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The "waiting game" is beyond stressful

7,818 Views | 62 Replies | Last: 1 day ago by texasaggie2015
texasaggie2015
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AG
Sorry in advance, but I think I just need to vent more than anything else...

I started experiencing some weird symptoms about three weeks ago. Nothing that seemed serious- but things that definitely weren't normal for me.

After a couple weeks, I decided to see a specialist and he advised me to get a colonoscopy done ASAP and that a couple of my symptoms were buzz words and red flags for colon cancer.

My procedure is scheduled for next week but I'm scared to death. I'm 32 years old and always assumed I was in good health so this came out of nowhere. The doc indicated they're seeing more and more cases of colon cancer in younger people in their late 20s and early 30s, though it's still very rare.

I understand it's entirely possible that this ends up being a nothing burger... but man, I am beyond stressed out.

Has anyone been through this or something similar? What was your experience like?

I hate having to wait and just sit on this.

htxag09
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AG
If you don't mind sharing, what were the symptoms?

And hoping for the best for you.
texasaggie2015
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AG
Very sudden constipation. Stool is very narrow and ribbon like. Lots of pressure on my left lower side, almost feels like bad gas.

The constipation started basically overnight. The pressure came a week or so later.

I know it doesn't seem serious.. but when you hear the doc say the "c word" it kinda hits you like a bus.

htxag09
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AG
texasaggie2015 said:

Very sudden constipation. Stool is very narrow and ribbon like. Lots of pressure on my left lower side, almost feels like bad gas.

The constipation started basically overnight. The pressure came a week or so later.

I know it doesn't seem serious.. but when you hear the doc say the "c word" it kinda hits you like a bus.


Praying for you. I'm 37 and a friend from highschool was diagnosed with colon cancer about 2 years ago. He's cancer free now.

Praying it's nothing, first and foremost. But even if it is the c word, hopefully it's early and manageable.
texasaggie2015
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Thank you sir
DannyDuberstein
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AG
Praying for you, but take solace that you did the right thing - noticed something was off and got it checked. You'd be surprised how many will live with and struggle through something for months or even years before seeing a doc about it. You are also young and even if you get a scary answer, you are in good position to battle. That onset seems really sudden for it to be the c word, but not a doc so just a layman guessing.

I can sympathize with mental strain of the wait. I had testicular cancer at age 35. They did surgery immediately but I had to wait about 10 days for the CT and results to see if it had spread. That was a very long 10 days
texasaggie2015
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Thank you. I'm trying my best to both remain optimistic but also ready to come to terms with either outcome.
Apache
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Quote:

Very sudden constipation. Stool is very narrow and ribbon like. Lots of pressure on my left lower side, almost feels like bad gas.
Sounds exactly what I had when I got diverticulitis.
Lower left side at the belt line roughly?
Have you been eating a ton of meat & been dehydrated? How's your fiber intake?

If so, I'd go on a fast for a day. Coffee/water only. Next day or two after that, just eat white bread, broth, white rice. Easily digestible stuff. This clears up my symptoms.
After that, go easy on the red meat, eat veggies & introduce some fiber pills. Lighten up on the booze.

I don't mean to minimize what your going through, definitely follow the doctor's suggestions.
But it wouldn't hurt a thing to see if my suggestion helps you out. JMO.
texasaggie2015
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AG
I appreciate it and know you're not minimizing it.

The doc gave me a big list of things to switch up as far as diet goes. What's funny is I haven't had any big changes to my diet at all when the symptoms started.. but I suppose your body changes.

I know this might be TMI- but did the diverticulitis make you stool very narrow and ribbon like? That was kind of the biggest red flag for me.

The pressure seems like it's a little higher up than what you describe but it comes in waves and I'll pay more attention when I feel it next time.

The doc didn't mention diverticulitis, but he may not want to speculate until he sees everything. This makes me feel a little more optimistic overall. I've read that the pain with diverticulitis can be pretty severe, and mine is very mild and I would call it discomfort more so than pain.. but I suppose everyone is different.
Apache
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Quote:

I know this might be TMI- but did the diverticulitis make you stool very narrow and ribbon like? That was kind of the biggest red flag for me.
Yes. The pain felt like gas & was in just about the same spot as you felt.
Try the fast, I seldom have flare ups but when I do I immediately start my fast/diet & within a few days everything gets better.

Were you running a fever at all?
Apache
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Quote:

I've read that the pain with diverticulitis can be pretty severe, and mine is very mild and I would call it discomfort more so than pain.. but I suppose everyone is different.
Symptoms range wildly based upon severity. Mine started out like bad gas & got worse.
texasaggie2015
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AG
Nope- no other symptoms besides the ones I mentioned. That was sort of the weird part as well.

But, actually, now that I think about it... a few days before I started getting these symptoms I had a day where I felt pretty awful. No fever, but there was nausea and a bad headache. Lasted about 24 hours. I just figured it was a random bug.

I also found out this afternoon that my biological sister has thyroid issues. I'm adopted so I had to dig around and reach out to get some family history. She said there's no family history of colon cancer that she's aware of, and it looks like hypothyroidism can cause constipation. I know the doc actually ordered labs to check thyroid stuff.

I've actually thought I have low T for a while... so maybe this has legs. She was my age exactly when she started meds for it. I have no idea if it's hereditary though.
MarkW91
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I had blood out the backside in my mid 40s, in otherwise great shape, and it turned out to be stage 3 colorectal cancer. Sounds terrible I know and it was scary in the same way you're describing. But the symptoms, blood, saved me. Got through it all, all is well now 8 years later because medical technology is very good for early identified issues. The symptoms you mention are a blessing to allow whatever it is, hopefully nothing, to be tested, identified and treated if necessary. I'd be happy to talk through it if you'd like. Same colorectal system, though mine wasn't colon.
Ghost of Andrew Eaton
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The waiting game sucks.

To me, it sounds very similar to what I experienced with diverticulitis.
If you say you hate the state of politics in this nation and you don't get involved in it, you obviously don't hate the state of politics in this nation.
texasaggie2015
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AG
So happy to hear you got through it. I'll definitely reach out if needed. Thank you.
texasaggie2015
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AG
Man, this makes me feel a little more optimistic between you and the other poster who mentioned the same thing.

I really wish the doctor would have mentioned this as a possibility but I understand not wanting to speculate until seeing the whole picture.
Apache
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Let us know how things work out .....we are pulling for you!
Jbob04
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When is you appointment? Praying for you
Max Power
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Fingers crossed everything is ok, but I get it. Every year my wife gets her mammogram there's always something in there, and has to get sent for a second one, but it's not cancerous. She had brain surgery a few years ago to remove a tumor and has to get annual CT scans to make sure nothing has come back. It stresses me out every year. Waiting is awful, right there with you.
Southlake
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Have you had any other classic C signs? Rapid weight loss? Tired, lack of energy? Etc.

It does sound like Diverticulitis. Maybe onset of IBS?

Could be many things or nothing.

Keep your head together and think positive thoughts.

You are a machine and meant to be here. Rock on.
"Real skill comes without effort" - Mu Bai
wangus12
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My wife has recently had some symptoms that may be related to polyps so we are gettinf her in with a GI doc 2 weeks from now. She's 34. Has me nervous as hell.
IslandAg76
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What happened?
texasaggie2015
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AG
Colonoscopy is tomorrow. Labs came back and thyroid levels were in the optimal range (though they were on the lower side of optimal).

As far as other symptoms- I haven't noticed any fatigue that seems abnormal for me. Similar bedtime, etc as I've always done. No rapid weight loss.

I could easily be overreacting for sure. It's just always scary when you're told that C is a possibility.
MaxPower
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I'm optimistic. Generally something coming on that rapidly is more likely to relate to a sudden illness like diverticulitis. I had to get a colonoscopy when I was about your age for different issues but I already diverticuli. The doc basically said I had the colon of a 60 year old. Once you have those it just seems a matter of time until you have a bout of diverticulitis. Western diet is hell on your colon.
Kool
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All the best to you today, 2015. Prayers sent.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Moral High Horse
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Nixter
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Prayers that today goes well. Please keep us updated.
Furlock Bones
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good luck. my wife went through similar issues. turned out to be UC which has been very treatable thankfully.
Na Zdraví 87
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Na Zdraví 87
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Prayers!
texasaggie2015
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Update: they found a fairly large polyp (about 1 cm) and removed it but no other polyps or issues found. They sent it off for testing but the doctor said it's very unlikely to be cancerous but he wants me to come in every 3-5 years for now on.

Edit: he did say that if I had waited another year or two we would likely be having a completely different conversation. That said, I highly encourage you guys to get checked out if you ever feel like something is a little off.
double aught
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So great to hear. A good message for everyone.
DannyDuberstein
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Great news and great job getting it checked.
Jbob04
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Great news, been praying for you!
Apache
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Great news!!
What did the Doc say about the symptoms you've been having? Or did they just go away?
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