Direction and advice
Hi Guys,
I apologise for my lack of knowledge and hope I do not offend anyone by asking my questions.
I have heard rumours things about stress potentialy contributing to IBD.
In December my son passed away at 3 weeks old. As you can imagine, the most anxious and stressful period of my life. I'm 35.
It all started with a really itchy and almost red raw bottom. I have had a hemmeroid for a long time but nothing huge. While wiping too much I noticed that I was starting to see tiny specs of fresh blood, I put this down to over wiping. When showing after wiping it was very sore when water made contact with my bottom.
I went to see a doctor who asked me to get a Q-Fit test just to "rule out" bowel cancer. I also went for some iron blood tests.
The Q-Fit test came back negative and my bloods came back normal.
Since then (4 weeks) I've noticed a lot more bowel movement, lots of mucus in my stool. Days that it's like an ice cream texture, some days thin stools, some days watery, just never normal.
It started to smell really bad and I could see mucus in all of my stools.
One evening I went to go toilet and thinking I needed to open my bowels, a mucus came out with some blood. Not fresh running blood, if anything some maroon and some new. I would say the resemblance of more clot like.
I then spoke to my doctor again who said it's likely IBS and said he wanted me to do a fecal calprotectin test but was pretty sure it wouldn't come back elevated.
My results came back at 1500 ug.
I have now been referred for an urgent gastro appointment.
On the phone a different doctor said to me "it's good we have found something and know it's not the worst scenario" then followed up to say "it will be either chrons or collitus"
I'm just looking for clarity here, has anyone else had similar?
I'm seriously worried that it's potentially cancer and I can't turn my brain off.
Thanks guys. Speedy recovery to all.
Sorry to hear what you're dealing with. Mucus can be present at any time but if there is a lot and mixed with blood then it could be IBS, IBD or even a sign of colon cancer unfortunately but your doctor would know better. Have you had any abdominal pain?
I have had Crohn's for 35 years and many, many times I have had blood with mucus and sometimes just mucus. It could be a variety of things but talk to your doctor for sure.
I understand it's hard to turn your brain off I get it.
Let us know how you get on.4Vern - IBD Team MemberHey, thank you for responding
.
I haven't had any really bad pain I've just had cramps, twinges and pinching feeling in areas of my lower right, lower left and solar plexus area.
I've only ever passed blood once and that was with mucus on its own.
I was given an urgent refferal the other day. Today I recieved my letter from the NHS and have been told I am now on a waiting weeks of 16 weeks.The fact you are not in pain is a good sign plus there was only one time with blood and even though 16 weeks seems long, at least you got the referral, is a good sign in my opinion. Having said that, I know the waiting is the hardest (believe me). Just try and stay away from "Dr Google" while you wait.
Let us know how you get on.
Vern
thanks mate,
I think I'm going to speak to my GP Monday and see if I can be referred somewhere else with a short waiting time.
I'll let you know!Yes, that is a good idea. For your peice of mind as well.
Hi
, I just wanted to say how very sorry I am to hear about the loss of your three week old son! My heart breaks for you and your family. It certainly would be such a stressful and anxious time. And I am sitting with you in your grief and love.
As far as your symptoms go, as Vern said, you are right that stress can play a big factor for flares of inflammatory bowel diseases. (I'm linking to an article here with more information on stress and IBD if you're interested, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living-with-cd/stress.) While we can't say for certain what is causing your symptoms, it's great that you're being so proactive and that your doctor is taking things seriously and getting you in for testings (and answers). The good news is, there are several reasons your calprotectin test can be high, so even though it's understandable you're worried about the worse case scenario, there are plenty of other things can can be causing inflammation. That being said, I agree that it's worth a conversation with your doctor to get in sooner, specially for your peace of mind.
Please know that our community is here for you, and don't hesitate to reach out here, whether you have questions, need to vent, or could use some support. And, if you're comfortable, please keep us posted! Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
