Does this sound like Ulcerative Colitis or Colon Cancer?

In late October, I seemed to be developing some sort of stomach issue, as I would get nausea, and my stools got lighter, and sunk. The nausea soon went away. A month later, I developed insomnia. That insomnia was terrible. I literally didn't get any sleep at all some nights. Then, I got a form of it that wakes me up every night between 1-4 AM, sometimes later. I then started getting more symptoms, such as tingling and increased urination that lasted for a few days, as well as joint pain that is quite rare, thus far. Around that time I also developed a strange arm and foot odor that a friend said was similar to alcohol, which is still present, but more mild. Over the last four weeks, my tongue has looked white in the back of it, with barely visible bumps, and I had an occasional bitter taste in my mouth for no known reason two nights. I also have mild constipation or no urge to go at all, as well as my stools getting a little thinner. A mild dip in appetite and energy has also occurred lately. This strange illness makes me worried. I am 23, by the way. None of my doctors take me seriously and think I do not even need a blood test.

No. UC runs in my family on my mom's side, however, I am not sure if colon cancer does, but, I have no knowledge of my biological father's side of the family, as he left before my birth. These stubborn doctors have left me in the dark since mid November, and it's getting tiring.

What type of doctors did you see. What were their diagnoses and what general types of examinations did they perform? What did they tell you to do or take. You could try Metamucil to bulk up your stool and make you more regular. I think it tastes the best (smooth, orange, sweetened with sugar). They do sell a natural psyllium husk fibers (just plain which if you don't mind a very bland flavor is a healthier option). Psyllium husk powder is what's in Citrucel, Metamucil etc.

Burli said...
What type of doctors did you see. What were their diagnoses and what general types of examinations did they perform? What did they tell you to do or take. You could try Metamucil to bulk up your stool and make you more regular. I think it tastes the best (smooth, orange, sweetened with sugar). They do sell a natural psyllium husk fibers (just plain which if you don't mind a very bland flavor is a healthier option). Psyllium husk powder is what's in Citrucel, Metamucil etc.

I saw GPs. The biggest problem is that they did no exams, of any type. Under my current insurance, you have to see GPs before you can see specialist. They blamed it up all on fiber. But could lack of fiber cause all this, especially the ever decreasing urge for a bowel movement, as well as the thinning and occasional yellow and green I get?

i'm pretty sure the only reason is your nervous system, not even the slightest suspicion of anything serious, let alone cancer which is a nonsense :)

Hmm.. did you ever get your liver checked ?

i am not a doctor, but some liver problems sounds like what you're describing (symptoms)

TannerML said...

Dreadsteel said...
Hmm.. did you ever get your liver checked ?

i am not a doctor, but some liver problems sounds like what you're describing (symptoms)

No, I haven't to be honest. A general checkup would be a good idea. I haven't got one since 2010.

By all means do so, i don't want to scare you but its better to be safe and i hope its nothing to worry about.

One last important thing: if still have persistent symptoms and you vomit run to the ER ASAP.

Wish you the best

Are you taking any medications or drugs? Pain medicine or other drugs can have side effects such as constipation. It seems you just need bulk fiber and make certain you're drinking plenty of water. Most specialists require you to see a general practitioner or family doctor first.

Go get the Metamucil (or similar) and just read the directions and in few days if you're still having no improvement or if it gets worse go in again.

What is your diet like and do you exercise? Walking briskly for 20-30 min/day will be beneficial.

A thing that might suggest inflammation of the colon is the stools becoming thinner.

There is an easy, cheap test to see if you might have inflammation of the colon that is accurate in most cases, it is called fecal calprotectin and is a stool test, ask your GP to run it or get it privately if they refuse, it is not expensive.

Seems like you have candida overgrowth.

Check into candida symptoms

http://www.return2health.net/articles/candida-overgrowth-candidiasis-overview/

www.webmd.com/skin-problems.../candidiasis-yeast-infection

Just because you have constipation doesn't mean you have cancer. You said you're only 23. Unless you have a severe family history or have smoked or eaten red meat every day since birth you should try and relax a little. If in fact you do have cancer you are welcome to come back and say "I told you so." But I really don't think stress is helping you out either. Try and relax! You're young!

Scott Z said...
$20 you're diabetic.

The 'alcohol' smell (which I bet is also a fruity smell) is actually ketones, and the thrush you have on your tongue is common in diabetics....your immune system is in the dumper from high blood sugar.

You need an A1C blood test.

let me know.

i thought so too, as it sounded a lot like Diabetic ketoacidosis according to OP symptoms but what seems confusing is Tanner said that he got checked by a doctor, i presume any "real" doctor could tell such diagnosis from just smelling the acetone in his breath or his symptoms ?! or at least request tests ?!

i hope you got checked Tanner

Dreadsteel said...

Scott Z said...
$20 you're diabetic.

The 'alcohol' smell (which I bet is also a fruity smell) is actually ketones, and the thrush you have on your tongue is common in diabetics....your immune system is in the dumper from high blood sugar.

You need an A1C blood test.

let me know.

i thought so too, as it sounded a lot like Diabetic ketoacidosis according to OP symptoms but what seems confusing is Tanner said that he got checked by a doctor, i presume any "real" doctor could tell such diagnosis from just smelling the acetone in his breath or his symptoms ?! or at least request tests ?!

i hope you got checked Tanner

Diabetes also runs in my family. My sister's sugar got so low recently she passed out at work. She doesn't look like your typical diabetic. She's got an athletic body type and reasonable eating habits. I never thought to look into that until you mentioned it.