{"id":5406,"date":"2025-09-24T15:32:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T15:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/GB\/?p=5406"},"modified":"2025-09-24T15:38:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T15:38:48","slug":"my-bowel-cancer-diagnosis-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/GB\/blog\/my-bowel-cancer-diagnosis-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"My bowel cancer diagnosis journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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My bowel cancer diagnosis journey<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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In May of 2021, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer; however, my symptoms began in October of the previous year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One morning, as I prepared coffee and awaited the kettle’s boil, I experienced a sudden and intense stabbing pain in my lower abdomen. The intensity of the pain brought me to my knees. This episode lasted approximately 20 seconds, after which I managed to rise and dismiss the lingering discomfort and carried on with my day. In the ensuing months, these stabbing pains intensified and occurred with greater frequency. Additionally, I began to suffer from constipation, bloating, and persistent fatigue and I could feel an internal lump at the site of the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I consulted my GP on three separate occasions, each time being assured of my healthy appearance. Despite two physical examinations, the initial diagnosis was stress-induced constipation, attributed to the illness of my father who had been hospitalized with COVID-19. A four-week course of laxatives was prescribed, which proved ineffective as my symptoms persisted and worsened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon completing the laxatives, I revisited my GP practice. Subsequently, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), prescribed additional laxatives and Buscopan, and advised to adhere to a FODMAP diet. My condition deteriorated over the following fortnight, culminating in an inability to leave my bed due to excruciating pain and fatigue. This prompted a return to my GP, where I insisted on a blood test, as the prescribed medication had not alleviated my symptoms. The doctor suggested continuing the current treatment while awaiting blood test results, to which I agreed, with the understanding that I would inform them if there was any improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The blood tests revealed elevated inflammation markers, prompting a repeat test that confirmed the initial findings. A stool sample was requested, and I was referred to the Emergency Outpatient Department at Lister Hospital in Stevenage for further investigation. There, a nurse conducted another blood test, and a doctor, upon reviewing the results, dismissed the IBS diagnosis and scheduled a colonoscopy. The procedure uncovered a tumour, and subsequent biopsies led to a diagnosis of bowel cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I understand that talking about symptoms related to bowel cancer can feel uncomfortable or even a little scary. It’s not easy to discuss personal health issues, especially those that involve such private matters. But I want to reassure you that your doctors are professionals who care deeply about your well-being. They’re there to support you, not to pass judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please remember that your health is invaluable, and being proactive about any unusual signs can be life-saving. Bowel cancer, when detected early, can often be treated successfully. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with taking care of yourself, and you’re not alone in this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infographic from Bowel Cancer UK:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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