Concerns About Possible Colon Cancer
While I realize that Reddit may not be the best place for medical advice, it's a platform where I feel comfortable sharing my situation, so here it goes. I’ll aim to keep this brief. Three days ago, I experienced a bowel movement. Typically, my stools aren't the healthiest; I've dealt with frequent diarrhea for many years. During that recent occasion, I noticed what I suspect to be blood (I have a photo if anyone is interested). It startled me, but I tried not to panic. The following day, I had another bowel movement, and there was more red, prompting me to do a bit of investigating. I took a closer look at my stool and extracted the red bits. I suspect they might be traces of watermelon, which I had consumed the previous day. However, I've lost nearly 10 pounds in just three days—dropping from 173 to 165, which is more troubling to me than the blood itself. I’m beginning to feel nauseous and my appetite is fading. I’m uncertain whether these symptoms stem from anxiety or if I’m genuinely facing a severe health issue like colon cancer. I decided to post here to connect with others and perhaps alleviate some of my concerns until I'm able to meet with a gastroenterologist.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 3:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious given your symptoms, especially with concerns like blood in the stool and significant weight loss. While it's positive that you considered the possibility of watermelon contributing to the red bits, your weight loss and nausea are certainly significant and warrant attention.
Explanation:
Stools can sometimes contain traces of blood for various reasons, including irritation from food, hemorrhoids, or infections, but blood in the stool combined with weight loss and nausea should not be taken lightly. These could signal digestive issues that need evaluation. Your history of frequent diarrhea is also an important factor to consider in seeking help.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of your bowel movements, any continuing presence of blood, your weight, and how you're feeling overall, including nausea and appetite changes.
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Stay Hydrated: With diarrhea and potential nausea, it's important to stay hydrated. Drink water and consider oral rehydration solutions if diarrhea continues.
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Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid foods that are hard on your stomach (such as spicy or greasy foods) until your symptoms improve. Stick to bland foods if you're feeling nauseous.
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Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Given your symptoms of blood in the stool, significant weight loss, and nausea, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional soon, ideally a gastroenterologist. They can conduct necessary tests to evaluate your condition.
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Reduce Anxiety: While waiting for your appointment, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to help with anxiety, which could also improve your appetite.
It's natural to worry about serious conditions like colon cancer, but addressing these symptoms with a healthcare provider will help clarify your situation. You're taking the right step by being proactive about your health.
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