24 concerning symptoms scared

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JP654321
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Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2018 6:32 pm

24 concerning symptoms scared

Postby JP654321 » Fri Aug 17, 2018 7:25 am

Hello everyone

I have been experiencing some really concerning symptoms, and I'm wondering if there's any way to push up my GI appointment.

I've had a change in bowel habits the past 2 years such as going more frequently, going and feeling like it's not all gone, flat/skinny stools, and just general discomfort. I put this down as IBS until very recently, when I had a lot of blood in my stool. The day after that, there was blood and mucus. I went to my primary care doctor, and she ran some blood work and scheduled me with a GI but my appointment isn't till September 19th (!)

The blood work came back fine. I'm not anemic. Still though, I can't help but think I have very concerning symptoms of colon cancer even if I'm only 24. It's almost more concerning that I don't feel that bad, making me think it's not ulcerative colitis or crohns, because it seems like colon cancer is generally quieter, and I just don't know what else could be causing these symptoms.

Is there any way to get a colonoscopy faster? I know if I go to the emergency room I wouldn't get one with no prep. I'm just tired of freaking out about this and feeling so anxious, and I want to get to the bottom of it.

boxhill
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Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2018 11:40 am

Re: 24 concerning symptoms scared

Postby boxhill » Fri Aug 17, 2018 9:59 am

I'm sure we all totally understand your anxiety. The waiting is the worst.

On the other hand, it is probably unlikely that these few weeks would make a difference in your condition.

I don't know how it would work out with the prep, but could you get on the cancellation list? If it is possible, perhaps you could stay on a low-residue diet for the time being, just to make things easier.
F, 64 at DX CRC Stage IV
3/17/18 blockage, r hemi
11 of 25 LN,5 mesentery nodes
5mm liver met
pT3 pN2b pM1
BRAF wild, KRAS G12D
dMMR, MSI-H
5/18 FOLFOX
7/18 and 11/18 CT NED
12/18 MRI 5mm liver mass, 2 LNs in porta hepatis
12/31/18 Keytruda
6/19 Multiphasic CT LNs normal, Liver stable
6/28/19 Pause Key, predisone for joint pain
7/31/19 Restart Key
9/19 CT stable
Pain: all fails but Celebrex
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O Stoma Mia
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Re: 24 concerning symptoms scared

Postby O Stoma Mia » Fri Aug 17, 2018 10:43 am

boxhill wrote:...If it is possible, perhaps you could stay on a low-residue diet for the time being, just to make things easier.

I agree with boxhill. In my opinion, it is important to be on a low-residue, low volume diet for at least one week prior to the colonoscopy. This is so that when it comes time for the prep there will be very little bulky material left to excrete. Some patients make the mistake of eating big meals all the way up to the night before the colonoscopy, and then it makes it difficult for the prep to deal with a big volume of dense, digested food.

Also, as suggested, try to get your name on the waiting list for cancellations, and be sure to have been on a low-residue diet all along and to have all of your prep materials purchased in advance so that if you get a one-day or two-day notice of a cancellation then you will be all set to do a successful prep the night before.

What kind of prep solution did the doctor prescribe for you? Some of the solutions are much easier to handle than others.

Here are some other materials you could read in preparation for the exam:

Colonoscopy prep
https://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59534&p=472482#p472482

JP654321
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2018 6:32 pm

Re: 24 concerning symptoms scared

Postby JP654321 » Fri Aug 17, 2018 10:54 am

No colonoscopy set yet - just an initial consultation with the GI doctor. I am afraid they won't take me seriously, so I'm definitely going to push for a colonoscopy as quickly as possible. Thanks for the links, I will check them out.

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O Stoma Mia
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Location: On vacation. Off-line for now.

Re: 24 concerning symptoms scared

Postby O Stoma Mia » Sat Aug 18, 2018 12:05 am

JP654321 wrote:No colonoscopy set yet - just an initial consultation with the GI doctor. ..

While you are waiting for your GI consultation, you might want to read up on bowel anatomy and physiology. There are some good, readable books in this area, e.g., Giulia Enders' book:

https://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52535&p=413231&p=413231#p413231

DarknessEmbraced
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Re: 24 concerning symptoms scared

Postby DarknessEmbraced » Sat Aug 18, 2018 8:51 am

I'm sorry you're going through this!*hugs* I would definitely push for a colonoscopy and get on a cancellation list if possible. The waiting is awful!*hugs*
Diagnosed 10/28/14, age 36
Colon Resection 11/20/14, LAR (no illeo)
Stage 2a colon cancer, T3NOMO
Lymph-vascular invasion undetermined
0/22 lymph nodes
No chemo, no radiation
Clear Colonoscopy 04/29/15
NED 10/20/15
Ischemic Colitis 01/21/16
NED 11/10/16
CT Scan moved up due to high CEA 08/21/17
NED 09/25/17
NED 12/21/18
Clear colonoscopy 09/23/19
Clear 5 year scans 11/21/19- Considered cured! :)


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