How stupid can fear make you? I read that in one of the posts a few minutes ago and it makes sense...

For over 2 years, I have experienced bleeding during and after bowel movements - very bright red blood. And 2 years ago, my GP referred me to a GI specialist who wanted to do the scope deal, but I chickened out and never had it done.

After reading the posts here, I have made up my mind to go back to the GI specialist and get it over with.

Frankly, I am very frightened - 39 years old and afraid.

Any comments welcome. My family has a history of cancer on both sides - makes me more afraid.

Thanks,
j

Originally posted by Houston858:
How stupid can fear make you? I read that in one of the posts a few minutes ago and it makes sense...

For over 2 years, I have experienced bleeding during and after bowel movements - very bright red blood. And 2 years ago, my GP referred me to a GI specialist who wanted to do the scope deal, but I chickened out and never had it done.

After reading the posts here, I have made up my mind to go back to the GI specialist and get it over with.

Frankly, I am very frightened - 39 years old and afraid.

Any comments welcome. My family has a history of cancer on both sides - makes me more afraid.

Thanks,
j

Good for You!!! I was scared to go also,had bleeding off and on for 6 mo. I convinced myself they were hemorroids,and read alot about hemorroids. Until one day the bleeding got worse. So I went to the doctor,suggested a sigmoid to rule out problems.. He felt the problem was due to hemorroids, but wanted to be sure..Well, the procedure not bad(prep is the pits)and he found a small polyp. (waiting for biospy report)however,in his words,my bleeding is from the hemorroids,and because of that,they have save me. This polyp is going to be removed.(alittle nervous about that)but the big FEAR of not knowing is gone..You owe it to yourself to go.. Let me know how it turns out
plc

J,
I have the same fear you do. I allowed my own rectal bleeding to occur for almost 9 years. Sure it was less before, but still it was blood. I finally went to the doctor after the pain was so intense I could hardly sit through a three hour class on hard chairs.
Here I am now waiting, not very patiently, for July 3rd to come. That is my procedure date. My cancer history is very complex from family dying from their own denial and it spreading too far, and also some what unknown due to adoption. I do hope we all find very simple answers to our very complex problems. I will keep you in my thoughts. As others have said, try to keep busy (it does help you not think about it), relax, and remember medical advances are getting better each day no matter your diagnoses.
We need to look beyond the fear and say we will take our lives into our own hands. Obviously you are making that step. Good luck in your procedure. Know that we are either going through your fear or dealing iwth the aftermath too.

Tammy

Well I took the first step - went to doctor yesterday and he told me it is not hemmoroids (sp?). I have an appointment scheduled with GI specialist in a week and my doctor said he will want to do the scope.

Now to keep my mind off of it...

Thanks to all who have replied and shown support!

john

Please go and get it checked.
My dad is dealing with colonrectal cancer which has spread to the spine. Had he gone earlier, they may have caught it all in surgery the first time.
On a positive note, wouldn't it be good to go and find out it is just polyps and nothing else. It would be a load off your mind because stress is hard on your body.
Please go.
Worried Daughter