Mild abdominal discomfort for a couple of years

[peergynt]

I am a 40 year old man and about 2 years ago I started developing mild abdominal discomfort, which includes: occasional diarrhea, specially in the morning and sometimes after eating. It also happen that sometimes I really need to rush to nearest restroom.
There is occasional mild pain which seems to move around my abdominal area. I also notice noises mostly from the left side of my abdomen. Sounds like gas moving around. I have also been experiencing increased flatulence.
I haven’t noticed any visible blood in my stools.
I’ve seen my doctor in a few occasions already and although I asked to be screened for colon cancer, she thinks that is not necessary because my symptoms are more likely stress related.
A few blood tests were done and everything came back normal. Other stool testes were done too with the same result. But I believe it was not requested a test that looks for hidden blood in the stools.
Sometimes everything seems to be back to normal, with no diarrhea or other discomforts. I will be seeing my doctor again this coming Tuesday.
I would appreciate any input on which other tests should I do as well as any thought on what can be going on with me.

Thank you very much

[Forum-M.D.-]

Several GI disease can be leading to your symptoms.  LLQ pain can be caused by diverticulitis, colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.  

An abdominal CT scan can evaluate for diverticulitis.  I agree that a colonoscopy can be considered if the imaging is normal.  This test would also rule out polyps or cancer.  

I would also consider blood tests to evaluate for possible infection or inflammation - such as a CBC.

Stool tests can also be sent off to evaluate for infection.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[lizziecee]

Ask for a calprotectin test of your stool - non-invasive and cheap to do by the lab. It is non-specific but can show inflammation in the intestines,then they can do endoscopy of small bowel and coolonoscopy of large bowel.
Take care. and hope all goes well.
Liz.

[peergynt]

Thanks for your suggestion.
Is there any chance that these symptoms are not cancer related?

Thank you again.

[lizziecee]

I really don't know how to answer your question. My father died of colon cancer at age 59 yrs - some 20 yrs ago when meds and surgeries were not like they are today. I know I am at severe risk for colon cancer, having had Crohn's for some 37 yrs - 24 yrs old when dx.  I also have breast cancer so know there are some serious problems with my genes.  All I can suggest is to have a colonoscopy and/or endoscopy to rule out IBD. These tests will also show if you have cancer in either your small or large intestine.
Take care, and get to see a good gastro...
Liz.

[boninclyde]

Don't mean to step on the posters toes but I need lizzies help. I'm from the breast cancer site. Lizzie, there is a lady with breast cancer and chrons on the breastcancer.org site that you sometimes visit and she needs info. It is list under Just Diagnosed with DCIS then scan down to her post DCIS and Chrons dieases. Just hoping you could help her. I remember you telling me what all you have been through.

To the original poster please don't get mad for me using your post. We try to skip around here to help give info to all we can.

[lizziecee]

Hi there - not been on much lately as I broke a metatarsal bone in my foot 2weeks ago and had to keep leg up - hard to do at a computer! I'll go to the Ask The Doctor - Breast cancer site and see if I can help.Take car.
Liz.

[lizziecee]

OOps - didn't read your post correctly, sorry. I now realise it is the bc.org site! Off there now.
Liz.

[boninclyde]

Thanks lizzie.