changed bowel habits, colon cancer? - Cancer: Colon Message Board

dropkick · 10-19-2003, 07:18 PM

Hi, this is my first posting and I feel kinda embarrassed and awkward..but I want to get some feedback.
Since oct 10, 2003, I've been constipated. This was a sudden change in bowel movement. I've never had constipation before...I've always had "normal" bowel movement, at least once or twice a day(fast passage and no pain at all) ...On the 10th I began to have symptoms of constipation. For 3 days I couldn't go. Then I went to the doctor, told me to take laxatives, it made me pass stool. After a day of not taking laxatives, I couldn't go again. So I continued to take laxatives every other day or once every 3 days to help it "go". But what's worrying me is that my stool seems thinner than usual. I'm worried that there might be something more than JUST constipation? could this be late symptoms of colon cancer?

also, this happened before my period (got it/started on the 18th)....but I've never had premenstrual constipation before...so i'm kinda worried. I've been reading up on colon cancer online and it has made me MORE terrified because my symptoms are closely related to that of colon cancer: sudden change in bowel movement, narrower stool(not pencil thin, but definitely thinner than usual).

is there anyone who can help?
should i go visit my doctor again?
my mom told me it shouldnt be anything...and I dont want to worry her with my problems. please help.

thanks, sandy

Heather1977 · 10-19-2003, 08:55 PM

Sandy....You are in the same boat as me. I have been having the same symptoms. I go to have a colonoscopy this Tuesday. Hopefully everything will be fine. I suggest you make an appointment with your Dr. and ask for a colonoscopy. They can tell alot from them and alot of the ppl on this board say it doesn't hurt at all. May God be with you and make an appointment.

Heather

Missjen · 10-19-2003, 11:15 PM

Another passenger in that boat. Hope to have an appointment set tomorrow.

Very nervous - not about the colonoscopy - about what they might find. Only slightly anemic but horribly short of breath. Constipated. Some blood (once). My friend's mother just died from CC and her first symptoms were feeling tired and short of breath.

Please update us on your outcome.

dropkick · 10-19-2003, 11:28 PM

hello Heather and Missjen,
thx for replying. it makes me feel a little better that there are ppl out there in the same crappy situation as i am

.

how long did it take for your doctor to set up a colonoscopy appointment? (ie. you ask them for one...how long until you actually get one)

i'm so worried..and don't realy want to find out. i think i will wait until next week before i do anything. i'll see if this is PMS or postMS??

keep me posted. thx

Heather1977 · 10-20-2003, 03:53 PM

Sandy...You really should tell your doctor whats going on. My doctor set up a colonoscopy as soon as I told her my symptoms. I went to the doctor last Tuesday and I am having my colonoscopy tomorrow. So it only took a week to set up. I am going thru my prep right now. I haven't ate all day and I am so hungry!!!! lol....and I have made quite a few trips to the bathroom. Go to the doc and get it checked out and get a colonoscopy. I will post tomorrow on how my precudure goes.

God Bless,
Heather