Concerns About Potential Colon Cancer
Profile: - Gender: Male - Age: 36 - Height: 6'3" - Weight: 220 lbs - Smoker: No - Ethnicity: White I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea for 15 years, along with occasional heartburn that has lasted over a decade. I am unsure if there is a family history of gastrointestinal cancers. Since at least February 2025, my iron levels have been low. During a routine check-up earlier this year, my doctor noted the deficiency and referred me to a gastroenterologist. Following an examination in March and after disclosing that I had been consuming large quantities of Excedrin—around 12 pills daily for several years—my gastroenterologist was inclined to believe my iron deficiency stemmed from high aspirin usage. Consequently, I ceased taking any aspirin products. Although I had a follow-up appointment scheduled for August, my previous gastroenterologist left the practice to focus on further education. Currently, my new gastroenterologist has requested an endoscopy and colonoscopy due to concerns about colon cancer. I recently had my iron levels tested again and am awaiting those results. Meanwhile, I commenced a prescribed regimen of meloxicam (15mg) two weeks ago, unaware that it could also result in gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, I plan to stop taking meloxicam immediately and will retest my iron levels in a week. I feel both frightened and frustrated. My last gastroenterologist did not check my iron levels, despite his assurance that my condition was manageable. In contrast, my current physician seems to regard my situation as quite serious. He noted that even with Excedrin intake, my iron levels should not be as low as they are (only 12ng/ml). What should I make of all this situation?
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 4:40:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel frightened and frustrated given your symptoms and the medical evaluations you’re undergoing. Your history of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, combined with low iron levels and the recommendations from your new gastroenterologist, are significant and warrant careful consideration. Here are the main points to assess your situation:
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Frequent Diarrhea and Heartburn: These long-term gastrointestinal symptoms can be signs of various conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's disease), food intolerances, or even peptic ulcers.
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Low Iron Levels: Chronic low iron levels can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding or malabsorption issues. Since you mentioned that your new gastroenterologist is recommending a colonoscopy, this is a valuable diagnostic tool to investigate potential causes, including the rule-out of colorectal cancer.
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Medication Concerns: It's good that you recognized the potential risks associated with meloxicam, which can contribute to gastrointestinal issues. Discontinuing it and monitoring your symptoms and iron levels are appropriate first steps.
Explanation:
Your symptoms and low iron levels combined raise the need for thorough investigation. The repeated diarrhea and discomfort, along with a significant drop in iron levels, highlight the importance of identifying the underlying cause to ensure proper treatment. Chronic gastrointestinal issues can sometimes lead to serious problems if left unaddressed, which is likely why your current physician is taking this situation more seriously.
Next Steps:
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Continue with Recommended Procedures: Schedule and prepare for the endoscopy and colonoscopy as discussed with your gastroenterologist. These procedures are essential to visualize your gastrointestinal tract and identify any abnormalities.
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Stop Any Potentially Harmful Medications: Since you've decided to stop taking meloxicam, ensure that you don't use over-the-counter medications containing aspirin without confirming with your healthcare provider first.
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Monitor Symptoms and Dietary Changes: Keep a diary of your gastrointestinal symptoms, foods you eat, and any changes in bowel habits. This can help you and your physician in understanding your triggers or patterns.
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Recheck Iron Levels and Dietary Intake: Follow through with your plan to retest your iron levels next week. Consider improving your diet by including more iron-rich foods (like leafy greens, legumes, and red meat) if appropriate for your situation—though this should be balanced with advice from your healthcare team.
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Emotional Support: It’s normal to feel anxious during this time. Consider reaching out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support and clarity.
Please continue to communicate openly with your current healthcare provider about any concerns you have, including your symptoms and the psychological impact of your health situation. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
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