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Intestinal Cramping, Diarrhea, High WBC Count. Taking Antibiotics. Family History Of Colon Cancer. Should I Be Worried?
Question: I have had severe intestinal cramping for 4 days now, persistent diarrhea, and Monday for 6 hrs all my bowel movements were 100% liquid and blood. Samples were taken but so far the only thing found has been a very high WBC count. No bacteria. I have been on two very strong antibiotics since Monday and am not getting better. My grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 40 with much the same symptoms and I am 31... Should I be worried?
Hi and thanks for the query
The description of your symptoms suggests an infective diarrhoea, in the true sense "dysentry" if it is a blood mixed stool. The usual causes of dysentry are salmonella, shigella, yersinia and rarely E coli. If the bacteria is sensitive to the chosen drug, then disappearence of bllod occcurs over 3-5 days and diarrhoea sttles over a week to 10 days time.
Familial colonic cancers usually cluster in the family and are seen before the age of 50 years. if there is a history of early colonic cancer in a first degree relative then it is a good idea to get a colonoscopy around 10 years prior to the age of detection in the relative. By doing this one may be able to find out the precursors lesions and tackling them helps to prevent colonic cancer. By this argument it is a good idea to undergo a colonoscopy now.
Hope I have addressed your concern. Please feel to write back if you have any further queries.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX
The description of your symptoms suggests an infective diarrhoea, in the true sense "dysentry" if it is a blood mixed stool. The usual causes of dysentry are salmonella, shigella, yersinia and rarely E coli. If the bacteria is sensitive to the chosen drug, then disappearence of bllod occcurs over 3-5 days and diarrhoea sttles over a week to 10 days time.
Familial colonic cancers usually cluster in the family and are seen before the age of 50 years. if there is a history of early colonic cancer in a first degree relative then it is a good idea to get a colonoscopy around 10 years prior to the age of detection in the relative. By doing this one may be able to find out the precursors lesions and tackling them helps to prevent colonic cancer. By this argument it is a good idea to undergo a colonoscopy now.
Hope I have addressed your concern. Please feel to write back if you have any further queries.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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