I had a colonoscopy three years ago for rectal bleeding after horseback riding. I found out I have internal bleeding hemmoriods and the doctor removed three polyps at the time. He said they were benign. Is my understanding correct when benign tumors (polyps) can become cancerous? Well, here I am at 30 years old going in for another colonoscopy on Monday. My grandfather died from colon cancer and was told at 30 he had bleeding hemmoroids. My grandmother (same side of family) had 8 inches of her colon removed for cancer. On my mother's side, my uncle has Crohn's Disease.

The problems I have been having? I had a hysterectomy a little over a year ago. Normally I would have a bowel movement twice a week. I now have a bowel movement 5 to 6 times a day. It feels like I am pushing a constipated bowel out, but it comes out soft and thin. It is a coppery color. I am also always tired, even though I take my hormones and vitamin. I have started to throw up recently. The bleeding is not real bad. I think it is from my hemmoriods. I have also been experiencing symptoms of vertigo. Has anyone experienced that with colon problems? I have constant cramping (never ceases). Having trouble sleeping due to discomfort. Doctor had prescribed me a muscle spasm med, but it didn't work. All it gave me was hives.

Anyone have similar experiences? I do not have diarrea (I know I didn't spell that right).

hi- i have some similar symptoms as you. i am only 19 years old and both of my grandparents on my moms side had colon cancer too. i have had thinner and coppery colored stools also lately --and very frequent too. no blood though. i am somewhat concerned too. i think ill wait a few more days to see if my symptoms go away, but please let me know how your colonoscopy goes anyway. thanks and good luck.

shannonlob : I don't know if this eases your mind while you wait, but I've read that it usually takes at least three to five years for a polyp to develop and grow to a size where it is a significant risk. That doesn't mean there aren't cases where it happens faster, but if you had a colonoscopy three years ago, the odds are on your side that if there is anything new, you'll catch it before it becomes serious. unfortunately there are so many conditions, both serious and not, that present with those symptoms that you really have to wait and see what the test says. Good luck on Monday.


lucyinthesky : Have you tried experimenting with different fiber supplements? I have a feeling that much of my own worry over the last few weeks was because I was using the wrong kind of fiber. I was worried about constipation and so ate a lot of bran cereal which consists mostly of insoluble fiber. This kind of fiber actually causes things to move too quickly through your system resulting in frequent need to go, straining, cramping and soft, often thinned stools.

For about four days now I have switched to a soluble fiber supplement (metamucil) and the difference is stunning. I don't think I've ever had such 'normal,' easy, healthy looking bm's.

You should certainly touch base with a GI since your family history means that you will probably need to get yourself checked out more frequently and earlier than most and you'll want to find soeone you can trust early in life. But in the meantime, give soluble fibers a try.

I haven't slept more than three hours a night because I hurt so bad. I lived in pain for years before my hysterectomy. I had to take pain killers everyday. I DON'T want to go through this again-the pain, that is. I have three beautiful daughters ages 4, 7, and 11. I think about them and how they need me. It's scary.

Shannon:
It most certainly is scary.... but it's scarier to think of your kids growing up with out you. With your history, it definitely is time for another scope. Non-malignant polyps cannot just turn into malignant from benign. So take comfort in knowing that although they did remove polyps on you last time... non of them were pre-cancerous.

Hang in there. Why did you have such pain before. Have you ever been dx w/ endometriosis? My wife has that and the pain is different for everyone, but it really got excrutiating for her again a couple years ago when our youngest was four. She did have a reprieve for a while after our first and second from the pain, but it can be disabling. Even after having a hyst. especially if you are on hormones, other than a combo to suppress.

Concerned,
CancerDad

PS Were you ever dx w/ IBS or any other GI disorder? Other than the polyps I mean.

I was never dx with IBS. I was told I have internal hemmoroids. I had ovarian cysts and endometreosis. When I had my hyst, the dr kept me off hormones for quite a while to dry up the endo. I go in today at 12:45. My pastor came and prayed with me today.

I was never dx with IBS. I was told I have internal hemmoroids. I had ovarian cysts and endometreosis. When I had my hyst, the dr kept me off hormones for quite a while to dry up the endo. I go in today at 12:45. My pastor came and prayed with me today.

You may still have some endometriosis... even though you had a hyst you know. And addition of the hormones might be killing you with pain... keep that in mind. Maybe give a try without the hormones?

Good Luck!
CD

Well the dr said that he 'thinks' I have IBS. He did random biopsys on different parts of my colon. I will get those results in two weeks. As far as not taking hormones, I did for months. The problems got worse then. I do not htink it was endo.

Well, my DR will be back Tuesday. He is suppose to call me. My hemmroids are worse. I have tried the suppositories and it helps with those but is excrutiating when having a bowel movement.

I want to tell Cancerdad thank you for your responses. They meant a lot to me.

Just waiting.....

Shannon:
I'm glad if my responses were worth a hill of beans for you?? I was just grasping at straws knowing what my wife suffers through and what you can also suffer through with the endometriosis... even if you had a hyst... the patches are still there, stimulated by hormones, and don't just dry up unless removed via laser or cautery through surgery. Some anti-estrogen drugs can shrink the patches temporarily (like Lupron), but endo is bound to flare again.

If I were you, I would be using a mess of Tronolane or Pramoxine, which, unlike Lidocaine (Nupercainal) does not affect the heart at high levels. Definitely smear a GLOB prior to any BM... This will help numb the area, and also help in lubrication to facillitate getting it over quickly!

I wish I had more to offer you! I wish you the best of luck, and keep us posted.
Regards,
CancerDad

Dr called me last night. My biopsys are okay. He wants me to try bentyl and then in a week let him know how the pain is. If it is still continuing, he wants to do a cat scan of my abdomen. My pain is not my rectum, it is in my lower abdomen and lower back.

Bentyl is an antispasmotic... I'm sure you already looked this up. They use it a lot for severe, painful cramping associated with IBS.

Hopefully this will provide you with some relief!

I wish you the best. Please keep us posted. And congrats on the Biopsies!

Regards,
CD