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gwen42
gwen42 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I had my first colonoscopy at age 37. I
was having lots of diarrhea and that is why
they did it. They found some polyps and
did nine biopsies. They discovered I have
Ulcerative colitis. I have had anemia and also
Take asacol at every meal plus lomotil as needed.

I had health insurance when I was 37 but at age 42
I have none through my job. I have had lots more diarrhea
with muocus spelling? In it. I have only had a normal bm
Once since I was diagnosed with UC. I would like to get another
Colonoscopy but I can not afford it. Does anyone think with the
Above symptoms I need one or is it just my UC acting up.

Thank you for any help.

Gwen in Florida

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  • Crow71
    Crow71 Member Posts: 679 Member
    #2
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    Hey Gwen in Florida - I
    Hey Gwen in Florida - I don't know much about UC. Do you have any blood in your poop? Bloody poop is a common symptom of lots of things, including cancer. Many folks here, like me, began our cancer journey by looking at a toilet full of blood and saying, "up oh!"
    Whatever it is, face it head on. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck. Take care. Keep us posted.
    Roger in North Carolina
  • lcarper2
    lcarper2 Member Posts: 635 Member
    #3
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    getting help
    Check with your local cancer society there in your city also ask them if they know of any charities that help there are ways to get free testing done just ask for help...
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #4
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    No Insurance
    I don't know what your financial status is, but you might check and see if you have a good 'not for profit' hospital in your area If so, and they do the testing you need, you can apply for 'charity' regarding the costs. The 'not for profit' hospitals get grants to cover the costs of those who have no insurance.

    If you find this to be true with a hospital and qualify, see if they have doctors/teams which are associated with them who will also honor the 'charity' status.

    Good luck,

    Marie
  • imagineit2010
    imagineit2010 Member Posts: 152 Member
    #5
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    Gwen, my intention with this
    Gwen, my intention with this reply is not to scare you but to warn you. I'm 46 and I have had diarrhea frequently for many years. The last year or so I noticed mucous in my stool and an odd odor almost a chemical smell.I've had small stools for many years and never thought twice about it. I've also been anemic a couple times in the past. Just last september I noticed red streaks in my stool and attributed it to some food consumtion. Then blood on toilet paper I attributed that to something else too. After I remembered a blood test in September showed Anemia I put 2 and 2 together and went on line searching. After seeing what the "possible" causes could be I called my Doc. Six weeks and a colonoscopy later I found out I had Rectal cancer (stage2)Doc. said it could have been forming for five to ten years. So, bottom line is that the vast majority of people diagnosed with CC had symptoms they overlooked or just didn't notice. I've talked to grown men who say they NEVER look in the toilet after going. If you can't afford it right now then first try and change your diet. Try for one month to eat leafy veggies, fruits, whole wheat breads and foods with high fiber. One month of no greasy fried foods or high fatty foods and see if you can change your BMs. If your stool starts to appear more normal or the mucous is lessened then it could be you UC. If you already eat a healthy diet without those things then you should get to a free clinic or similar agency where they can AT LEAST do a Fecal Occult Blood Test. It may not be definitive but it can help your peace of mind. UC is often a pre-cursor to CC so please don't put it asside.
    Also, if you can afford the CHEAPEST most basic health insurance then the Patient Advocate Foundation can assist you with things you can't afford or don't have coverage for. But you have to be insured.
    Best of luck, keep us informed....
    Chris

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