I am a 32YR old male that has otherwise been fairly healthy. At the start of this year I had my appendix removed due to right side pain, etc. Since that time I have had pain in both my right and left side, excess gas, stools that were thinner, etc. All of these were concerning, but I didn't make an appointment. 1 month post-op, I had a BM where there was pain and blood. I made an appointment and saw my internist, who examined but didn't find any hemorrhoids. He said that was what he thought it would be. I was referred to a general surgeon so that he could examine as well. He examined and found no evidence of hemorrhoids or anal fissure, but thought it might be anal fissure. He also mentioned he would refer me to a gastroenterologist. It took a month to get an appointment, but I am going to be seeing him on Friday. In the meantime I have done a few FOBT tests--some came back negative & others looked positive (not 100% sure as the line was very faint). I've had a lot of pain in my rear when going to the bathroom on and off the whole few months also. And lots of gas, and some pain on both right and left side around areas where the surgery took place.
So, I am trying to ask you guys what I should be asking. I am worried about colon cancer, though I have worried about many things over the years and so worrying isn't out of the ordinary for me. I am just trying to be thorough here since there has been evidence of GI bleeding. Should I (or can I) demand a colonoscopy? Do the risks associated with this procedure outweigh its necessity given lack of risk factors for me? Any advice or assistance would be helpful. Thank you all!