Constant sickness... Cancer?

Ok so 1 year ago or so, I found a lump in my colon. I didn't think anything of it at the time, and later I begin to wonder. I have been getting sick more and more often (this year: first the stomach flu, then the mumps, then the flu w/ possible meningitis symptoms, and now strep w/ some meningitis symptoms) When I went to the ER with a fever of 103.5 that lasted about 6 hours (b4 I went) I almost got a spinal tap to see if indeed it was meningitis. Well strep came back + so they didn't do the spinal tap. With other syptoms included and the HIV and HEP being - the only thing that seems to come back on everyones lips is colon cancer. That is what I think too. So question being, I have no insurance and need to get this checked out. I live near Denver, CO and wondered if anyone knew of a place or some financial aid that might be available in my area and if this sounds like colon cancer to you. Since I have room, other symptoms include: hair loss, major change in bowel habits, always tired.

If this is real, you need to see a doctor.
I believe there should be something like Medicaid in your area regarding the finiancial situation.

Oh My God, go to a doctor immedietly. It will cost youy yourt life savings if you have no insurance, but you really won't need them if you have what you think you have.

Some of these symptoms are not from cancer. Actually, it sounds like you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Go to www.cfids.org and see if they have a physician link to look up. I have CFS and it's like having a never ending flu. Going to that link will also give you the definition of CFS and its symptoms. CFS is a disease that a lot of docs yet don't recognize so don't settle for your first answer. I relocated to Nevada to be close to my CFIDS specialist who is one of the leading world specialists on this disease.

could possibly be a thyroid problem

Call the health department and explain what you just posted here and see if they can recommend where you can get checked out. You shouldn't be trying to figure this out on here, you need to get it looked at by a doctor who can then help you to start recovering from it.

My brother is going through the same thing pretty much. He has colitis and still has to have the biopsy yet. He's in constant pain!!!! What everyone does when they no longer have insurance is go to the social security office and apply for medicare. You have to be covered with something and that is what my brother did also. If you have an income, they will adjust it where you have to make partial payments while they cover much of the cost. Its pathetic to live in such a wealthy country and have such poor health care!!!!!! Shame on Bush for having a war and not helping his own people here who are sick like this and deseparately need health insurance. The war money would have been better spent on poor people like us with no health care, don't you think?

Bless your heart - my first question is this How did you locate a lump in your own colon? Didn't even realize that was possible - the test for colon cancer is called a colonoscopy or endoscopy which involves a physician running a scope into your colon to check for any lumps, growths, pollops, what have you - so I'm curious as to how you located your own From the sound of things you are a very seriously ill person aside from the suspected lump - while you were in the ER did you mention the lump? If they accepted you as a patient in the ER then they should have run all the tests for a complete diagnosis - Do I understand that you have been diagnosed with HIV - if so that too will explain the chronic illnesses you've been experiencing - regarding spinal tap and meningitas - if they suspected meningitas a spinal tap would have not been optional due to the contagious issue so I wonder as to the level of care you recieved - as to financial - I am not from Colorado and so have no clue as to their social services programs but it seems that as symptomatic as you appear to be there should be several options out there for you - go back to the ER and explain your situation and ask to speak to the social services director - they can advise - Good Luck and God Bless

I have IBS and it is said to be similar to Crohn's disease. I feel hot and feverish when I have a bout and it feels like the flu coming on. If you drink alcohol or smoke or do drugs, STOP . Also coffee and tea will set you off, as will spicy foods. Fructose (fruit sugar is also an indicator). I am not diagnosing you of course, but your symptoms sound familair to mine (except for the lump). I feel for you and myself suffer terribly when it hits and it feels like stomach flu, and I feel like I am going to throw up. I also found that Mariujauna also seems not to be too helpful ( I live in Canada and our laws allow for medical use-your's too I think ) so if you use M J, stop that too to see if it helps. I also feel for you Americans and you lack of Health coverage, come to Canada if you can !!!! Good Luck and feel well friend !!!!!

wait???? you found a lump in your colon? do you mean during a colonoscopy a lump was found?... because you cannot, its impossible, to find a lump in your colon at home without a doctor performing the test AND you would be under mild analgesic

I thonk he's a fake. Nothing makes sense. Finds a lump in his colon!! lol!lol! yeah, right!

You need to get a colonoscopy to see what the lump is, it could be a pocket of infection. I'm assuming the lump was found when you went to the er? Otherwise how did you find the lump? If it's like really low near the anus it could be a hemroid, not sure of spelling there, or again a pocket of infection or core of an infection, that would make you repeated sick until removed. Call your public assistance office or go there and talk to a social worker, they can help you apply for different types of help, there are managed medicaid programs and low cost insuranace to cover things like this.