posted 08-23-2003 11:47 PM            

I am so happy to have found this website and hope that you can provide some advice.

I am a 37 year old female. Twelve years ago my mother
had colorectal cancer, and I'm happy to report that she is alive and well today. However, she is the youngest of seven children and we've since learned that her three older brothers have or may have had, colon rectal cancer. Their families are sadly not disclosing this information, but it has been widely rumored. My mother believes that her father may have died from colon cancer as well.

My problem started two weeks ago after I radically changed my diet, moving in the direction of a vegetarian diet. I have been eating more fruits and vegatables than ever before and eating chicken and only then, very little. I also cut back significantly on dairy, alcohol and caffiene, and began drinking more water than I had before.

Within a few days after starting the diet, I began passing gas excessively. Five days ago, my stomach swelled, I felt nauseas and sluggish and did not have a normal bowel movement. In the days since I have tried everything- prunes, enemas, stool softeners and suppositories- but have not been able to pass a normal stool. In fact, I have only been able to go twice in the last 5 days and the first time it was just a bit of diarhea and the second time, today, I passed a small amount of a very thin stool. I feel utterly sick and my stomach is so swollen and sore.

Prior to this episode, I had experienced thin stool and bright red blood on the tissue on a rare occasion.

In your opinion, does my situtation merit going to the emergency room or should I wait to see my doctor?

Could a high fiber diet do this to someone? If so, what is the remedy?

Lastly, I have mentioned to my doctor my family history and have asked about a colonoscopy, but she wants me to wait until I'm 40. I'm afraid that 40 might be too late. Any advice?

posted 08-24-2003 12:45 AM            

A slower change is recommended.

posted 08-24-2003 06:45 AM            

It does sound as though you have not go enough fiber in your diet at present. You need to add a few more carbs, such as rice and potatoes possibly.