RE: What were your symptoms prior to diagnosis of bowel cancer?

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Hi, I haven’t been diagnosed but am looking for some advice or anyone who may of had similar symptoms. I’ve been told I had IBS, I’d say probably 6/7 years ago now (I’m 28) to which point I never had ‘diarrhoea’ but it is always very loose and never solid. About 8 months ago I went to the GP about something I’d been experiencing for probably a couple years, pain when going to the toilet. IIt seems to feel like a cut just inside the anus however if iit is more solid that time, it actually feels like the pain is on a certain side of just inside the anus. I have had blood when wiping but usually after the painful times, or after multiple wipes, it’s always bright red and never dark, I have only ever seen blood at the tip of my stool which was maybe one or two occasions, October time I also had mucus which was a one off. The GP examined me and could not see signs of anything externally and gave me a cream to insert daily to help heal a suspected tear/fissure, this hasn’t done anything for me. I’ve also noticed my stools are always small and thin compared to a normal person but don’t know if this is just my IBS, as it is normal for me. I’m really on the fence about if to push for a colonoscopy, I have had stool samples done as well and that was clear, though I do feel I have had dizzy spells / fatigue lately but life is stressful anyway.

thank you all.

latchbrook 8 days ago

Hi MrAdvicebdae25 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I'm not a member of this group, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your symptoms and tests to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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Kareno62 8 days ago

Hi MrAdvicebdae25 It’s hard to say really. It could well be the ibs causing the issues that you’re having. Did the doctor check you internally for piles too as this could cause a narrowing of your stools. It’s a good sign that your stool samples were clear and if you’re worrying then that can quite often cause you to have a funny tummy.

Ive attached a link to a symptoms diary from the bowel cancer uk site which lists typical symptoms but also has a diary which you could fill in with your bowel movements then show your doctor if you’re still worried?

https://bcuk.adidocdn.dev/Publications/SymptomsDiary_BowelCancerUK_2024_Full_Colour.pdf

Hope this helps

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

MrAdvicebdae25 7 days ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi,

I had an appointment today and had an examination, he said there is a small fissure/tear just inside with another small one next to it which could explain the pain/bleeding, but I was previously prescribed an ointment for this as it was suspected, however it did not help at all and clearly the tear did not heal..they seem confused by this and have referred me to the hospital so it’s looking like it might be heading in the colonoscopy direction..