High sed rate and rectal bleeding? Does...

[Mom-o-Three]

...this increase likelihood of cancer? I'm a 26 year old female with three kids. I've had trouble with GI/rectal bleeding for about seven years but it seems to have worsened to include abdominal pain. I have a GI appointment next week but I just learned, today, that my blood test shows an abnormally high sed rate. I'm concerned that this increases the likelihood of cancer. My follow up w/ my GP is one week after my GI appointment. Should I be pushing for faster treatment? Please no sarcastic remarks. I know it is an embarrassing area and it is a real pain in the @$$...trust me I've already gone over all the bad jokes in my own mind. I really need good opinions from folks. Thanks!I just saw the doctor for this recently. I'm just trying to find out why I'm bleeding and hurting at this point. Nothing has been diagnosed yet. I'm a little antsy as my insurance coverage may end in Feb.

[Ermm... Me?]

I'm sorry to hear that. It may or may not be cancer. If it is in fact a cancer, it's more likely a cervical or colon cancer. I know someone (who's very close to me) who had cervical cancer for years. She didn't undergo treatment which made the cancer worse. She died two months ago. She also experienced gastrointestinal bleeding and extreme abdominal pain. If it's cancer, you can somehow smell stinky odor when you bleed. It can also be a factor for high sed rate.Ok, I know that you're getting worried about this, but don't. I am just giving some information that can help you detect if it's cancer or not. The best way to find out is to go to the doctor. Now here's the option:1.) If it is NOT cancer, you can sit back and relax. Find out what's the cause and take medications.2.) If it is cancer, DON'T PANIC. Some cancers (like cervical) is fortunately curable nowadays if detected early and rightly treated. Of course, it also depends on the stage. If it is in the lower stage, surgery or radiotherapy can be done. If it is already in the later stage, chemotherapy can be done.Go to your doctor now! Whatever the result is, don't get panic! It will worsen the condition. Just relax and follow the doctor's advice.

[lasmal]

A high sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) just indicates inflammation somewhere in the body. Inflammation that can cause the sed rate to be very high is most likely going to have pain associated with it. Your colon is inflamed and very sensitive. Your description could be either Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis, you didn't mention which condition you have been diagnosed with, both involve inflammation. Crohn's disease is more common for the age range you are describing, but ulcerative colitis is usually associated with the rectal bleeding. People with ulcerative colitis are at greater risk of developing colon cancer, but there are other lab values, such as CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), and tests such as a colonoscopy that are used to diagnose it. Go to your GI appointment. One week will not impact your prognosis. Try to relax and see what diagnostic tests are reccomended. Make sure you discuss your concerns with your physicians.

[Solita]

no, I would look more to inflammatory processes like Crones disease etc, you are way too young unless you inherited a rare gene for early colon cancer....