IBS or bowel cancer?

[Peterthegreatworrier]

Hi.
I've had lower abdominal cramps and spasming for about 5 years, with problem stools alternating between constipation and diarrhoea. Recently, my symptoms seem to have gotten worse, and yesterday I was unable to defacate while today I had loose stools. I'm Really worried that I've had undiagnosed bowel cancer and that it's too late to do anything about it. I'm only 18 but I know of others getting it before middle age. I also get nausea and I have often times had iron deficiency. i have not lost weight as far as I know, and I only rarely get blood in my stools (usually only if it is hard - sorry for the specifics)
I'm going to the GP in two days, but I'm worried they would want me to get a colonoscopy, which i'm worried could kill me itself.
I'm really scared of having this and I just want proof that I do not. I really need some reassurance right now.
Regards, Peterthegreatworrier

[KayeS]

Well I've literally just gotten back from a colonoscopy for very similar symptoms to you and all was clear and I'm 31, so I reckon at 18 you're pretty safe, but there's nothing to worry about in regards to having a colonoscopy. I didn't have any sedation and it was fine.

[Peterthegreatworrier]

Thanks so much for that, KayeS
I think this should help put my mind a little more at ease for the next couple of days. In regard to medical procedures, I have been very fearful of possible complications since I read about a girl in America who got brain dead after surgery for sleep apnea (although, while the media painted it out to be a simple tonsillectomy, the procedure was in fact far more complicated).

Another point I'd like to mention though, is that I yesterday did manage to pass a tiny amount of stool, but it wasn't hard. Is this still consistent with IBS or your symptoms?

[KayeS]

Absolutely. IBS causes the bowel to spasm which is what causes the pain as well as the strange bowel movements. Not to mention the added anxiety which always makes it either hard to pass a stool for me as I can't relax, or I get the opposite lol.

I had exactly the same fear this morning before my procedure but I have to say it was nothing to worry about at all in the end.

[Peterthegreatworrier]

Thanks very much for your kind words
I'll be sure to update after my appointment to tell everyone how it went.
Regards, Peterthegreatworrier.

[KayeS]

All the best man!

[Fishmanpa]

I have to say it was nothing to worry about at all in the end.

Literally!

Positive thoughts

[KayeS]

Literally!

Positive thoughts

LOL touché!

[Peterthegreatworrier]

Hi again!
Feeling a little dejected (no, extremely panicked!) i went to the GP who suggested blood tests and stool culture, though he doubts it's bowel cancer and advised against getting specialist tests (such as colonoscopy or CT) due to likely pointlessness and possible risks. I also discovered that my mum's sister had bowel cancer, so I'm even more worried
I added a new thread addressing my continued fears. Anyone who wishes to view it, please do.
Sorry this poast couldn't be more positive. I hope they would be more so in the future.
Regards, Peterthegreatworrier