Dear forum,
This is my first post, so please be gentle with me.
This all started back in late January when I had a bout of diarrhea. This lasted about a week. My anxiety started to build and as such I was forcing myself to go every day (I usually go one every other day) However, I could only muster very small amounts of stool which only increased my anxiety. So much so that I had to be put on sedatives. Sometimes my stool would be reasonably OK other times it would be small and mushy, but good colour etc.
I found the detrmination to stop myself going each day and the stools improved somewhat. However, now I seem to have constipation and then a mushy poop a few days later. I accept this could be diet related as as soon as I get the mushy poop I eat less fibrous foods such as white rice, bread etc. and the opposite when I get constipation.
It is my only symptom, but it has me terrified. The thought of facing a wait for a FIT test result or colonoscopy makes me go cold inside with fear at the prospect that I could have BC.
I am 59 years old, so bang in the range for this sort of thing.
Can anyone off any insight into why I am experiencing mushy poop?
Thank you everyone and I hope your day has been wonderful.
Hello Starryian59
I am sorry that you are feeling so anxious about your bowel habits and are worrying about bowel cancer.
I think the best thing is for you to talk to your GP and tell them all of this and explain how worried you are. Hopefully they will be able to examine you and give you a bit of reassurance but if there is anything to be concerned about, the sooner the better for dealing with it.
You say that mushy stool/constipation is your only symptom but rather than worry wouldn't it be better to get it checked? It could well be diet related as you say or even a bit to do with your anxiety? Your GP may be able to give advice on how to keep things a bit more regular and to deal with the mushy stools.
If your GP does suggest a FIT test then I would have thought you would have a result within 1-2 weeks so not too long to wait. But please do not let your fear of having the tests prevent you finding out what is causing your symptoms. I understand the fear, I really don't like medical tests/appointments but it's always better to get checked and knowing for sure.
If you feel like you would like to talk it over with someone then please do give the support line a call- they are lovely on there.
Hope this helps a bit
Jane
Thank you Karen
Very informative. 
Well done- the first step is the hardest. You are still in control and can just say you want to talk about your symptoms. There are many potential causes of constipation/mushy stools and bowel cancer is only one. If they advise you to do a FIT test, it's quick, painless and you shouldn't have to wait long for the result. Please let us know how you get on.
Good luck
Jane
