GI problems my ENTIRE life and never Diagnosed EVER

[CassieH]

To say the least I am pretty frustrated right now. I am 19 years old and I just recently found out about colon cancer symptoms and colon cancer in young people (which set off some alarms). Ever since I can remember I have had stomach problems. I have been constipated more than I have been regular in my life. I have dealt with constant bloating (to the point where I look like I am pregnant) and severe stomach cramps. And even occasional blood in my stool or when I wipe (which I thought nothing of since it hurt to pass the stool and my I stretched my anus) But I have been finding blood in my little tiny pebble like stool every so often ( which is does not hurt to pass just takes forever to pass) So I began thinking why am I bleeding from little stools? I also was diagnosed with anemia when I went to the doctor for my constant fatigue and having to take naps daily (years ago) Now everything I eat is upsetting my stomach and making me not want to eat a lot because I don't want to deal with the pain. I have never been diagnosed,not once (except for constipation, which I was already aware of). What should I do? Please any advice is helpful.

[Fede]

To say the least I am pretty frustrated right now. I am 19 years old and I just recently found out about colon cancer symptoms and colon cancer in young people (which set off some alarms).
Ever since I can remember I have had stomach problems.
I have been constipated more than I have been regular in my life.
I have dealt with constant bloating (to the point where I look like I am pregnant) and severe stomach cramps.
And even occasional blood in my stool or when I wipe (which I thought nothing of since it hurt to pass the stool and my I stretched my anus)
But I have been finding blood in my little tiny pebble like stool every so often ( which is does not hurt to pass just takes forever to pass) So I began thinking why am I bleeding from little stools?
I also was diagnosed with anemia when I went to the doctor for my constant fatigue and having to take naps daily (years ago)
Now everything I eat is upsetting my stomach and making me not want to eat a lot because I don't want to deal with the pain.
I have never been diagnosed,not once (except for constipation, which I was already aware of).
What should I do? Please any advice is helpful.

Hi,

Well, I would say you a thing, of course you could hate me ... but if the blood in the poop persist for more than 2 or 3 weeks I would do a colonoscopy and a blood work.
Some people could tell you to do it urgent, but perhaps sometimes constipation could damage your rectum or colon and it would be only a hurt.

I hope the best for you

Fede

[karin]

You need to see your doctor ASAP and request referral to gastroenterologist for colonoscopy.

[sailboatssink]

See a doctor and ask for blood work and a referral to a GI doctor. That's what I'm doing.

Hope you get to the bottom of your symptoms.

X take care

[CassieH]

You need to see your doctor ASAP and request referral to gastroenterologist for colonoscopy.

Thanks. I'm working on getting a new primary doctor and hopefully getting a referral to a GI for a colonoscopy. My current doctor doesn't seem too concerned. I will keep you all posted on what happens. Thanks again for the advice.

[Amy14760]

Cassie....could be alot of things such as food allergy, food intolerance, Irritable bowel syndrome, etc. The only way to know is to get the tests done. Make sure you push your docs to be seen by a specialist (gastroenterologists).

[CassieH]

I finally got an appt. to see a GI specialist!!!!!!! Words can't describe how excited I am. They asked me have I ever had any test done or blood work so I'm hoping they run a few tests on me to give me a peace of mind or at least find out whats wrong. My appointment is for next Tuesday at 7:30am. I know they won't run any test on me that day but I'm hoping soon!I wont have to constantly wonder about whats wrong with me (hopefully). I am going to ask about a Colonoscopy as well. Thanks everyone for the advice

[NWgirl]

Definitely push for a colonoscopy. While colon cancer CAN happen to someone your age, it is still very rare. That said, there are many conditions that could be going on in your colon that are causing or contributing to your symptoms. Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, IBS. Has anyone ever tested you to see if you are allergic to wheat products (I can't think of the medical name for that condition at the moment); but I've had friends with that condition and had some of your symptoms.

The nice thing about getting a colonoscopy is that the doctor will know right away if it's your colon that is causing your problems. If it's not - then the doctor can look elsewhere to figure out what is causing them. Good luck with your appointment and don't hesitate to speak up and be insistent about getting tested for these conditions. Don't let the doctor dissuade you just because you are young.

[Alschmitt]

I definitely agree with the others. Push for a colonoscopy. I know you may be thinking the worst...cancer, but your symptoms could very well be linked to other GI issues. You know your body...what feels right and what doesn't. Don't let the doctors push you around, be persistent!
Good luck to you!

~Anita

[CassieH]

So, I had my first GI appt. and it went really great. I really liked the nurse she was really nice. I told them about all of my problems and the first thing she thought of was IBS. Then I told her about the occasional small amounts of blood in my stool and how it can be really dark sometimes. Then she spoke with the doctor and he advised a colonoscopy. It is scheduled for next Monday. I also have to take MoviPrep, is it too bad?

[NWgirl]

The preps for colonoscopy's aren't fun - but they're REALLY important. The prep will basically flush out your colon, like it has never been flushed before! But that's important (to get it all cleaned out); so that when the doctor does the scope, they have a clean, clear picture (literally) of what's going on in there.

Some tips to get it down - chill it first and drink it with a straw. If you have a flavor option, I usually choose lemon or lemon-lime. As much as I hate drinking that stuff, I tell myself I don't want to have to do it over because my colon wasn't cleaned out - so I do my best to get as much down as I possibly can. Once you're pooping a kind of clear/yellowish liquid, that's a good sign that your colon is pretty clean. My preps come in 1 gallon sizes, and I can usually get down 2/3 to 3/4 of the gallon before I simply can't do anymore.

[mstults]

I took the whole gallon while I had a colon blockage. It's not so bad. Worrying because you don't know what's wrong is worse. Look at it with a positive attitude and it will be over before you know it. Best of luck.

[dianne052506]

Cassie,
You are very lucky. There are a couple of young people who have been writing in lately who seem to go from doctor to doctor, and can't get anyone to take them seriously and refer them to a GI doc, or order a colonoscopy. You have found a doctor who takes you seriously and that is so important. Please be sure to thank him and his staff.
Dianne

[hannahw]

So glad you're getting the support you need/deserve.

[chemo sabe]

I have a colonoscopy set for Friday. Tomorrow I start my prep. I get two eggs and a piece of toast in the morning. Then I start the journey to poopyville in the afternoon. Not fun but not unbearable. Get some flushable wipes and desitin (baby isle). Do not wipe hard, do not wear your best underwear.