Seeking a Second Opinion on Potential Colon Cancer Concerns (Lab Results Included)
**Personal Details** - **Age**: 36 - **Gender**: Male - **Height**: 6 feet 3 inches - **Weight**: 220 pounds - **Ethnicity**: White **Health History** I've been experiencing ongoing digestive issues for over 18 months, which includes chronic diarrhea persisting for more than a decade and occasional acid reflux that has been troubling me for a similar duration. Complicating matters, I have a history of taking a significant amount of Excedrin daily — around 6-12 tablets — although I've stopped this habit since January 2025. Additionally, I am currently on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). **Recent Medical Developments** Following a drop in my Ferritin levels, my gastroenterologist has recommended that I undergo a colonoscopy. My general practitioner first highlighted this low Ferritin in January 2025, but another gastroenterologist I consulted in March seemed confident that there was no cause for concern. To provide context, I've compiled pertinent lab results from tests conducted since 2024: **April 2024 Results:** - **White Blood Cell Count**: 8.1 (normal range: 4.2 - 9.1) - **Nucleated Red Blood Cells %**: 0 (normal range: 0 - 0.2) - **Absolute Nucleated RBC**: 0 (normal range: 0 - 0.01) - **Red Blood Cell Count**: 5.27 (normal range: 4.6 - 6) - **Hemoglobin**: 15.2 (normal range: 13.7 - 17.5) - **Hematocrit**: 45.7 (normal range: 40 - 51) - **Mean Corpuscular Volume**: 86.7 (normal range: 79 - 99) **September 2024 Results:** - **WBC**: 6.1 - **RBC**: 6.09 - **Hemoglobin**: 16.1 - **Hematocrit**: 51.6 - **Mean Corpuscular Volume**: 84.7 - **Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin**: 26.4 - **Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration**: 31.2 - **Red Cell Distribution Width**: 13.1 **January 2025 Results:** - **Ferritin**: 12 (single test conducted) **April 2025 Results:** - **White Blood Cell Count**: 10.6 - **Nucleated Red Blood Cells %**: 0 - **Absolute Nucleated RBC**: 0 - **Red Blood Cell Count**: 5.78 - **Hemoglobin**: 15.1 - **Hematocrit**: 47.7 - **Mean Corpuscular Volume**: 82.5 - **Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin**: 26.1 - **Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration**: 31.7 **September 2025 Results:** - **White Blood Cell Count**: 8.9 - **Nucleated Red Blood Cells %**: 0 - **Absolute Nucleated RBC**: 0 - **Red Blood Cell Count**: 6.39 - **Ferritin**: 13 - **Hemoglobin**: 16.7 - **Hematocrit**: 53.1 While I recognize that I might be overreacting, I can't shake the anxiety and frustration I feel, especially given the ostensibly comforting stance of my previous gastroenterologist. A six-month interval has passed since the last assessment. Should I be concerned about these developments, or is my doctor’s advice to proceed with this procedure merely precautionary?
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 9:01:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious about your digestive symptoms and the recommendation for a colonoscopy. Based on your symptoms, persistent digestive issues, and the drop in your ferritin levels, it’s important to prioritize your health and address your concerns.
Main Points:
- Colonoscopy Recommendation: Given your ongoing digestive issues and low ferritin levels, your gastroenterologist’s advice for a colonoscopy is a proactive measure.
- Concerns About Colon Cancer: While it's natural to worry, the colonoscopy can provide clarity and potentially rule out serious conditions, including colon cancer.
- Ongoing Digestive Issues: Your long history of digestive problems warrants thorough investigation to identify potential underlying issues.
Explanation:
Your chronic diarrhea, occasional acid reflux, and notably low ferritin levels (12-13 ng/mL suggests low iron stores) can be linked to several gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease) or other malabsorption issues. The ferritin drop could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding or malabsorption. The colonoscopy will allow your healthcare provider to visually inspect your colon for any abnormalities, such as polyps, inflammation, or signs of cancer.
While your previous gastroenterologist was not overly concerned, the recommendation for further investigation suggests that your current doctor wants to be thorough, especially with your symptoms persisting over such a long period. It’s essential to focus on identifying the root cause of your symptoms rather than dismissing them.
Next Steps:
- Schedule Your Colonoscopy: Prioritize scheduling this procedure if you haven’t done so already. It will provide valuable information and peace of mind.
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, including the frequency and nature of your diarrhea, any triggers, and changes in diet or lifestyle. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
- Monitor Iron Levels: Continue to track any symptoms related to low iron, such as fatigue or weakness, and discuss with your doctor about iron supplementation or dietary adjustments to increase iron intake (e.g., red meat, leafy greens, legumes).
- Communicate Concerns: Express any worries you have to your healthcare team. Open dialogue can help alleviate fears and ensure you receive the support you need.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about potential gastrointestinal conditions that align with your symptoms, but also maintain a balanced perspective to manage anxiety.
Your feelings are valid, and seeking clarity through the colonoscopy, along with your proactive approach to your health, is commendable. Remember to focus on each step and reach out to your doctors with any further questions or concerns as they arise.
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