Terrified!!!!

[femfla]

I am a 39 year old obese female, I was diagnosed with melanoma the first time when i was 22.  i had another melanoma removed at age 37.  I have no lymphnode involvement or chemo both tumors were clark level III.  Now for at least a year my stools are flattening. I mentioned it to my family practice doctor and he told me to use metamucil about a year ago.  I usually have diareah but the fiber corked me up tight.  I have a tenderness by my lower left hip, that kind of pulls when I move quickly.  I was recently constipated and my anus hurt like I have never felt before but that only lasted a day and I was bleeding a bit but stopped quickly.  I also had a couple stools that were the right color but stringy, mucosy.  Please tell me that this CAN be something besides cancer...I have no colon cancer in my family but I am very gun shy.  My physician refered me for a colonoscopy but I am having extreme anxiety!  It's been 4 days and they haven't called back with an appointment. I also have a little bladder control problem while I am menstrating and using a tampon.  I have also had 2 c-sections.  Could it be scar tissue.  I also have had to strain my entire life to evacuate when I don't have loose stools. Sometime I feel like I am paranoid.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Polyps, non-cancerous colon masses, as well as irritable bowel syndrome can cause a change in stool shape.  Without a family history, cancer would be less likely in someone who is 39 years old.  

The colonoscopy is the best test to rule this out, and I would certainly encourage that you follow-through with this test.  Other than cancer, this test can evaluate for polyps, diverticulosis as well as inflammatory bowel disease.  

If every test is negative, irritable bowel syndrome can considered and treatment (i.e. antispasmodic agents) optimzed.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Biskie2]

You may have hemmoroids (hemorrhoids) that bleed occasionally especially if you are constipated; you may have Crohn's Disease characterized by stringy mucous stools/blood; you may have malabsorption issues; you may have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Best thing to do is to get the colonoscopy and let the doc see what's going on - you won't even know the procedure was done if you get the "twilight" drug. Drink alot of water with Metamuscil and hopefully the constipation issue will resolve itself. Good luck!