Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): What to avoid
Mum, 28, Facing Terrifying Diagnosis After Doctors Brushed Her Off When She 'filled The Toilet With Blood'
A MUM has revealed how she received a terrifying diagnosis after doctors initially thought her symptoms were related to pregnancy.
Kelly Spill, from New Jersey, was 28 and a new mum when she was told she had stage three bowel cancer.
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Kelly Spill first noticed symptoms when she was eight months pregnant with her son Jayce, which continued for monthsCredit: YouTube/Stand Up To Cancer4
The mum, from New Jersey, was 28 when she was told she had stage three bowel cancerCredit: YouTube/Stand Up To CancerShe had suffered blood in her stool and constipation during her pregnancy with son Jayce, but multiple doctors said she had haemorrhoids, she said.
One day, she used the bathroom and filled the toilet bowl with blood, and was told by her mum to go to hospital, but her concerns were brushed aside again.
After multiple attempts to be treated seriously, she was given a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with the disease at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
It was a huge shock to Kelly and her partner, not only because Kelly was so young, but because they had planned a big family.
Read more on bowel cancerDoctors delivered the crushing news that her treatment would mean she may be unlikely to have another child with her partner.
Speaking in a video for Stand Up To Cancer, Kelly said: "I've always wanted a big family.
"When my baby was six months old, I already wanted another baby.
"It's crazy to think about, but one moment can change your whole, entire life.
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I have low testosterone & no sex drive, help! Dr Jeff answers health questions"One day, I went to the doctor and was told I had stage three cancer and most likely would never be able to carry another baby.
"It was one of the hardest things to hear."
Sun Health Explainer: Bowel CancerBowel cancer is now the third most common cancer in Britain, with 41,596 Brits diagnosed in 2021.
It is the UK's second deadliest cancer, claiming 16,000 lives each year.
However, nine in 10 patients survives it if diagnosed at the earliest stage, according to Bowel Cancer UK.
The Sun's No Time 2 Lose campaign, spearheaded by Dame Deborah James, has called for earlier testing and treatments to improve survival rates in Britain.
Treatment for early stage bowel cancer usually involves chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
However, while this is often successful in eliminating the cancer, it can lead to a range of side effects, including infertility.
Having swollen, bloated ovaries near my tumour was incredibly painful
Kelly SpillBowel cancer survivorKelly had been experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer while pregnant and after birth, but was reassured that it was normal.
The key symptoms of bowel cancer are a change in normal bowel habits, such as needing to go more often, diarrhoea and constipation.
When Jayce was five months old, Kelly lost her appetite, had fatigue and generally didn't feel well, she told TODAY.
When she saw the pool of blood in the toilet and visited the emergency room, a doctor again told her she had internal haemorrhoids and to "lay off spicy foods".
She began seeking the second opinion of other doctors, and that's when things started moving faster.
Kelly was devastated when she found out she may never be able to get pregnant again because of her illness.
Thankfully she was invited to a clinical trial that could preserve her fertility while also getting rid her of her cancer.
She told Business Insider: "On the doctor's advice, I underwent fertility treatments and an egg retrieval soon after I was diagnosed and before treatment started.
"That was truly the worst part of this experience.
"Having swollen, bloated ovaries near my tumour was incredibly painful. But my husband and I ended up with four embryos — hope for the future family we envisioned."
But thankfully for Kelly, she ended up having another child naturally.
Last year, Kelly had her daughter Maya, two years after she recovered from her treatment.
While 90 per cent of cancer cases are in the over-50s, ten per cent are in younger adults - and the rates are increasing.
The Sun's No Time 2 Lose campaign has been pushing hard to raise awareness of this for years, successfully urging the Government to lower the bowel cancer screening age from 60 to 50.
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Doctors delivered the crushing news that her treatment would mean she may be unlikely to have another child - but she got pregnant two years after recovering from treatmentCredit: YouTube/Stand Up To Cancer4
Kelly was devastated when she found out she may never be able to get pregnant againCredit: YouTube/Stand Up To CancerWhat are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer?
IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough.
While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver.
If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Other signs include:
While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools.
But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
Lack Of Fiber May Be A Trigger For Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Irritable bowel disorder (IBD), which can manifest as either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, develops out of inflammation in the gut or digestive tract, leading to a range of sometimes painful issues with digestion. Scientists have not been able to identify the root cause of this disorder yet, but a recent study suggests a connection between genetics, diet, and gut microbiota that could lead to the development of IBD.
The study, published in Cell Host & Microbe, found that fiber plays a significant role in the interplay between gut microbes and the mucus lining of the digestive system.
Fiber promotes the development of healthy mucus thickness and inhibits inflammation. For people who are born without interleukin-10, an IBD-associated cytokine, IBD typically develops in early infancy or childhood.
The present study shows that in mice lacking interleukin-10, fiber deprivation contributes to the deterioration of the colonic mucus lining, leading to lethal colitis. This suggests that fiber-rich diets may be valuable for individuals with IBD.
An estimated 6 million people worldwide have IBD, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that there are about 3 million people in the U.S. Who have it. Industrialized nations have the largest numbers of IBD, and people who immigrate to more industrialized societies and begin incorporating highly processed foods are at risk for it, according to the new study.
A study published last year in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, suggested that certain types of dietary fiber can actually make IBD symptoms worse. In that study, researchers found that unfermented dietary β-fructan fibers — which are soluble fibers from fruits and vegetables — caused an inflammatory response in people with IBD whose bodies couldn't break them down.
Some people who develop IBD, particularly children, are prescribed a formula-based, low-fiber diet known as exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), and there has been success in reducing gut inflammation with this approach.
No fiber hurts good gut bacteriaThe new study used mice who also lacked interleukin-10, and what the researchers discovered was that inflammation was much higher with fiber-free diets. A fiber-free diet was shown to encourage the growth of mucin-degrading bacteria, which consume the mucus layer in the digestive system, reducing the barrier that the mucus provides for the lining of the gut. The mice who ate a high fiber diet had significantly less inflammation.
However, when researchers fed mice the EEN diet formula, some of them had less inflammation than those with a fiber-free diet.
What researchers deduced was that those mice had higher amounts of a fatty acid called isobutyrate, which is produced through fermentation in the gut by "good" bacteria.
Dr. Rudolph Bedford, MD, board certified gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that lower-fiber diets for people with IBD have not been studied enough for medical professionals to have a blanket approach to them.
"Dietary recommendations for IBD patients have been highly variable, largely due to the dearth of research data available to guide clinical practice," Dr. Bedford said.
Why IBD patients may be told to limit fiber"Nonetheless, IBD patients are often instructed to limit their consumption of fiber or residue during an active flare in order to help minimize gastrointestinal distress, particularly when intestinal strictures are suspected," he said.
Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the director of communications for the nutrition company Prolon, who was not involved in the study, told MNT that while less fiber can be advisable during the worst periods of IBD, the long-term effects of a diet high in fiber are important to keep in mind.
"A low-fiber diet may be recommended for people with IBD during acute (active) flare-ups when the inflammation in their gut intensifies. Fiber can be hard to break down, and can therefore exacerbate existing irritation in the gut or gut lining which can contribute to certain symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, rectal bleeding, bloating, or even fever. During flare-ups, it's best to avoid anything that may add to the existing inflammation in the gut."— Melanie Murphy Richter
"That said, high fiber diets have shown promising results in the management (and even reversal) of IBD in patients over the long run. This means that when patients are not experiencing acute symptoms or flare-ups, high fiber foods are encouraged to help diversify the composition of the gut which can positively benefit a person's gut pH, its permeability, and its ability to produce short-chain fatty acids," Richter said.
Richter said that healthy gut bacteria play a significant role in our immune systems as well as our digestive systems.
"Certain beneficial bacteria in our gut help to strengthen the integrity of our intestinal barrier. This gut lining is what helps to keep pathogenic (harmful) substances out of our gut," Richter said.
"When the junctures of our gut lining become weak due to the presence of inflammation or other harmful bacteria that can degrade the lining, this leads to intestinal permeability otherwise known as 'leaky gut.' Leaky gut, which is often present in IBD and IBS patients, can either be the root cause of inflammation or a symptom of other gut imbalances," she explained.
Richter added that gut health also can be closely tied to mental health.
"Certain gut bacteria help to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are needed for proper brain function, circadian sleep patterns, and the reduction of anxiety and depression," Richter said. "Without these good bacteria, the signaling between the gut and the brain is negatively impacted, which can lead to mental and emotional disorders."
Dr. Bedford said that a lack of diversity in the gut lining can make immune systems much weaker.
"Your gut is more vulnerable to diseases when it's in dysbiosis," Dr. Bedford said. "Changes to your gut microbiome may occur because the different organisms in your gut are not at the right levels. When the gut microbiome loses its diversity of bacteria, it can increase your risk of getting a chronic disease.
Richter said that alcohol, processed foods, candy, sodas, and products with high-fructose corn syrup can cause gut inflammation and dysbiosis and make any IBD symptoms far worse.
She suggested eating fermented foods with probiotics and no added sugars, as well as healthy forms of types of fiber in fruits and vegetables to continue feeding healthy gut bacteria.
Probiotic foods for gut health
"Probiotic-rich foods like kimchi and yogurt contain living bacteria from strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are highly beneficial for overall gut health. By consuming fermented foods, you are also consuming these living bacteria which can then innoculate in our gut and help to diversify our microbiome and help to alleviate certain symptoms related to IBS and IBD such abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation."— Melanie Murphy Richter
"It's one thing to consume the actual living bacteria. It's another thing to feed them the right types of food (fiber) to keep them alive. You can take all the probiotic supplements and eat fermented foods, but the diet and lifestyle you adopt affect whether or not they stick around," Richter added.
What Is A Femoral Hernia?
Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD
A femoral hernia occurs when part of your intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall. Small femoral hernias usually do not cause symptoms, but if the hernia is larger, you may notice a lump in your groin area near your upper thigh. You may also feel discomfort lifting heavy objects, have trouble standing up, or experience pain during physical activities. To relieve symptoms, healthcare providers recommend surgery.
It's worth noting that femoral hernias are rare, accounting for only 2% to 4% of all groin hernias. Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are up to 10 times more likely to develop a femoral hernia than men and people assigned male at birth—and the risk increases with age.
Types of Femoral HerniasHealthcare providers classify femoral hernias based on the severity of the hernia. The common types of femoral hernias include:
Reducible: Occurs when it is possible to push the herniated tissue into its place within the abdominal cavity with manual pressure
Irreducible (incarcerated): Develops when herniated tissue is trapped between the upper thigh and groin, and pushing it back into the abdominal cavity is not a possibility
Strangulated: Happens when the blood supply to the herniated tissue is limited or completely cut off
Symptoms of a femoral hernia will often vary based on the size of the hernia. About one-third of people with a femoral hernia have no noticeable symptoms, especially those who develop small hernias. Moderate to large-sized femoral hernias may cause symptoms such as:
If a femoral hernia becomes incarcerated (stuck) in the femoral canal (located in the groin area near the upper thigh), you may develop symptoms such as:
Sudden and intense groin or thigh pain
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Distended (abnormally swollen) abdomen
Inability to pass gas
Difficulty passing bowel movements
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of an incarcerated femoral hernia. An incarcerated femoral hernia requires emergency surgery to repair and prevent complications.
CausesA femoral hernia occurs when a portion of your intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot near the groin in the lower abdominal wall. The herniated tissue passes through an opening called the femoral ring into the femoral canal, which is a narrow, cone-shaped space through which the femoral vein and lymphatic drainage pass.
What causes a weakened spot in the abdominal wall in people with femoral hernias isn't always clear. Evidence suggests some people may be born with anatomical differences that increase the risk of a femoral hernia. In some cases, the abdominal wall may weaken over time due to factors such as:
Constipation and straining to pass bowel movements
Chronic cough
Heavy lifting
Obesity
Difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate
Several factors can also increase your risk of developing a femoral hernia, such as:
Sex: Women and people assigned female at birth are about 10 times more likely to develop a femoral hernia than men and people assigned male at birth, likely because the female pelvis has a wider shape.
Age: The risk of femoral hernias increases with age. Most femoral hernias occur in people assigned female at birth between the ages of 60 and 70.
Underlying health conditions: Having obesity and a history of a previous hernia increase your risk of developing a femoral hernia.
Diagnosing a femoral hernia involves a physical examination and imaging tests. During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will look for a bulge in your groin or upper thigh. They may gently palpate (touch) the area to assess for tenderness or pain. Imaging tests can also help confirm the presence of a femoral hernia. Your provider may order the following imaging scans:
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the groin, abdomen, and pelvis, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the hernia and surrounding structures
Computed tomography (CT) scan: Utilizes X-rays to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the abdomen and groin, helping identify the hernia and its location
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Involves the use of strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the abdominal and groin area
The goals of treatment for a femoral hernia are to put the herniated tissue back in place and close and strengthen the weakened abdominal wall to prevent another hernia from developing.
Surgery is the only treatment for femoral hernias and is almost always recommended, even for reducible hernias (hernias you can manually push back into place). This is because there is a high risk of complications like strangulation (loss of blood supply) in femoral hernias compared to other hernia types.
Surgeons perform femoral hernia repair surgery in two ways: open and laparoscopic. Your healthcare provider will discuss which surgical option is best for you.
Open SurgeryAn open femoral hernia repair surgery involves a surgeon making an incision (cut) in your groin area to locate and separate the herniated tissues from the surrounding tissue and structures. The surgeon then places the herniated tissue back into the abdomen.
In some cases, some herniated tissue may require removal. The surgeon will use stitches to close the weakened abdominal muscles and may place a piece of mesh over the area to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent hernias from recurring. They will then place stitches over the incision on your groin to help you heal.
Laparoscopic SurgeryA laparoscopic femoral hernia repair surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the surgeon making several small incisions in your groin and lower abdomen. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) into the groin area through one of the incisions.
Then, the surgeon will insert surgical tools into the incisions, which they use to help them place the herniated tissue back into place and place stitches and mesh on the abdominal wall to close and strengthen it. The surgeon will then remove the tools and use stitches to close the small incisions.
How to Prevent Femoral HerniaIt is not always possible to prevent a femoral hernia, but certain lifestyle habits may help lower your risk. Consider the following strategies:
Practice proper lifting techniques: Bend from your knees and keep your back straight to avoid straining your abdominal muscles when lifting heavy objects.
Prevent constipation: Stay hydrated by drinking enough water and eating plenty of fiber-rich foods (e.G., fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements.
Manage a chronic cough: If you have a chronic cough, talk to a healthcare provider to address the underlying cause and prevent strain on your abdominal muscles.
If left untreated, a femoral hernia can lead to serious complications, such as:
Strangulation: Limited or blocked blood flow to the herniated tissue. Femoral hernias are at high risk of strangulation, which occurs in 15% to 20% of all cases. Strangulation is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery to repair.
Tissue damage: Inadequate blood flow to the herniated tissue can lead to damage or necrosis (tissue death).
Intestinal obstruction: Occurs when part of the intestine bulges into the femoral canal. This prevents the passage of waste products and can make bowel movements and passing gas difficult or impossible. As a result, you may experience severe pain, vomiting, and constipation. This may sometimes require surgical removal of part of the intestine (known as a bowel resection).
A femoral hernia occurs when part of your intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall. While some people with a femoral hernia may have no symptoms, others may notice a bulge in the groin or upper thigh and pain and discomfort during certain activities, such as standing up or lifting heavy objects. Women have a higher risk of developing this condition and the risk increases with age. Fortunately, surgery can help repair your abdominal wall and treat symptoms.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow serious is a femoral hernia?
A femoral hernia can be serious if left untreated, potentially leading to complications like strangulation (loss of blood supply to the herniated tissue) and intestinal obstruction. Most femoral hernias require surgical repair to prevent complications and lower the risk of future hernias.
Can a femoral hernia heal without surgery?
No, a femoral hernia cannot heal without surgery. Surgery is the only effective treatment to repair the weakened abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from recurring.
Is it bad to walk with a femoral hernia?
Walking is generally safe with a femoral hernia, but avoiding strenuous physical activities is important. Talk to a healthcare provider for guidance on activity limitations and safe exercises with a femoral hernia and after a femoral hernia repair.
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