Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

IBD or something worse?


Tue, November 24, 2015 9:12 PM

I think I have colon cancer. I'm seeing a doctor this week, but i'd like some advice. I have symptoms of colon cancer, but i've read it can also be IBD. First off, I am 18 years old. Colon cancer is extremely rare in people my age, but it is still a possibility that I am terrified of. I have let it go too long without seeing a doctor, been having symptoms since August 2014(last year)
Here are my symptoms:

- Chronic Constipation with Frequent diarrhea.
- Frequently, I have bloody streaks on the stool, red to dark red.
- Lots of mucous in stool, not in diarrhea for the most part.
- Anemia
- Sometimes when I have diarrhea, I feel faint and it doesnt go away until I go to the bathroom, I  have fainted in the past, but not during diarrhea.
- I feel lumps on my left abdomen, they go away after going to the bathroom a lot, its almost like im feeling the stool in my colon.
- I'm not losing weight, but I'm not gaining it either, I have always been underweight for my age.
- Sometimes during diarrhea I have bad cramps.
- I've grown slowly as a child, maybe that is a sign of IBD?

Again, I KNOW Im dumb for letting this go too long, as soon as I saw blood I should have started going to a doctor. But now I'm terrified I'm dying. Any advice, or just two cents?

FPO moshalo
Joined Nov 24, 2015

Sun, November 29, 2015 1:03 PM

 Reply posted for moshalo.

You are right 1) colon cancer very rare @ your age and 2) you are sooooo bad for waiting, but that's ok, better late than never.

You need to see a Gastroenerologist ASAP. If there is too long of a wait, then going to the ER is your next best option.  The dr. will run a battery of tests, get some results and get you on the road to recovery / living again.

Don't worry yourself sick, though it sounds like you already have!  

Be well

FPO lizzies mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009

Related Topics

Do sleep disorders go awa...
Author Image russelltonya729
Joined Mar 26, 2024

Sleep problems are very different in what causes t....

read more

satisfaction and happines...
Author Image Lissawilliams
Joined Mar 28, 2024

It's important to recognize that sexual satisf....

read more