I've had silly bowles since I was a kid. I remember growing up having to drink Milk of Magnesia (yuk) as I was always constipated. Never been one to "go" everyday.
Fast forward the last few years (age 43 to 45) my bowls have changed. I put it all down to IBS and peri menopause. Gassy, stomach pains, mucus in my poo, feeling sluggish and painful constipation..
A few weeks ago I noticed substantial blood in my stools. I had noticed blood before but put it down to straining to hard. Over the following few weeks the stomach pains became intolerable. They were like contractions. I was writhing in pain while having lunch with my partner..I cam home emptied my bowls and felt a little better. But there was more blood. Next day I was at the GP surgery and she did an examination. Everything was clear and said I didn't have piles etc. She suggested a scan but before that I needed to do 4 stool samples. I had no idea what each ment. 2 blue bottles amd 2 green with very specific instructions. Well I wasn't going regularly so it took me another week to do the samples. A few days later I recieved a phone call from my GP(WED)- I had blood in the green stool sample kit. Still not worried until the GPs voice started to sound soothing and hopeful, reassuring me I needed a scan asap. She said the test showed blood which meant there was a high chance of cancer banded with all my other symptoms. I was also border line anemic, feeling tired, breathless and bloated, my stomach felt sore to touch.
2 days later (fri) I got the dreaded letter for a colonscopy appointment - suspected colon cancer. My heart sank, reading those words suddenly made it real. I'm a single mum of 3. My children have no family apart from me. My partner doesn't care for them, especially my 2 boys. I would say he hates my eldest son so the thought of being taken away shook me for the sake of my children (14,17 and 22)They have always ben abandoned and bow i was going to do the same, i was overcome by sadness. I didn't want to tell anyone at the point. No point in worrying others, I carried the pain, sadness for the next few days alone with Christ. My faith kept me sane and gave me hope. Until Sunday we were at Southport and the pain became unbearable again. The pain was always there but I could hide it. Today it was uncontrol of me! My partner pushed me as we say on the bench what was wrong. The words wouldn't come out. I couldn't even speak. I didn't want him to feel any pain or worry because of me. Tears streamed down my face.i told him and showed him the lette on my phone.
Fast forwarding had the consultation appointment over the phone with the colon nurse. She was absolutely lovely.she reassured me after running though all my symptoms and was very through in asking lots of questions. She was kind and empathetic. She said I needed an urgent CT SCAN and colonscopy. She ran though how both worked and the bowel prep.
I've had the CT SCAN last week and awaiting the results. Colonscopy is booked for 10th Sept.
My bowls since speaking to the nurse have gone from constipated and rock hard going once a week to diarrhea 5/6 times a day. I have back pain and my stomach really hurts. I'm tired and just want to sleep.
Sorry for the long message! I want to document my journey for the sake of my loved ones too. Pray all is well but it's not looking great right now.
Wishing everyone here all the best. So glad I found this forum.
