Anyone here have any experience with colorectal cancer?

[MLF1981]

I've been having severe stomach and bladder pain for the last few days, and today I had an unbelievably large amount of blood when I moved my bowels. I've had hemorrhoids in the past, as well as a fissure, but this was just on a different level.

I don't have any health insurance, so it really doesn't matter one way or the other, if I do have cancer it's definitely going to kill me, but I was curious if anyone else had this set of symptoms and that's what it turned out to be..,

[radical noodle]

1. I've never had colorectal cancer but my father did

and he had some bleeding. But I've had bleeding which turned out to be ulcerative colitis. Is there any way you could have a colonoscopy done? The gastroenterologist couldn't tell if it was cancer or something else without a colonoscopy. I was happy to hear ulcerative colitis (which can be controlled with medication).

[MLF1981]

2. "Is there any way you could have a colonoscopy done?"

No health insurance, my friend. So the answer to that question is a firm no. At this point, I really don't care if it is cancer and ends up killing me, I'd just like to know what I'm in for if it is... I just wish my stomach and bladder weren't causing me so much pain. Could be referred pain, of course, but that's where it feels like it's coming from.

[marybourg]

3. I think you should go to the ER. Tonight.

[MLF1981]

4. No money to do so...

If it isn't cancer, I'll be destitute. And if it is cancer, there will be no treatment for me anyway.

[marybourg]

5. Go anyway. They will give you some care. Maybe a diagnosis. And if you're destitute,

you won’t be paying the bill, anyway.

[marble falls]

6. Are you a vet? Are you near a medical school? I've had colon cancer and this is what I know about it ...

... my dad had trouble making a bowel movement, what he thought were hemorrhoids (including bleeding) was polyps and colon cancer. His doctor, in Louisiana was incompetent. by the time he was correctly diagnosed, it was way past too late.

I was diagnosed in 2017 and in two weeks had surgery with only a partial colon removal and I am cured.

Here's the good news: Colon cancer takes 15 years to kill you. At anytime in the first 10 years the cure is simple. for the next 2 0r 3years it can still be cured but there will be major surgery and probably a bag, but you're still alive.

In 2019 I was in surgery for Bladder cancer and the the shortened colon made harvesting colon to replace the tubes from my kidneys to the stoma that drains into my urine bag tricky. After fighting bladder cancer for almost 12 years, I've been cancer free for a little over five years.

There are ways to get treatment for this and if it is caught in time, cure is available and an almost normal return to life.

I will send you my e-mail and phone. I would be available if you need questions answered or just want to talk.

[jfz9580m]

7. I am so sorry to hear this MLF

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, ongoing abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Many people may not experience symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screening is important.

No personal experience. I am so sorry..
You do need to get some help. Surely there is someone who can help?

Bladder pain doesn’t seem to be a common symptom:
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-does-colon-cancer-pain-feel-like.h00-159621801.html
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/-how-i-knew-i-had-colorectal-cancer---six-survivors-share-symptoms.h00-159538167.html

I think you could have other symptoms if it was colon cancer like weight loss or fatigue. Pain is not as big a symptom it looks like. Blood in the stools could also be hemorrhoids.

I know hospital trips are very expensive if you do not have healthcare and it is a tough call between being homeless and getting care.

It is horrible that anyone is in such a position in a country that can afford bloated billionaires.

[XanaDUer2]

8. Pls seek care

Think how relieved you'll feel its not cancer. Hospitals can work out payment plans. You're worth it.

[jfz9580m]

9. Hope you are doing okay MLF1981

Your posts about your financial situation and health have touched me.
Please keep us posted..

[MLF1981]

10. Well, at the behest of another DUer...

I did get a checkup. Was told it's probably Salmonella, and actually, the health portal just updated today, and sure enough, that's what it is. Culture finally came back. They gave me a prescription for Cipro, and I'm happy to report that the pain is down to a manageable level, and that there is no more blood. So that's good news.

Not looking fowrard to the bill I won't be able to pay, but eh, there are worse things in the world I guess...

[jfz9580m]

11. Oh I am glad to hear that

Please do keep us updated about your job search ..at the risk of sounding corny…we do care..

[jfz9580m]

12. Btw

Not looking fowrard to the bill I won't be able to pay, but eh, there are worse things in the world I guess...

You really do have a positive attitude and not in the dead-eyed right-wing way (of course that is usually more an exhortation/scold demanding positive attitudes in people having a hard time than having one oneself ). It is inspiring.

I do hope things improve..