usually bright red, enough to turn the water red, soak through/cover the tissue and stain many a poop. I also had a number of other worrying symptoms, stomach upsets similar to IBS, intermittant/recurring abdominal pain, intermittent fatigue, weight loss, changes in habits, mucus, gas, tenesmus, rectal pain/burning/pressure, symptoms of anemia, and even farting blood. So pretty much all of the symptoms.
I had a digital exam around 2 years ago which found nothing, so was then referred for an anoscopy/endoscopy ? I don't remember which, but it involved a camera and my ***. Again, this found nothing, no piles or fissures or any of the usual suspects I guess, so then I was referred for the dreaded colonoscopy. It took a while to get the appointment, by which time I wasn't really noticing symptoms much so I stopped worrying and didn't get the scope (stupid idea). Anyway, fastforward to now and my old symptoms came back with a vengeance accompanied by new ones. This time it scared the sh*t out of me, and I spent weeks panicking and stressed out of my mind, trying to come to terms with mortality. A few doctor appointments later, the word cancer was mentioned a couple of times, another RDE found nothing and another ano/procto/rectoscope found nothing except for one "tiny internal hemorrhoid", surely this couldn't be causing the amount of blood I'd been seeing though? And what about the other symptoms?
Long story short(?), I got the colonoscopy and they found absolutely nothing. The scope was easy, IDK what they gave me, I just have a 30 minute gap in my memory because I was conscious apparently. The prep wasn't pleasant, but it's not the horror story I'd often read about. Tastes like salty fruit juice, and you've got to starve for a little while but just think about the pizza you're going to smash unashamedly after it's over with. I was of course extremely relieved to find out I didn't have anything seriously wrong, cause I went in expecting to be handed a death sentence. See your doctor, get the scope and stop worrying! Stay away from Doctor Google cause it's just a bad time. Statistically speaking, even with multiple worrying symptoms your chances of having the big c are ultra low, especially if you're young. But it stil happens too often, so go and make sure or you might regret it.
One thing I also highly suggest is altering your diet. Eat brown bread instead of white, a little more fruit and veg and drink at least 2 pints of good old plain water everyday. It may sound trivial but it's surprising how much difference it can make.
I just wanted to try and reassure anyone who is having symptoms and/or panicking about cancer. Much respect and love to everyone, especially those fighting something and those who I see regularly taking the time to talk to and comfort eachother here. :happy:
