First of all let me give you some backround information. I am a 21 year old female non smoker, non drinker, never used drugs. I am not overweight. The only "medical" conditions I have been diagnosed with is Panic Disorder/Health anxiety.

I suffer from constipation quite frequently and once in a while when I strain I see some bright blood on the toilet paper. They did a fecal occult or whatever and checked it for blood and it was negative. Should I worry anyway? They also checked my Iron levels and they were good so they said I am not bleeding. Anyways, I have convinced myself I have colon cancer.


Thanks
-Angela :angel:

No..no colon cancer. Sounds like you have internal hemerroids...that is where the blood comes from. My hubby does the same thing every once in a while. You should not strain when going...you should start taking some metamucil or something that will put some fiber in your diet. That will help alot. If you are still nervous about it, let your reg doc refer you to get a colonscopy...that will give you a mild sedative and put a scope in your bottom and check for any abnomalities...I am sure you are fine...try the fiber.....

Thanks so much.

Anyone else?


-Angela :angel:

A fiber supplement and lots of water with it will help soften up your stools and keep you regular -- this should help keep hemorrhoid irritation to a minimum.

I, too, have health anxiety and in spite of being told that I have internal and external hemorrhoids, I am sometimes still tempted to believe I have cancer instead.

That said, I don't think you have a reason to worry as long as you keep up with yearly physicals and stay open with your doctor. If you are still scared, talk to him/her, as I know that always helps.

Other than that, I'm with the other poster -- get a good fiber supplement in your diet and keep up with that. It truly will help.

Angela,

For a person to have normal BMs and not constipation -- they need to intake 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily. It needs to be a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

I also suggest as the others members have suggested for you to take a water soluble fiber supplement like psyllium that is in Metamucil and Equate the Wal Mart brand also there are others available in capsules, powder and wafer forms. Take it at least twice daily as the directions say and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

Most insoluble fiber is in fruits, veggies including all greens, nuts, seeds and wheat bran.

Soluble fiber is the inside of all grains (rice, corn, oats, barley & wheat) beans & peas-- the outter husk is insoluble and root veggies--potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips are soluble. And, of course psyllium husk that is a soluble natural fiber.

Constipation can cause hemorrhoids that readily bleed with straining -- so intakng more fiber will make you more regular w/o straining.

Also, you should make sure that you intake more B vitamins to help w/ BMs but also help with harmonal swings and anxiety. And, add to your diet Omega3 fish oil 2000mg daily-- I like and use Carlson Super Omega Fish Oil. It may just help the panic and anxiety problems you have been having.

My wife also uses Calms Forte a homeopathic remedy for anxiety-- She has used it for 30 years and it works.

I wish you well --- Harry

Harry brings up a good point -- Omega3 fish oil is definitely a good idea.

I also hear good things about acidophilus for IBS help, but I'd start with the fiber supplement and Omega3.