18 years old, could it be cancer??

[katey]

I've heard that someone my age would run a pretty low risk of colon cancer, but i do have many of the symptoms and i can't really think of anything else it could be.
    I've had rectal bleeding for about a month.  There has been mucus, and sometimes my stool is green, although usually my stool is normal.  I haven't been constipated or anything, but i do feel i need to have a bowel movement when i really don't have to go.  For years i can remember having the occasional blood on my stool, but i never went to the doctors because my mom always reassured me that it was normal.  This past month, i have had blood (and usually some mucus) almost every time i go to the washroom.  I've always had a very sensitive stomach.  When ever i have an anxiety attack or get extremely scared about something, that usually results in instantainious diareah :-) (joy).  What i'm scared of is that all those other episodes of severe diareah (sorry about the spelling) and the occasional blood in the stool was ulcerative colitis, and now i've developed colon cancer.  My dad has had blood in his stool for almost his whole life, and they've never found anything wrong with him. I'm also usually ALWAYS gassy.  My stomach makes noises a lot, and i can see my stomach fluttering.
    I am seeing a doctor, and she's trying to reassure me that i do not have colon cancer even though i haven't had anyone really check.  i'm going to have a colonscopy july 17, but the thought of waiting that long is almost unbearable.  I have severe anxiety attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder, so dealing with the possibilites of what this bleeding may be as been so stressful its been hard to function everyday.  I just wanted to know if anyone knew of anything else that could cause these symptoms.  My doctor just took a look at my anus with a flashlight, and there were no hemmoriods or fissures.  I'm dealing with a GREAT deal of anxiety with these symptoms, and any information on what this may be will help.  I'm afraid i'll have long gone crazy by june 17 when i finally get my colonscopy done!  thanks very much. katey.

[Dr. A. Fountoulis]

Don't start with cancer- it is the last thing to suspect!

Instead,  I  would  advise  you  to start with the following: do a lab
examination  to  check  if  there  are  any  parasites (warms) in your
stools.  Surprisingly,  this  case  is  not  a  rare  one  even  in  a
technically developed Western societies...

Then, food detoxification and proper diet can balance your problem. You should try and keep to Anti- Vata diet from Ayurveda.  
A homeopath will probably prescribe you VitaminB6, digestive enzymes and some hoomeopathis remedies. They are harmless and if propery chosen bring about a quick and stable relief.

Best of health,

Dr. A. Fountoulis NMD, DHOM, DAy
[email protected]

[mandy]

I understand, I am 24 years old and for the past month I have had some strange stools. All of a sudden my stomach will get crampy and then I have to run to the bathroom and its bloody on my stool and mucus and looks kinda fuzzy sometimes. Gross isn't it? I have an appointment Tuesday July 2. I have heard of people having a toilet full of blood before and they were fine. It is very scary to think cancer, but we just have to have faith that God is in control, pray about your fears, I do and it really seems to help me. Best wishes.

[SallyA]

Dear Katey,

You are very welcome.  Sometimes the biggest thing we fear is fear itself - everything will work out ok. Take care.

Sally

[Doug]

Katey

The post above is correct.  Colon cancer at your age is not a concern.  If you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, mucus, and blood you should see your doctor...but your mind should not at all be concerned with colon cancer.  Instead Dr. will most likely think about things such as piles, IBS, or other inflammatory bowel conditions.  It is also a good idea to begin regular colonic check ups at your age, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer.  This will help you avoid ever getting the disease in your later years.  Best of luck.

[katey]

Thank you so much whoever you are:-)

[SallyA]

Dear Kately,

please calm down.  The more stressed you are the more you symptoms would get worse.  First Cancer is extremely unlikely for someone your age.  Really really unlikely!  Second, your Dad has had bleeding for years with no disease found.... it is possible that there is some genetic link (like blood vessels that bleed easily in that area etc.).  Third, you have had minor bleeding for years (so maybe as your Mum says, this is normal for you).  Four your stomach is very sensitive to stress and anxiety - so the more you get upset, the more your stomach will become sensitive, the more your symptoms will increase.  Have you changed your diet lately?  The symptoms you describe, like mucous, etc. can be due to other reasons..... like diet, or mild stomach upset,.. Your Doctor is checking you out so wait for that, and most likely they will find nothing.  Please believe her if that is the result.  Practical - check your diet (keep it healthy, avoid highly processsed and junk foods), maintain a normal body weight (not under or overweight), exercise regularly, and make sure you have some hobbies or other activites that you enjoy.  Are you studying or working?  Plan for and focus on your future and goals.....  even if you have health concerns you can live with that (millions of people do), most important is that you get on with living your life.  Easy to say, but please think about it....

Good luck!