What were your symptoms prior to diagnosis of bowel cancer?

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Having read a post earlier, I thought it might be an interesting idea to collect & amass everyone's symptoms of bowel cancer, prior to their diagnosis. It seems to me, (when reading here,) that symptoms vary such a lot, particularly in regard to the specific site in the bowel. I am not sure whether this post has any purpose, but, it might be interesting for someone to collect all the data of personal experiences; yet also, reactions of GPs - when you first presented with symptoms. Yet also, it might help those that might be worrying about the possibility of whether they have bowel cancer.

& so, I'll start with mine:

My symptoms started in summer of 2018. At first, they were very vague - just a dull ache in a certain place in my lower left abdomen. At this stage, it was bothersome, but not enough for me to visit my GP. Soon after, I found I needed to dash to the loo with diarrhoea, then I had occasional bad stomach cramps & nausea. I then found I needed to lie down after eating lunch - & had extremely loud gurgling noises in my stomach - & I would massage my stomach, thinking it was just bad wind - & my thoughts were that I had IBS. A good friend asked me if I was losing weight - which I hadn't considered; but yes, I was having to wear a belt to keep up my jeans. Then, checking my weight, it was drastically reducing. The pain in my left side became ever more nagging, & after three visits to the GP, he ordered a Colonoscopy - which diagnosed a 5cm tumour in my descending bowel - which resulted in a left hemicolectomy in May 2019.

I knew that there was something wrong, but I had convinced myself that I had IBS. I never thought about bowel cancer at that time - probably because it was too frightening to consider.

On reflection, I am pleased with how my GP reacted to my symptoms, but that could be because of my age.

Marianne

Susan13 1 month ago in reply to Bamo

Try "barefoot" shoes. I was able to search that on Amazon and there are multiple options. The shoes have a very thin sole that makes a huge difference in how much you feel. I regret waiting so long to try them, I thought it was just advertising nonsense. But they really help.

Anbou 1 month ago in reply to Susan13

Thanks for that Susan 13 and I will look into 'barefoot' shoes. By coincidence, some months ago I bought two different styles of slipper-shoe which are warm, have thinnish slip-resistant soles, are loose fit (space for thickish socks too) up to ankles and secure enough on the feet. Quick and easy to put on and take off. I tend to wear them a lot about the house and even pop outside with them. I do find that they do help a little. Bought them on Amazon. One thicker and warmer than the other for when I feel the need for more 'cosy' warmth!

Anbou 1 month ago in reply to Bamo

Hi Bamo , You may have seen or able to access the post from Susan13 about 'barefoot' shoes from Amazon and my reply today about my own positive experience with warm, loose fit, thinnish soled slipper-shoes which I have found do help. Luckily I was able to continue driving and walking (a lot!) post major surgery and chemo in 23 and some radiotherapy in 24. So far so good in 25. Best wishes.

ffm 1 month ago in reply to Anbou

Regarding symptoms.

I am 75 and completed NHS fit tests every 2years and always negative. The last being a year ago.

In March this year I noticed a little blood in pants but no repeat although checked carefully with each bowel movement.Over next few weeks experienced slight anal soreness so thought I would check out with new Gp practice. Seen immediately by practice nurse who arranged fit test and bloods. I then suffered a bout of extreme diarrhoea but saw Gp 4days later who said Fit test read 24.7 blood which was low but he referred for fast track colonoscopy. Bloods were fine.

To cut to the quick malignant tumour found in lower bowel. No spread and awaiting removal in June. Consultant said probably been there a year but still caught relatively early.

Apparently the NHS screening has a cut off point of 80 blood before referral so my test a year ago would not have triggered a referral although tumour may well have been present. I believe higher cut off point due to NHS being overwhelmed if it was lower.The Gp cut off for referral being above 8 !

My consultant who is a national leading surgeon said he believes colonoscopyies should be available for all over 50s as far more tumours would be found early.