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Worried About Cancer

Discussion in 'Health' started by AeroCooper, Dec 12, 2010.

  1. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:15 AM
    #1
    AeroCooper

    AeroCooper [OP] Half the strength of ten (microscopic men)

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    Ok, this is a bit graphic, so turn back now if you can’t handle it. I’m hoping someone here may have some insight or a similar story to share at least.
    For the past week, I have had blood in my stool. I went to see my general doctor, and he did a quick exterior exam to check for hemorrhoids (which I was hoping he would find, just so I could relieve my mind), but he didn’t see anything. So I am now waiting for Dartmouth Hospital to call me for an appointment for more extensive tests, and I’m more than a little worried about possible colon cancer. I will admit, every time I get weird symptoms I always expect the worst, but probably that’s human nature. I realize it could be any number of things, but my mind keeps dwelling on cancer, and it’s really freaking me out.
    Another symptom I am having which may or may not be related - I went out to eat Friday night, and I ate way too much and ended up getting strong stomach pains all night, and even now, on Sunday I feel slightly crampy. Of course I looked up colon cancer symptoms and stomach cramps is one of them, so that’s not helping at all.
    Again, I’m not trying for a pity party, but hoping someone might have something to add, maybe a story of their own or some insight, I’d like to hear it, whether it’s good or bad, because my general motto in life is hope for the best but be prepared for the worst…thanks.
     
  2. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:22 AM
    #2
    Hunter500ky

    Hunter500ky Well-Known Member

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    Ok well first calm down take a breath, dont think about the worst that will stress you out and just worry you.

    I know its hard but relax. You cant control things out of your power.

    The whole thing about worrying about little stuff is called hypochondriac (every human has a little bit of this even I).

    The blood in the stool is a little weird but I'm not a doctor, I'm not going to say anything because I could be right or COMPLETELY wrong.

    So just hope for the best, keep us informed.

    Ill pray for you.


    Also on the eating to much and your stomach getting pain.

    What did it feel like and what was the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the worst pain you have ever felt.


    Edit, is it blood or dried blood? What does it look like? Bright blood or dark blood.
     
  3. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:24 AM
    #3
    unentered

    unentered Son of Baconator

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    I don't have anything to add, but sorry you have to go through that. I hope whatever it is, it's curable, and you don't have to endure too much more of it.

    Good luck.
     
  4. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:32 AM
    #4
    rme

    rme Well-Known Member

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    First off you're doing the right thing....your seeing a doctor. Might be better if you had seen a proctologist as that is who your doctor should have referred you to. Secondly your doctor should have performed a card test (after the digital exam (your doctor should have done on you) he would wipe the stool onto a card where he sends it in to a lab and they test for cancer and blood) Right now it sounds almost like you have Cron's disease. But I"m n ot a doctor and that's just a guess on my part. You may also have ingested something that is stripping the lining of your intestines (not all that uncommon) causing the blood to come our. How old are you and do you have a history of cancer in the family? If it is colon cancer feel lucky---if caught in time 80-90% is cured!!! Since your symptoms appear to have come on suddenly by bet is not cancer but something else which can be treated very easily. Having said all that all guys with any of this and any GIRLS that have a history of some sort of cancer in the colon, literally get your ass in for a full (not a short) colonoscopy. Colon cancer is an equal opportunity killer. By the way guys the Doc will put you under for a full colonoscopy and you don't feel a thing....just everybody should expect to have their motors (pass gas) for a while after you are released from the doctor since they shoot air in the colon to inflate it.

    Keep us posted on what the diagnosis is and again remember when in doubt see your doctor. "YOU PAY THEM TO BE PARANOID ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!" My bet (which I think I would win) is you don't have Cancer and yes I get colonoscopy on a regular baisis at my age!! (59)
     
  5. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:33 AM
    #5
    primer

    primer Well-Known Member

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    DISCLAIMER: I have some medical training - but do not specialize in this area and the information that follows should not be considered medical advice.

    There are some things to consider when evaluating any patient who has blood in their stool.

    Blood in the stool can be related to cancer but the majority of people with blood in their stool do not have cancer. Hemorrhoids are one frequent cause. They may be internal and not visible from the outside.

    Similarly - abdominal cramping may be experienced with cancer of many types. But most people who have abdominal cramping - especially when it follows a known episode of overindulgence - do not have cancer.

    Cancer becomes more likely as the patient in question becomes older - although cancer can occur in younger people as well. A family history of cancer may raise the suspicion as well.

    There are a number of other things to consider. Has there been recent unexplained weight loss. Has there been a change in the caliber or diameter of the patients stools.

    Blood in the stool should be evaluated to determine the cause. If a patients primary care physician can't complete this evaluation a referral to a higher level of care is indicated. The sooner the cause is identified the more likely it can be successfully treated - whatever it is.

    Best of luck.
     
  6. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:33 AM
    #6
    ImpulseRed008

    ImpulseRed008 Gone But Not Forgotten

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    Like Hunter said, take a deep breath.

    How old are you? Does your family have a history of colon cancer? Have you had a colonoscopy before? What were the results?

    My MIL kept having that issue and finally convinced her doc to go another colonoscopy (she'd had one two years before and had had polyps). She did have cancer. She had surgery to remove the cancer and is fine today - 5 years later.

    It could also be something else...

    Hope the results turn out to be nothing serious.
     
  7. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:52 AM
    #7
    AeroCooper

    AeroCooper [OP] Half the strength of ten (microscopic men)

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    Thanks everyone, I really do appreciate it. To answer some of the questions, I turn 46 next month, so I'm approaching the target range for this kind of thing. The blood is not dry, it is bright red and sometimes that's the only thing that comes out. It's what I would call a medium amount, not cups worth, but maybe a few tablespoons on the worst of occasions.
    I have no family history of colon cancer, but my grandmother had pancreatic cancer, and my father had lung cancer. My dad was a very heavy smoker though, so I'm willing to write that one off for the most part. I don't smoke, by the way.
    So, here's my hopes in order:
    Internal hemorrhoids
    Anal Fissure
    Benign Polyps
    Cancerous Polyps that can be easily treated
    And it goes downhill from there.

    I know, I'm trying to relax. But it's not easy when you see the blood in the toilet...
     
  8. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:53 AM
    #8
    woody6047

    woody6047 McGrubber

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    THis is just a personal experience i had a few years back. i had blood in my stool, stomach pains, and tightness in my throat and chest. They ended up doing an endoscopy and colonoscopy and i had 2 bleeding ulcers. They put me on some meds and got it cleared up. I wish i could contribute more, but i wish you best of luck.
     
  9. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:54 AM
    #9
    rme

    rme Well-Known Member

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    I'm thinking red blood is a good sign as something is torn inside you. Good, meaning not cancerous
     
  10. Dec 12, 2010 at 7:57 AM
    #10
    Hunter500ky

    Hunter500ky Well-Known Member

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    I'm thinking a ulcer as well, most the time easily treatable.


    Good luck, Ill pray for you.

    Remember it is hard to relax but do something you love to do and that relaxes you.

    Stressing will just make everything worse. I havent been in your exact position but one similar to it and I know its hard.
     
  11. Dec 12, 2010 at 8:08 AM
    #11
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    Red is a good sign that it is closer to the bottom and not burned dark by stomach acid-when it's further inside, your toilet will be purple to dark. My prayers here too and keep strong and positive. I know it's real scary-I have been there too and I'm 49. Once you get to the other side of this start a really good diet that will prevent the cancer thing-lots of fiber-no BBQ (carcinogenic)-no greasy food etc. You're going to be OK:)
     
  12. Dec 12, 2010 at 8:20 AM
    #12
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    X2, great post Hunter. You are in our prayers AeroCooper. :pray:
     
  13. Dec 12, 2010 at 8:46 AM
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    4x4Runner

    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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  14. Dec 12, 2010 at 8:57 AM
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    thenomad

    thenomad Well-Known Member

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    Best of luck man. I hope all turns out well. I would be a nervous wreck if something like that happened to me.

    Stay positive.
     
  15. Dec 12, 2010 at 8:51 PM
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    Toph

    Toph Addicted to V8s

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    It's good to see a doctor...unlikely to be something bad, but always a good idea to make sure. It's worth the money to get ease of mind.
     
  16. Dec 13, 2010 at 9:43 AM
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    garetcurry

    garetcurry Well-Known Member

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    I say you have ulcers because you stress way too much.

    Isn't bright red blood capillary bleeding? I think you just tore something.
     
  17. Dec 13, 2010 at 9:48 AM
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    DrewH

    DrewH Well-Known Member

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    Yeah dude, just wait and see what the doctors say, it could be something as simple as ecoli. No point guessing until you know
     
  18. Dec 13, 2010 at 9:52 AM
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    pudge151

    pudge151 Well-Known Member

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    yeah take it easy. you could have crohn's, diverticulitis, colitis, ulcers, a GI bleed, hemorrhoids, fissures....prob about 10 things more likely than Cancer
     
  19. Dec 13, 2010 at 9:56 AM
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    jjew18

    jjew18 the Nightman cometh!

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    In our prayers! Keep your spirits up, but in my unprofessional opinion, I'm thinking ulcers too. Your stressing could be making them worse. As hard as it is try to relax until you hear something from the doctor. If they were very concerned they would let you know.
     
  20. Dec 13, 2010 at 10:04 AM
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    JDeLuca

    JDeLuca Well-Known Member

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    Hard to do, but try not to make yourself sick by worrying. I went for a colonoscopy When I was 50, my wife made me go. I wound up having a polip the size of a grape, never had any syptoms. I am 61 and go regularly for them. I think at the age of 50 is when you should start to get check out. Make sure you do not neglect it. I will keep you in my prayers.
     

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