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.

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

And hoping for the best for you.

texasaggie2015 said:

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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.

All the best to you today, 2015. Prayers sent.

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.

So great to hear. A good message for everyone.