stilll bleeding

[katey]

Its me, the obsessive-compulsive freak again.  I'm still bleeding, although there hasn't been very much blood today.  Its not very much, its only streaks.  I feel urgancy to go to the bathroom, and sometimes i go and sometimes i don't.  Sometimes its only skinny stool, which i know is a sign of cancer.  My anxiety is really getting to me and i don't have an appointment until the 17th to have the colonoscopy.  Is it totally unheard of to have colon cancer at age 18?  I'm totally convinced i have it, and the continual blood is only making it worse.  Its not a lot of blood, its only blood that streaks it.  Sometimes its mixed in with it.  I can't really pass gas either.  SallyA you were very helpful at my last posting.  Could someone please suggest something else this could be besides cancer?  I know that half the illness thats bothering me right now is the obsessive compulsive disorder, but i'm finding very hard to control my anxiety, dispite the medication i'm on for it.  My symptoms have been blood on, and occasionally mixed through my stools.  I haven't really had any stomach pain, but a little gas.  I've been peeing more then usual now and i've convined myself that its just a tumor pushed up against my bladder.  I know this may sound rediculas to come.  Sometimes my stomach is really acidy. Its not a hemmoriod or a fissure, and i've had the blood for about a month now.  thanks for anyone patient enough to put up with me!

[Doug]

jrd33

Trust me if someone posted on here with real symptoms of disease, I would be the first to tell them to demand tests from their doctor.  Doctors often look to rule out the most common things first and then later look into more serious illness.  They often term this as "when you hear hoofs walking on the street look out for horses, not zebras".  However when someone is clearly readig to much into symptoms, or has fears of disease that are simply unrealistic..this board is very adept at letting them know when to relax as well.  Good post.

[jrd33]

"My symptoms have been blood on, and occasionally mixed through my stools. I haven't really had any stomach pain, but a little gas. I've been peeing more then usual now"


You just described me perfect.  8[

[NYCity]

Please stop diagnosing yourself. From what you described, your problems seems to stem from anxiety itself. I've been there myself. I have had the very same simptoms you've describe for over 4 years. I have also had every test you could think of. All negative.

The only thing my doctor's found was excessive anxiety. Otherwise I would worry myself to death.
Go see your doctor. I am 99.9999% sure you do not have cancer.

Again, stop diagnosing yourself, you are too young. Relax and enjoy life.

[SallyA]

Hi Katey,

All of the comments on the previous posting and Doug's comments here are correct - your chance of this being something serious is so small as to not be worth considering - also you said the bleeding is reduced.  Based on your description and what you told us, your symptoms are minor and are not due to cancer.  You need to rationalise this.  Everytime you begin to get anxious try some positive self talk to counter the anxiety - Work out something that you know will reassure you and then make the effort to use it.  Something like "I am young and strong and healthy and have nothing to worry about".  Use it as a mantra.  Don't let the anxiety intrude.  Also you can distract yourself by changing activites or doing something that will occupy your attention rather than worrying.   Plan ahead how you are going to counter your anxiety.  It may take some time to work out what works best for you - but the effort would be worth it.  Perhaps you have some techniques that help you manage the obsessive compulsive urges - If you don't have  a therapist to assist you, there are surely some good self-help books around (if you search) - maybe someone here can advise.  

You are very young and have your whole life ahead of you.  Try to look forward to, plan and work for your future.  Have faith in your body.  It is a wonderful creation - how marvellous that it can do everything it does.  Don't worry, it won't let you down - enjoy it and its abilities.

Even those of us who have some physical concerns can still enjoy our bodies and our lives - get on with your life.  Even people who are seriously ill (and we can thank God that we are not seriously ill) can still enjoy life.   Stay strong woman - you can do it.

[jrd33]

Oh yeah, let me just add something -


     You people are great! :)

  EVERY time I post my concern like this on another board, they tell me, "Go get a colonoscopy NOW! Cancer is REAL and you MIGHT have it!!"

  It's nice to see some positive thinking people here that will help people like me and Katie, and not make us worse! hehe

[Doug]

Katey;

It is not wise to diagnose yourself.  The symptoms you describe come from many many things, the least likely of which is colorectal cancer.  You ask the question "is it possible to get colon cancer at ag 18?"  The answer is yes it is possible, HOWEVER the chances are roughly 1 in one million persons 18 years old will develop colon cancer.  In fact most gastroenterologists would eliminate cancer as even a possibility based strictly on your age.  Your odds are MUCH greater of going out right now and buying a lottery ticket and becoming Americas next millionare.  Again, do not diagnose yourself.  I don't know you but can attest to the fact that the mind can run away with terrifying yet entirely unrealistic thoughts if you do not step back and put things in REAL PERSPECTIVE.  Wait for your Dr.'s appointmet...it is not cancer...however only he/she can tell what it is after appropriate testing.  Get a grip girl...you're young enjoy life;)

Doug