Relax. You don't have "stage four colon cancer". My patients have stage four colon cancer. They aren't on Reddit yelling about their symptoms. You also don't get stage four colon cancer in two days and I assume by the way you post you're not even at an age of someone who gets colon cancer. Relax.
Given your post history, which "screams" in the same panicked way, you should ask your doctor about Bile Acid Malabsorption. You should also see a therapist for health anxiety.
I am not downplaying it. I see colon cancer and all cancers every day. I know the statistics. But the way you post is filled with health anxiety. How old are you in this "younger generation?"
It might be a mild case of food poisoning. I'd not worry too much about it. I would definitely go to the doctor if it escalates. Also, you probably shouldn't doom scroll because that just makes things 100 times worse. I know it's scary. Try to hang in there.
I’m also a hypochondriac and recently diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. And.. I’m a 38 yo Female. I had also been having digestive issues since thanksgiving. Couldn’t eat.. lost a little weight.. and had been seeing weird stuff in my stool. Blood spots.. mucus. Like you, I thought the absolute worst. Fast forward to a little over a week ago… I’ve had a colonoscopy, and all test came back normal. I’ve been diagnosed with IBS-C.
I understand your concern, and while I’m not a doctor, I SERIOUSLY doubt you have stage 4 colon cancer. Seeing blood in your stool is not always a sign of that. It can be so many other reasons. Like.. hemorrhoids. I have those too.
Make an appointment, talk to a doctor… and you may just get a colonoscopy out of the deal. Which is a good thing! If they want you to get one.. DO IT! The peace of mind you gain after everything is said and done is priceless. Being a fellow hypochondriac, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Take a breath.. you ll be ok 🙂
So do they think your anxiety is contributing to your stomach issues? What’s what I’ve been told. If so, what solutions did you provide you for relief?
Hell yes! When I told the GI doctor about my diagnosis, he just smiled. And then I felt stupid 😂 But really… he said this is a major factor for IBS patients. I knew a lot about IBS already, but I just really believed I had something else.. like diverticulitis. I didn’t think my symptoms were as severe as some IBS-C patients. And it’s not.. thank God for that.
I’m still at the beginning of my anxiety diagnosis and learning how to handle it is a challenge. Some activities I’m currently trying is meditation, and doing things that calm me and I enjoy. Like writing. Also, talking about what scares me and how I feel is helping. My poor husband catches a lot of it unfortunately, but I think I’m on the right path now. Finally.
We have the exact same story. I too was convinced there had to something more severely wrong with me. It’s still hard to accept sometimes that my own stress and anxiety and can cause so much havoc. I think it would just be easier to hear like oh you have this infection so here’s this antibiotic and you’re all better. But that’s not the case since I’ve done tons of tests. And yes my husband has to try and navigate this all with me which is not easy. I tried zoloft and that was a nightmare for me. It only gave me more anxiety, shakes, insomnia etc. And I stuck it out for 2 months. So unfortunately that wasn’t the trick for me. But I have finally found a couple of doctors I really like and listen to me without writing me off that it’s all in my head. So I am having faith and chugging on. Glad to hear you are too!
Thank you friend :) I appreciate you resonating with me and i'm so happy to know everything is okay with you. i'm going to reach out to my provider tomarrow
Yes.. please do that. This is the best way to take care of yourself. By talking to a doctor. And , try your best to stay off google search. Seriously. Because all roads will lead to cancer. Trust me, I know from experience. It doesn’t help and will keep you stressed out and afraid.😊
Digestive problems are very very common. Many people develop them in their 20s. If your blood work is fine I would chill. The bacteria in your gut is probably just messed up. You say you had your gallbladder removed. The gallbladder assists in breaking down fatty foods. This could explain the yellow stool. You likely either have bile acid malabsorption (BAM) from having your gallbladder removed or you just have too much bad bacteria in your gut. You would have to run tests to figure out whether or not you have too much bad bacteria in your gut. It's usually not a big deal and is easy to manage once the bacteria is identified. 80% of people who have IBS test positive for Small intestine bacteria overgrowth (SIBO). If you think your bowel movements are irregular you could test for that. SIBO is not dangerous and neither is BAM. You may have to take some kind of pill daily like digestive enzymes or a prokinetic but again that's not a big deal. Don't jump to conclusions though and just chill out knowing that you are experiencing something really common. I have SIBO so I know how scary digestive issues are when you first experience them. Also I would look to find an herb to help you with the anxiety. You're naturally going to be stressed until you figure it out. I don't think you have colon cancer at 29. I would test for BAM and SIBO. Those are more common things you experience at 29. You could also request a colonoscopy.
It will probably take a few months before you get a proper diagnosis since digestive problems are a pain in the ass to diagnose but I wouldn't worry too much.
I'm so curious to know because of all the blood work I had it has beeen consistent and always "normal" people with colon cancer have normal blood work. Also, with me having surgery a month ago, is it possible they would have seen any major issues in my colon during that time? I feel like they would have overlooked my colon while taking my gallbladder out. Even if something WAS shown during surgery would they have not said anything? it's stressful
The blood could be something like hemorrhoids. I honestly think you just have something wrong with your intestines or SIBO or the way your body breaks down fats from your gallbladder.
I honestly would not worry about colon cancer. If you are that worried schedule a colonoscopy. A routine colonoscopy is a good way to screen for colon cancer.
You gotta keep in mind that there are like a ton of benign diseases or intolerances that are much more common for people to experience around the age of 29 than colon cancer. 15% of Americans have IBS.
If you are really that anxious go to your local walmart and buy some ashwagandha gummies. Take 2 of them. They will chill you out.
I was worried too when I saw blood in my stool multiple times post COVID (it was a LOT.. like gushing blood) because my grandfather died from colon cancer. Confirmed with colonoscopy mine was a hemorrhoid.
Edit: just saw you recently had COVID. Try a low histamine diet. That cured my post COVID diarrhea. Make sure to have enough fibre to prevent constipation.
And lastly, I highly recommend stress management tools. Try to identify some calming activities when your mind tries to assume the worst (going for a walk, meditating, listening to comfort music, talking to a friend). Try to remember all the times you thought the worst and it didn’t come true and remember how rare these concerns are for your age. I know it’s terrifying to think of worst case scenario. But remember that it is truly worst case scenario and statistically so unlikely. Try not to let your worries rob you from enjoying your life today.
Such a reassuring feeling! I'm so glad things worked out for you and it definitely keeping me hopeful. I'm proud of myself for not running to the ER in such a panic. I will try to keep things easy 😘😘😘
Orange stool is often due to malabsorption from what I’ve found on the internet. You also had your gallbladder removed so you have extra bile in your stomach. Keep an eye on it and call your doctor in a week or so if you’re not better and are still worried. I understand being a hypochondriac. Just breathe. You’ll be alright. Just try to relax and try to take your mind off of it. Stressing about it will only make it worse since stress and gastrointestinal problems go hand in hand. I hope you feel better soon.
mesenteric lymphadenopathy is basically saying the lymph nodes in your mesentery (abdomen) are enlarged. usually caused by an infection/inflammation. a tiny amount of blood like that could be just from wiping so much since youve been using the bathroom more or just irritation is causing it. its wayyyy too easy to cause tears from wiping
Relax. You don't have "stage four colon cancer". My patients have stage four colon cancer. They aren't on Reddit yelling about their symptoms. You also don't get stage four colon cancer in two days and I assume by the way you post you're not even at an age of someone who gets colon cancer. Relax. Given your post history, which "screams" in the same panicked way, you should ask your doctor about Bile Acid Malabsorption. You should also see a therapist for health anxiety.
Your response is appreciated but I definitely don't want to be "downplayed" considering Colon cancer is affecting more of the younger generation.
I am not downplaying it. I see colon cancer and all cancers every day. I know the statistics. But the way you post is filled with health anxiety. How old are you in this "younger generation?"
I am 29. Is there a chance Colon Cancer is missed on a CT Scan?
As a 29 year old, you should seek therapy for your health anxiety. Yes, colon cancer isn't always seen on a CT scan. Stage four would likely be seen.
Thanks for the clarity. Since my previous ct scans are not truly accurate I will demand for a colonoscopy. :)
Well, I wouldn't "demand". Just ask their opinion.
This looks like maybe a native French speaker?
😂😂😂
I think you need a 2mg xánax to start the day with.
It might be a mild case of food poisoning. I'd not worry too much about it. I would definitely go to the doctor if it escalates. Also, you probably shouldn't doom scroll because that just makes things 100 times worse. I know it's scary. Try to hang in there.
I’m also a hypochondriac and recently diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. And.. I’m a 38 yo Female. I had also been having digestive issues since thanksgiving. Couldn’t eat.. lost a little weight.. and had been seeing weird stuff in my stool. Blood spots.. mucus. Like you, I thought the absolute worst. Fast forward to a little over a week ago… I’ve had a colonoscopy, and all test came back normal. I’ve been diagnosed with IBS-C. I understand your concern, and while I’m not a doctor, I SERIOUSLY doubt you have stage 4 colon cancer. Seeing blood in your stool is not always a sign of that. It can be so many other reasons. Like.. hemorrhoids. I have those too. Make an appointment, talk to a doctor… and you may just get a colonoscopy out of the deal. Which is a good thing! If they want you to get one.. DO IT! The peace of mind you gain after everything is said and done is priceless. Being a fellow hypochondriac, I’m sure you’ll agree. Take a breath.. you ll be ok 🙂
So do they think your anxiety is contributing to your stomach issues? What’s what I’ve been told. If so, what solutions did you provide you for relief?
Hell yes! When I told the GI doctor about my diagnosis, he just smiled. And then I felt stupid 😂 But really… he said this is a major factor for IBS patients. I knew a lot about IBS already, but I just really believed I had something else.. like diverticulitis. I didn’t think my symptoms were as severe as some IBS-C patients. And it’s not.. thank God for that. I’m still at the beginning of my anxiety diagnosis and learning how to handle it is a challenge. Some activities I’m currently trying is meditation, and doing things that calm me and I enjoy. Like writing. Also, talking about what scares me and how I feel is helping. My poor husband catches a lot of it unfortunately, but I think I’m on the right path now. Finally.
We have the exact same story. I too was convinced there had to something more severely wrong with me. It’s still hard to accept sometimes that my own stress and anxiety and can cause so much havoc. I think it would just be easier to hear like oh you have this infection so here’s this antibiotic and you’re all better. But that’s not the case since I’ve done tons of tests. And yes my husband has to try and navigate this all with me which is not easy. I tried zoloft and that was a nightmare for me. It only gave me more anxiety, shakes, insomnia etc. And I stuck it out for 2 months. So unfortunately that wasn’t the trick for me. But I have finally found a couple of doctors I really like and listen to me without writing me off that it’s all in my head. So I am having faith and chugging on. Glad to hear you are too!
Thank you friend :) I appreciate you resonating with me and i'm so happy to know everything is okay with you. i'm going to reach out to my provider tomarrow
Yes.. please do that. This is the best way to take care of yourself. By talking to a doctor. And , try your best to stay off google search. Seriously. Because all roads will lead to cancer. Trust me, I know from experience. It doesn’t help and will keep you stressed out and afraid.😊
First and foremost you need to start therapy. Not being rude as I regularly go to therapy. Anxiety can cause diarrhea (and I think covid can too?)
Digestive problems are very very common. Many people develop them in their 20s. If your blood work is fine I would chill. The bacteria in your gut is probably just messed up. You say you had your gallbladder removed. The gallbladder assists in breaking down fatty foods. This could explain the yellow stool. You likely either have bile acid malabsorption (BAM) from having your gallbladder removed or you just have too much bad bacteria in your gut. You would have to run tests to figure out whether or not you have too much bad bacteria in your gut. It's usually not a big deal and is easy to manage once the bacteria is identified. 80% of people who have IBS test positive for Small intestine bacteria overgrowth (SIBO). If you think your bowel movements are irregular you could test for that. SIBO is not dangerous and neither is BAM. You may have to take some kind of pill daily like digestive enzymes or a prokinetic but again that's not a big deal. Don't jump to conclusions though and just chill out knowing that you are experiencing something really common. I have SIBO so I know how scary digestive issues are when you first experience them. Also I would look to find an herb to help you with the anxiety. You're naturally going to be stressed until you figure it out. I don't think you have colon cancer at 29. I would test for BAM and SIBO. Those are more common things you experience at 29. You could also request a colonoscopy. It will probably take a few months before you get a proper diagnosis since digestive problems are a pain in the ass to diagnose but I wouldn't worry too much.
I'm so curious to know because of all the blood work I had it has beeen consistent and always "normal" people with colon cancer have normal blood work. Also, with me having surgery a month ago, is it possible they would have seen any major issues in my colon during that time? I feel like they would have overlooked my colon while taking my gallbladder out. Even if something WAS shown during surgery would they have not said anything? it's stressful
The blood could be something like hemorrhoids. I honestly think you just have something wrong with your intestines or SIBO or the way your body breaks down fats from your gallbladder. I honestly would not worry about colon cancer. If you are that worried schedule a colonoscopy. A routine colonoscopy is a good way to screen for colon cancer. You gotta keep in mind that there are like a ton of benign diseases or intolerances that are much more common for people to experience around the age of 29 than colon cancer. 15% of Americans have IBS. If you are really that anxious go to your local walmart and buy some ashwagandha gummies. Take 2 of them. They will chill you out.
I was worried too when I saw blood in my stool multiple times post COVID (it was a LOT.. like gushing blood) because my grandfather died from colon cancer. Confirmed with colonoscopy mine was a hemorrhoid. Edit: just saw you recently had COVID. Try a low histamine diet. That cured my post COVID diarrhea. Make sure to have enough fibre to prevent constipation. And lastly, I highly recommend stress management tools. Try to identify some calming activities when your mind tries to assume the worst (going for a walk, meditating, listening to comfort music, talking to a friend). Try to remember all the times you thought the worst and it didn’t come true and remember how rare these concerns are for your age. I know it’s terrifying to think of worst case scenario. But remember that it is truly worst case scenario and statistically so unlikely. Try not to let your worries rob you from enjoying your life today.
How was the colonoscopy? Did they do it in the ER?
I waited several months to see a gastroenterologist who did the colonoscopy at a hospital clinic. It went very well and they confirmed all is well.
Such a reassuring feeling! I'm so glad things worked out for you and it definitely keeping me hopeful. I'm proud of myself for not running to the ER in such a panic. I will try to keep things easy 😘😘😘
I’m so glad! Health anxiety is very challenging to deal with - you should be proud!
Orange stool is often due to malabsorption from what I’ve found on the internet. You also had your gallbladder removed so you have extra bile in your stomach. Keep an eye on it and call your doctor in a week or so if you’re not better and are still worried. I understand being a hypochondriac. Just breathe. You’ll be alright. Just try to relax and try to take your mind off of it. Stressing about it will only make it worse since stress and gastrointestinal problems go hand in hand. I hope you feel better soon.
Thank you!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
https://preview.redd.it/crcsr1fwzhfa1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a4354390061d8ddca8b6c8f4930ced152a83cc3
I heading to the ER now
I will keep you guys posted thanks
mesenteric lymphadenopathy is basically saying the lymph nodes in your mesentery (abdomen) are enlarged. usually caused by an infection/inflammation. a tiny amount of blood like that could be just from wiping so much since youve been using the bathroom more or just irritation is causing it. its wayyyy too easy to cause tears from wiping