Only 19 with gastro problems ?

[Sn33kz]

I am only 19 with only one family member having had colon cancer, a distant one. I have not had a normal bowel movement in weeks my symptoms include : Blood in stool
                                                              : Lots  Mucas in stool
                                                              : odd pressure at my tailbone
                                                              : Actual stool itself varies from hard to soft
                                                              : Stool is also narrow
                                                              I cannot stress the mucas and blood enough though. I have no abdominal pain nausea or vomiting. No weight loss or loss of appetite. I went to the ER and they wouldnt admit me becaseu my Hemo levels were still normal. I have no health insurance so I cant even see a GI. What am I suppose to do if this is someting like colon cancer, just sit here and wait until its too late? I am absolutely fed up with the american healthcare system.

[Sn33kz]

Have an appointment at the local GI tomorrow. Was told to bring my insurrance info with me, seeing as I dont have any, will I get turned down at the door? Im going to bring some cash with me becasue I know just the consultation cost around $80-$150. ***** becasue I just got a job offer in New York, and if this turns out to be something of a more serious cause, then that will go down the drain. Back to the GI though, was told to enemize myself 2 hours before the meeting, so im assuming he's goign to do some sort of endoscopy? what exactly is he going to do?

[JDS2805]

Statistically, colon cancer is very rare in people under 40- not impossible though. I would urge you to find a place that would work out a payment schedule. It could be something as minor as internal hemmroids or an anal fissure- but I think a colonoscopy can't hurt anything- it can show if you have Crohns, inflamation, or polyps. It seems to be that IBS would be a likely diagnosis. One other alternative would be going to a major medical university to have a colonoscopy- we have Ohio State here. The procedures are usually done by 3rd, 4th year students along with interns and residents but are always supervised by attendings with many years of experienced. The fees sometimes are much lower there that at a private practice. I wish you all the best- I've been currently dealing with some similar issues and am waiting for a referal to get a colonoscopy as a percaution and am lucky since my family doctor is an old friend from high school. Hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted!

[Matthew007]

usually mucus means a blockage..or is sometimes with a food allergy or intolerance.  In your case with blood you probably have a partial blockage causing that.  I think as long as the stools are soft you're on the right path (either via fiber or miralax) but keep saving $$ to go see a gi specialist in case it gets worse.

[Sn33kz]

And still ridiculous amount of mucas & blood. more so mucas.

[Sn33kz]

so yeah, Im constipated, yet the stool I expel is soft and not of of a very solid state. This doesn't make too much sense,unless my colon/rectal area is so inflammated that even softer less dense stool cant pass.

[Matthew007]

yeah I know the feeling.. pratically broke here looking for work and sick...

well since you're sitting around - there are certain things I would do to help you out.. the majority of GI's will say the same stupid thing so i'll save you the bills..there is risk of making it worse but you'll know right away if it isn't working...

Basically there are 2 things you can try.. bulk and soften so i'd go to the store and get some miralax and a bottle of citrucel.  Mix a full cap together of miralax with one scoop of citrucel and take it in the morning daily and try that.  Sounds like you're having severe IBS-C.  Either this is going to totally help your situation or make it worse but it's worth a try.. if you get IBS-D then slowly back off the miralax to like half a cup or less until it goes away but keep mixing it with one cap a day of citrucel..after a week do 2 scoops of citrucel, one in the morning and one at night..make sure you drink tons of water...

Also I'd avoid lactose/dairy completely since it causes constipation.

That's an idea.. it would bulken/soften and help your constipation and the miralax would take the pressure off and help heal..*hopefully* it's just a small tear inside or something but if you keep having severe IBS-C like you're saying you could end up with more troubles down the road..

give it a shot - just be warned if you feel super super bad pains..then i'd go off the citrucel but stay on the miralax so at least you're going every day with a healthy movement.  Good luck :S