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[Popmummy]

For a while now I have had bouts of diarrhea. They are random and usually happen 3 or 4 times over the course of 3 to 4 weeks. I will eat, get cramps and dash to too.  I’ve had these bouts going back as far as 2019 and also in 2023 and now twice this year. I mentioned it to my GP but as the symptom's always stop she wasn’t concerned. Once it goes I am usually constipated for a while then have normal movements.
I’ve always had a fear of bowel cancer and this is now consuming me. I’ve read all about change in bowel habit and can’t think that it is anything else. My latest bout was end of Nov and I am getting myself more and more worked up. Then a couple of weeks ago the NHS bowel screening arrived (I am 56) and it has sent me spirally. I did the test a couple of days ago and since then my anxiety has shot up. I can’t eat or sleep and feel sure it will come back positive. I’m worrying that I’ve had these diarrhea bouts for such a long time and that I should have been tested then.
I’ve been reading so much and literally don’t know what to do with myself.
If anyone can help me to feel a bit more rationale I would really appreciate it as I can’t seem to see anything else apart from what I fear.
X

[CLKD]

...... and breath!

You've done the test, well done.  The results shouldn't be too long coming back.

If U had bowel issues more often I would be more concerned.  What is your diet like overall?  Do U do any exercise ?  Both will alter bowel movements.  R these issues related to your monthly cycle?  I would have the runs 10 mins B4 a bleed began even when a period wasn't due  .  As will anxiety!  Put me onto a UK Motorway and I want to go NOW!

Your GP is probably less worried about intermittent alterations rather than it happening regularly. 

Is there pain, blood, cramping at other times?

[Taz2]

I always get nervous waiting for my result so you are not alone.

Taz x

[Popmummy]

Thanks for replies

CLKD - I’ve not seen any blood and don’t really get cramps any other time. I’m post menopausal so not cycle related.

X

[CLKD]

How do U feel the rest of the time?  Do U go out with friends for example for coffee and cake?

[Popmummy]

I work full time and keep busy. The rest of the time I’ve been fine but after this last bout I have just become more and more anxious.

[CLKD]

MayB keep a note of your diet for the next 5 days/nights 2 see whether there is a pattern. 

In recent weeks I've cut out muesli and milk  and until today that seems to work.   

[Popmummy]

Thanks CLKD

Trying to keep the anxiety from taking over but thanks for your support x

[Popmummy]

Anxiety through the roof. Keep googling and finding stories where people have had similar symptoms that turned out to be bc. I was hoping that as the bouts were often months apart that this was a positive. Waiting for my fit results and convinced they will be positive as I know you don’t have to see blood for it to be there.
Can’t eat or sleep and stomach churning.

[Penguin]

Bc symptoms are persistent and get worse over time, they don't come and go like yours. Certainly not with such big gaps. It's likely your anxiety is making the bowel issues worse. You do need to stop goggling as hard as that is. Contact your GP and ask for help dealing with the anxiety as a priority.

[CLKD]

Health anxiety is difficult to deal with.  Some where on the Forum is a thread 'what I have diagnosed this year' or similar 

[Popmummy]

Thank you for replying ladies.

I know you’re right about all the googling. I have always dreaded the fit test and when it arrived just as I was worrying about the diarrhea, it felt like a sign! I keeping thinking that I should have got one done back in July 2023 when I had a bout then. I’m also losing weight because I can’t eat, so that’s not helping.

[CLKD]

So stop stepping on the scales?  I'm on pancakes today 

[Popmummy]

Still waiting for my Fit result and struggling with the anxiety that’s with me. Trying to eat small bits but am just so worried. I hope Penguin is right when she says that if it was anything worrying then it wouldn’t have such a long time between bouts.

[CLKD]

It's also between two festive breaks plus your result won't be the single 1 waiting to be looked at.

How's the bowel behaving today?