I know this is a long shot to ask on a BC site but would really appreciate it to hear from other sufferers.
I have had IBS for over 15 yrs but 6months before DX with BC i had a polyp removed and have to have this done again in 5 yrs as they can grow back and become cancerous. I am wondering if the fact i have had BC means there is more chance of me having bowel cancer…
I suffered terribly during CMF with my bowel but its been fine for about a year, that is until last weekend when i have had a big flare up.
Spent this afternoon in bed crying because this week has been so difficult for me going to work, keeping the family going and numerous other commitments and being in total agony. so much so i thought of going to hosp during the night on Wed.
I have got myself into such a state imagining i have bowel cancer.
I have a docs appt on Wed as my blood test was abnormal so will mention my IBS to her but its truly getting me down.
Rx
I’ve never heard of a connection between breast and bowel cancer.I’ve had IBS for years but it has got worse since chemo - 4xFEC,4xTaxol in '04.I get most of the pain on my right side just under my ribs.and a flare up can happen at anytime.You sound as if you have a heavy workload which is obviously not helping your IBS! I can’t say it doesnt get me down at times either- especially as the pains are in a place where my imagination can run wild! I’m taking UDO’s probiotic capsules at the moment.They are expensive but I do find they really help also Colovac.
Regards Josie xx
I’m sorry to hear you’re getting so worried about your symptoms liverbird. And as we know, worrying won’t help the IBS either (you can’t win). Hope you get some answers on Wed as it sounds awful.
Just thought I’d mention - I suffered from IBS for about 15 years then a couple of years ago got so desperate i gave up wheat and dairy as a trial. It turns out i was intolerant to a number of foods, which i had to eliminate from my diet for a year or so, then gradually reintroduce. I still can’t eat wheat (apart from about half a croissant when I’m desperate!) but am eating most other things without any problems. My IBS symptoms are practically non-existent now.
Just thought I’d mention it as I know 4 other people who have found out they are intolerant to wheat in the past year. The symptoms are very similar to IBS.
Good luck, and don’t leave the docs until you have the answers you need
Jacquie x
Hi, interesting thread…
Just to add my story, i was diagnosed also about 15 years ago with IBS, but colonoscopy was unsuccessful, partly due to the fact i couldnt tolerate the litres of horrific whilt stuff they make you drink!!..Subsequently i dealt with the diarrhoea by knowing every toilet intimately!! sorry…giving up fizzy drinks ect and eating copious amounts of imodium!.. i then went through a very stressful few years, and even a letter or phone call would set me off…i went for another range of tests, so 3 years ago was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which was just ok prior to Bc Diagnosis 18 months ago…but the FEC really helped me!!..And its just getting bad again a year on, but if it wasnt for BC i wouldnt go through another colonoscopy but know i have too…
Dont be despondent, be brave…and you might too have been misdiagnosed…its the speed of an attack gets me!
Awful disease this Bc…every ache or pain we imagine the worst…
Good luck
Jill
My daughter too suffered from IBS for several years until she decided to seek more expert advice. Hers was allergy related too - but to yeast. So now she has to cut out any bread, check all ingredients for yeast added - and it is surprising how many things it is in. Also she had to cut out alcohol and she enjoyed her glass or two of red wine. But her ‘IBS’ improved hugely, though if she fancies the odd glass of wine, or a quick sarnie she pays dearly for it! She too found that stress also aggravated the problem.
dawnhc
Thank you for all the helpful postings. I have never been given expert advice maybe i should seek it, re diet as when i had some allergy tests done wheat came out as one of them.
Had Docs appt blood results show something not quite right with liver but it could be because i am on tamoxifen.
She has booked me in for a ovarian ultra sound scan as she thinks the tenderness isnt IBS. If this is normal and symptoms continue she is going to arrange for a colonoscopy earlier than it should be done.
Flippin nuisance as i dont want to be going to hosps, determined to enjoy life. However i know so many are worse off than me.
Take Care
Rx
.