Hello all,
I have had narrow stools for several months, which have progressively gotten worse. I went to a gastroenterologist just over a month ago, who said to wait and see if symptoms would diminish. If not, I would need a colonoscopy. I’m now waiting on my referral appointment with another GE (we relocated) to get a colonoscopy.
I also have what I always assumed were hemerrhoids. Now I’m of course worried they are cancer. I finally let myself look at them, and they don’t look red or swollen like pictures of hemerrhoids I see online.
The last few days, even with a laxitive, it is incredibly difficult to have a bowel movement. I strain to pass anything. I do think my stool looks a little mucousy, but I don’t have any bleeding. I also have very little appetite, and have had nausea the last couple days. Maybe it’s anxiety?
I have been under a great deal of stress (my sister died about 5 months ago, and I have become guardian of her 16 and 12 year old...and had to relocate them from Texas to Hawaii, where I live).
I’m only 29, and don’t have family history that I know of. I have two young children (3 and 5) in addition to my niece and nephew. We live FAR from family, so I’m worried about what will happen if I am sick or if I die. I also don’t know what kind of medical care we will have here. Second opinions may not be an option if something is wrong.
But honestly I am just scared. I don’t know if anyone else has young kids, or extra kids, and has gotten a diagnosis. How do you tell them? I really hope I don’t have cancer, but I just have this sinking feeling that I do. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I am now laying in bed, crying and avoiding everyone to write this. Any advice while I wait on my appointment?