I am a 37 year old male with some concerning symptoms of late and not sure what to make of everything. The last few months I have been hypersensitive about my bowel movements and habits. My first concern started a few months back when I had a bowel movement that did not appear totally digested. This started my fears and worry to be honest. Since then I have not had that happen but I do notice the consistency changes from time to time. Usually it's normal or normal for me but sometimes it's a bit looser or very large bowel movements that almost clog the toilet.
I am not sure on the blood part as I don't know why to look for here.. I saw a few red flecks inside the outer layer of my feces on a few occasions but never loose blood or blood on my tissue paper. Never have I seen blood outside the stool. I did purchase an OTC fecal blood test and it was negative but I am worried because now I think I didn't follow instructions and test back to back 3 times. I did the first two but the other 3 remaining tests were sporadic. All negative but may not matter if not tested correctly? What would I be looking for as fan as blood in my stool?
The other concern and may not be related is that my left side cramps and there is a dull pain when I wake up. I do sleep on that side and travel a lot so I sleep in different beds every week. Not sure if this would be connected or not although this pain has been going on for almost 6 months and really since switch beds.
No history in my family although my dad had polyps removed as precaution once. I asked for colonoscopy recommendations based on this and doctor still says 50. Also no fatigue or weight loss. I have actually gained a bit lately due to poor eating habits.
Off to see doc in a few weeks but the anxiety is killing me. I read stories about folks that waited too long or should have noticed something sooner. Not sure what else to do between now and then. And of course all day today my abdomen has been hurting when I have been thinking about this stuff.