Possible TMI...
I have spent 4 weeks trying to get a NHS appt with GP to no avail, thankfully I have health insurance. I really started noticing some strange symptoms about a month or so ago. I was going poop more often and had realised that it was 'softer' than normal and that on occasion I could tell what I'd eaten the day before. I also started to feel an almost constant need to go poop, noticed some blood in stool, itching and had stomach cramps. Last week I noticed I had a large lump protruding from my anus next to a smaller lump I was told was probably piles 6 years ago.
Anyway fast forward 4 weeks and I decided to use my health insurance. They have referred me for tests and scans and contacted my GP. I had blood work taken last week and now need to arrange a further urgent blood test appt. I have 2 consultations next week and have been told there is some concern and they need to rule out bowel and or anal cancer.
I did the worst thing possible... I googled both bowel and anal cancer and have scared myself silly. 6 years ago I had abnormal cervical cells and had these removed. Some of the literature I've read the past couple of days says that women are at more risk of anal cancer than men and more so if they've previously had abnormal cervical cells.
I'm probably over thinking it but has anyone had anything similar?
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing health issues. Consulting Google is not healthy as it will give you a 1000 answers and only a few will be correct and even then you don’t have the expertise to associate your symptoms to the correct information.
Good that you are now being seen so let’s look for answers soon. Getting a clear diagnosis for a health problem can be so stressful and challenging but I do hope you find the community a safe place to ask your questions and when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who have walked the same journey.
The Community has dedicated cancer specific support groups so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Anal cancer and Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer groups.
These are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear and our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section may be helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
I do hope that you find that this is not what you think it is - All the very best.
