i am so scared- i have an appt for a consult on the 23rd for a colonoscopy- i have had rectal bleeding with mucous for 3 wks now- i have also had flat stools for a long time now- at least a year. i also have had spastic colon symptoms at times for many years- but never saw a dr. for it. i'm hoping my problem is a rectal prolapse and nothing more- i saw my dr last week she didn't see any hemmorhoids but said something about rectal prolapse- but said that wouldn't cause bleeding- but from the things i've read rp can cause bleeding- also i read about something called solitary rectal prolapse- i have the same symptoms as that problem too. for the last week or so i have been having major anxiety- i'm 39 yrs old with 4 young children- i am so scared the tests will show i have advanced cancer & the dr will tell me i only have a few months to live! for most of my life i have had different problems that turned out to be brought on by stress- like irregular menstrual bleeding (i thought was cervical cancer) i've had symptoms of heartattack, and once i had to have a barium swallow bcuz i had severe pain in my throat & could not swallow- i said my prayers and everything always turned out to be ok- but this time i'm sure i must have cancer- i'm even having pain in my lymph nodes- groin area & under my arms- so do i have cancer or are there other things it could be?

Hi, and welcome to the board.
It could DEFINITELY be other things. I have learned that you can't actually feel internal hemorrhoids, and the only way to truly diagnose disorders of the colon is through visualization and biopsy. Rectal Prolapse is not a fun thing to have either... but I guess when considering versus cancer, I get your point. Keep in mind that MOST colorectal cancers are not diagnosed until they are in more advanced stages. However, there are MANY new treatments should the problem be colorectal cancer. I am a Stage 3C (T3N2M0) Rectal Cancer Survivor. I had many nodes that were positive for cancer, which puts me at a greater risk of spread of the cancer, and needless to say is a recipe for a roller coaster of emotions and fear. We do have other late stage 3 survivors and stage 4 survivors on this board, as well as stage 2 and 1. So, with that said, my point is you must have faith and take it one day at a time.

I know it's hard to keep a positive attitude, but my advice is DON'T freak until you have something to freak about. You have made the right choice and I am proud of you that you have elected to get a colonoscopy. This is the ONLY way you are going to find out what is going on. June 23 is not that far away. You are stressing over the unknown, which does your body no good. So, I know it's easier said than done, but TRY not to worry until you have more information. Enjoy your kids... do something fun with them this weekend and try to forget about it.

You may have hemorrhoids as I said, and you may coincidentally have totally unrelated inflamed lymph nodes which could indicate your body is fighting a virus of sorts. There are other possibilities too-- as you mentioned RP, etc. Just so you know, I am 33 and have two young boys and a wife and experienced what you describe. Except NEVER believe that you are just a statistic. If we did this, there would be NO survivors. So, please have faith and keep in touch with us as you have come across a big family that can and will support you in whatever journey you will take.

God Bless and Good Luck with your colonoscopy,
CancerDad

Thank You So Much For Your Response- I Had An Appt 2 Days Ago For A Physical The Dr. Felt My Lymph Nodes And Said They Are Not Swollen And There Are No Lumps- So I Feel Much Better About That.
I Hope Things Go Okay For You And Your Family- And You Are Right About Taking Life One Day At A Time- I Will Take Your Advice And Enjoy This Day And Do Something With My Kids- I Believe In God And Prayers- Thank You And You Will Be In My Prayers.