Any Ideas...Kinda Worried

Ok, well seeing as how i haven't been to a doctor yet, i decided to do some internet research to see if i could find out what's going on.  Alright, i'm a 21 yr old male and i've been having some stomach problems lately.  Also for about 4 months are so i've had some stool leakage i'm guessing.  It's really light and not enough to show up on my undergarmets.  The thing about it is when i go to the bathroom i almost have to strain.  It's usually thin and i feel like i don't fully get it all out.  It's not much at all.  It feels like it's all gathered at the end, but just won't come out.  I've also experienced some cramping, but not anything that really hurt, just a funny feeling.  It kinda feels like i drank water and then ran a few laps, but it doesn't hurt or bother me at all.  I've never had any real pain.  Also, sometime after i eat i feel really bloated, yet not long after i eat i get a hungry feeling.  I haven't changed my diet or anything like that so i'm not sure.  Not too sure and it's kinda starting to worry me because a friend of my parents had a son-in-law who was in his 40's that died this past week of stomach cancer.  He found out only a month or so ago.  He was having problems with constipation, which i really am not constipated, i just don't feel like when i go that i am releaving myself fully.  Does anyoen thing this could be IBS or something more serious?

Hi sxt,
Welcome to HealingWell!
We can imagine how concerned you must be. Digestive trouble is hard to digest (pun intended). Like dbab said, you should probably get in to see a doc. Ultimately you want to be diagnosed by a Gastroenterologist (GI). Because intestinal issues are difficult to diagnose you will probably be asked LOADS of questions and go through many tests. They want to rule out anything serious and that what you have is "just IBS." Be honest when speaking to the doc(s), don't be embarrassed, they have heard it all. But please, don't put off seeing a doc. It is so important, especially for peace of mind.
Take care.

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Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum

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Hi Tullie,
Welcome to Healing Well :)
Your symptoms sound like gas pains and they can be really uncomfortable and at times really painful. Gas and bloating are some pretty hallmark signs of IBS. Although IBS can be a nuisance and sometimes dibilatating disorder, fortunately it does not cause other diseases nor make you more susceptable to other diseases (including cancer). Your left side is where your colon starts to end (your colon starts at your lower right side, hooks up like a horseshoe onto the left side where it ends in the middle at your rectum and finally your anus). This lower left side is known as the sigmoid colon and is very common area for the pains. Please let us know how your scope goes and keep posting!

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_{Hugs, Des}

_{Co-Moderator ~ IBS Forum}

_{~My reality check bounced}

 

 

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Ok, well i called to get an appointment but the closest time i can get in is Dec. 27th!  I don't want to have to wait that long so i am going to call around. 

I really truely am getting freaked out about this because i was searching the net (not something i would recommend when you get stressed out easily) and i noticed that i had some symptoms of stomach cancer! Within the past two days i have kinda been feeling tired, though it could be from working the morning shift at work and staying busy all day long. But i also noticed that alot of the symptoms fit in with IBS and also Ulcers, which in EVERY article i read it said that the syptoms are also found in peptic ulcers.  I've been told by a lot of my friends that they think it's ulcers because i am and always have been a person who worries alot.  Another reason i doubt the stomach cancer is because i'm only 21.  I mean i haven't read anywhere where there was someone with a case that was below 35.  Like i said before a friend of the families son-in-law died two weeks ago from stomach cancer but he was well into his 40's.  Does anyone think that there it could be stomach cancer or am i just worrying myself?

Usually ulcers are agrivated by spicy foods, or hot or cold foods; also they tend to leave a burning feeling in the abdomen. I have had them since I was about 21 or 22. I am 25 now. Over the past two years my life has gotten much worse; yet over the past 6-8 months things have been a little bit better, and somewhat 'normal' if there is such a thing anymore.

Definately get to the Dr. ASAP, in the mean time you might increase your fiber intake, either with suppliments, or with fruits and veggies that have high fiber. That should at least somewhat help the movements.

I would say just not to think to much about it right now. You don't know what it is and whatever it is, you can't do anything about it at this moment. I would say just hope for the best!! I will keep you in my thoughts and please let us know what you find out. :)

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_{Hugs, Des}

_{Co-Moderator ~ IBS Forum}

_{~My reality check bounced}

 

 

^{Please help Healing Well continue to help others by donating  https://www.healingwell.com/donate}