Good Morning and thank you to those of you who read this.
My husband is 34 and has always gone to his doctor for yearly physicals as well as to his gastro doctor to treat his GERD and hiatal hernia.
This December 2017 for the first time ever his blood work was off during his yearly routine physical. It showed that he had a lower hemoglobin level 10.9 and some other lower red blood cell work. His GP had him come back two more times from December to January to do more blood work. His liver enzymes a little high, but had since decreased (probably due to him decreasing drinking).
The GP suggested he book an appointment with a hematologist to get his iron/red blood cell count checked since the levels didn’t change much. He also suggested to reach out to his gastro doctor.
His Gastro doc gave him the OFBT and it came back that he had “microscopic blood in his stool.” His gastro originally had his endoscopy and colonoscopy scheduled for 2/28 but because of this find, he moved him up to 2/16.
My husband has zero symptoms (only the iron deficiency anemia, which my nurse friends say is on the milder end and this microscopic blood in his stool). Otherwise, his bms are normal, he has no pain, no cramping, nothing. He’s never seen blood in his stool. His stomach and issues with GERD continue pending what he eats. He also has zero family history of colon cancer and both of his parents have had several good colonoscopies.
Of course it doesn’t help my nerves by going on the internet and reading the correlation of men with iron deficiency anemia and potential diagnosis of Colon Cancer. Thus, I am becoming extremely worried.
My nurse friends say that it’s probably related to his stomach (the bleeding) and not his colon, but even if it is, it’s probably being caught early. I know they’re trying to help alleviate my nerves.
My question is, can iron deficiency anemia and microscopic blood be the only two symptoms one can have prior to being diagnosed with colon cancer?
My husband’s gastro was quick during the follow-up regarding the FOBT and suggested for him to keep his appointment with the hematologist. I am mad because I wish I went with him that day because I would’ve asked more questions. He also did his blood tests and tested him for celiac and he came back “boardeline”, but suggested for him to not change any of his diet until after his procedures.
I just wish his appointments were this week instead of next as the waiting is hard.
My nurse friend also said that he could have iron deficiency anemia and it not be related to the microscopic bleeding? Also, my husband has gained a good 10-15 pounds over the last several years. He’s 6’4 and 250lbs so no sign of weight loss, which I know can be a symptom of CC, but not always.
Any words of advice and support would alleviate my mind right now.
Again, thank you so much for listening. I am really hoping this is nothing more than upper GI issues, but it’s still scary nonetheless and I am sorry if I seem over paranoid. I know he’s young but being young doesn’t guarantee anything.
Best,
Tricia