I am 22 years old but have been having troublesome symptoms since last March. I have been constipated and bowel's have been shaky. I've been going to my gastroenterologist every 6-8 weeks and he did a number of blood tests on me and won't even entertain the idea it could be anything serious. He claims if any of my blood tests were irregular he would look into it further. I'm not so sure I trust his judgement anymore, because none of the medicines, or routines we're trying seems to be relieving me.
Is it possible my symptoms could be cancer-related?
2007-01-21 12:10:13 · 7 answers · asked by J D 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I was diagnosed last Jan 2006 with stage IV colon cancer. I was 40 years old. My only symptom was a long history of constipation (from my early 20's). I had requested a colonoscopy in 2001 but my Dr thought I was too young for cancer, and I did not have any family history of cc. She ordered a Barium Enima instead. It missed my tumour. November 2005 I was on so many laxitives, purgatives and IBS medication - and nothing worked. The Dr and GI specialist were sure nothing was wrong other then maybe a lazy bowel. The GI specialist finally did a colonoscopy and within 10 seconds found my tumour.
My suggestion to you is to get checked out, and only by a colonoscopy as it has the highest detection rate for polyps, cancer and other problems of the colon. If it is cancer, the key to successful treatment and full cure is early detection. There is no blood test that can detect colon cancer. The CEA level is a blood marker that is used during the treatment of cc, but is not a good indicater for everyone. If you are constipated and you tell your Dr that you see blood, they would just say that it is because you are straining while you are having your bowel movement.
If you are worried it may be cancer, insist on a colonoscopy and don't stop until you get one. I know of many 20, 30 and 40 year olds that have been diagnosed with cc. Better to get checked and know what is wrong in order to deal with it. Good luck...
Wendy
www.wendysbattle.com
2007-01-21 15:29:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
At 22 it is highly unlikely that you have colon cancer. Colon cancer usually strikes mid forties and up.
Have you had a barium enema, colonoscopy those would be places to start to see if it's IBS.
It does take time for the medicines to work and a bit of manipulation of them to find the right mix.
2007-01-21 13:21:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What was his diagnosis and what medicines are you taking? Did he mention anything about irritable bowel syndrome? If it's that, it can take some trial and error to find the right treatment. (Speaking from experience here.) And IBS can be aggravated by stress and other factors, so it can be tricky at times.
As another poster said, though, if you're not satisfied with your doc's opinion, get a second one.
Good luck.
2007-01-21 12:25:57 · answer #3 · answered by passin thru 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd find another GI if I were you just for a second opinion. Tell your new one what's going on and maybe look into a Colonoscopy just to be on the safe side. It doesn't sound like cancer to me.. It could be something so small, so just get it checked out by another doctor just to be sure. Good luck!
2007-01-21 14:22:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insist he give you a colonoscopy. If he won't do it find another gastroenterologist. This test will tell you if you have anything wrong with your colon.
2007-01-21 14:13:55 · answer #5 · answered by tomimegi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See, I have the same problem.. is there any blood in the stool?.. I dont think you could go this long... (11 monthes) without knowing.. you would know by now.. im sure... but I really dont think it could be cancer..
2007-01-21 15:12:16 · answer #6 · answered by Chris L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get another opinion.
its your life. its your right.
2007-01-21 12:15:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋