Could it be?

My family has a grave history of colon cancer, in fact it has claimed several members of my family, one most recently within the past month.  My mother urges me to get a yearly colonoscopy but at the age of 25 I always brush the idea aside.  Now I am experiencing some symptoms that are concerning me. With out getting too graphic I have not experinced a solid bowl movement in months, my stomache aches when I use the bathroom, and I use it frequently.  I am passing blood with every BM, a significant amont as well.  Could this be the unforgiving colon cancer? Should I get a colonoscopy?  If so, how do i go about it?  How do i selct a specialist?  OR am i over reacting because of my family history.  Please help!

[wheatonmom]

I would get myself into the dr ASAP!!!

[GI.PA]

Reguardless of your age and colon cancer family history, colonoscopy is indicated.  Doubtful you have colon cancer at this age, but I would be concerned with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis with your history.  A gatroenterology appointment is in order.

GI-PA

[mauienvy]

COME ON BLOOD IN YOUR STOOL,,,,,,,,,,,GET TO THE DOC!!!!!!!!!!!JUST ASK YOUR PC TO GIVE YOU A NAME OF A GOOD  GASTRO AND MAKE AN APP.THEY GIVE PLENTY OF DRUGS PRIOR TO THE TEST.SO ITS NOT TO BAD.NO EXCUSES.

[twisten]

My family also has a high history of colon cancer.  I'm waiting for my colonscopy now (I'm 37).  Hopefully I'll hear soon.  Good luck to you.

[Rabitat]

Thanks for your feedback.  I have an appoinment with my GP on Thursday so we can talk and he can refer me out to a good specialist.  Ill let you know how it goes.

[tiredofpain]

Good luck to u !  I have experienced similar symptoms. Frequent trips to bathroom, stomach aches, blood on the stool and when i wipe. I have had problems for over 8yrs symptoms have gotten worse i do see a gastro specialist, i get yearly colonoscopys because of problems in colon . I just had a colonoscopy back in august removed polyp and also found internal hemmeroids thats where the blood was coming from. My colon was so inflamed ! Now on 4-10-02 i had another colonoscopy. The dr. found another polyp the size of your thumb nail and was very deep ! i'm scared  because i have had lots of polyps removed and my bowels have recently changed after scope! I can not eat with out getting that icky fllness feeling pains narrowed bowels/diarrhea. Yes i am only 29 yrs old but i know someone who has colon cancer and he is only 26yrs old ! I will get my results hopefully on monday !And in the mean time what shuold i think, the dr looked so worried after scope but all he said was were gonna keep a close eye on u !And if any thing new comes up i am to call him!Can anyone ease my mind also????????
                                  tired of pain

[JoStarz]

My mom died of Colon Cancer 10 years ago ( no family history before) and I keep getting diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome although I don't have most of the symptoms. I get severe attacks in between my ribs and have done so since I was 17 and I'm now 34. Get more tests done and don't quit. I myself have had numerous ultrasounds, a laproscopy, and alot of meds for the pain but the diagnosis is always the same. You know what you go through. Good luck to you as well.