anyone else had abnormal results of bowel cancer screening

So sorry that this is looming so large in your mind and making life miserable for you.

I should say that your fear that you would not be able to cope if (by some chance) it were found that you needed some treatment may be unfounded. I have seen so many people find enormous reserves when facing health challenges - people who never dreamt they had it in them.

I am sorry too that your Mum's approach is so unhelpful - she is projecting all her anxieties on to you and fuelling the fire.

I think that we are all inclined to dwell on the worst case scenario in these situations - which is why many doctors are unhappy with these screening programmes as they can cause huge amounts of unfounded anxiety and unhappiness.

I know that this next week of waiting feels like forever - but the time will pass; and you now have someone to go with you, which is just what you need.

I do so hope that you will be able to put your worries aside a little, although I fully understand how hard that is.

Thinking of you. x

im still scared witless despite all your kind comments, if its bad I will not be able to cope, i just dont know what to do, the family are thinking the worst, my mother told me not to bend or lift while i have that nasty thing inside me. I want to run away.

My friend had bowel cancer about 8 years ago - she had the surgery and has been fit as a flea ever since.

It is far more likely that you have piles or polyps as others have said, but if there is a need for surgery please be aware that the outcomes can be very good indeed - my friend will testify to that. She has never looked back.

I am so glad that you will have someone to go with you to your appointment. It sounds as though you do not know at this stage whether a colonoscopy might be needed, but even if it is it really is nothing to worry about. It is a simple and painless procedure.

Bon courage ethel I am sure many of are feeling for ypu right now. It is like neing recalled after a mammogram isn't it? We always leap to the "worst case scenario" and fortunately our fears are allayed. DH has an annual colonoscopy and nearly always has a polyp removed. Once he was told he had " high grade dysplasia(or is it dyplasia- I am never sure which one is bowel cancer and which one is what labradors get in their hips). Anyway they were discussing surgery but they retested him and it came out as "low grade" which meant they would just keep an eye on him. He has sedation every time and wakes up when it is over. Admittedly the Moviprep before is a bit gruellng but I cheer him.up (!) by telling him that some people, like "slebs" pay a lot of money for a detox like that. Not sure my feeble humour is appreciated though. Main thing is that this is very treatable even if the test is positive and chances are you will be absolutely fine. Good luck though- we will all be rooting for you!

ethel so glad you are going to have a friend supporting you. I know it's pointless to say try not to worry, so just remember that there is usually someone here whatever time you need us.

do I mean negative results. I mean if the results are bad.

your positive comments are really helpful, just had a friend who said she will come to the initial apt and she is very no-nonsense so if I try to avoid going on the day she will kick me into touch. I just keep worrying about the future if its positive results.

petallus so did I! It was like being wrapped in a warm cocoon. And the young Sudanese doctor who dealt with me, was a gentle, softspoken angel in the flesh.

(I didn't have a positive test, I was being investigated for recurring pain in my LH side, which eventually disappeared by itself after months and months).

Don't be scared Ethel just do it.

A year ago my test was positive and I went on to have a colonoscopy. One polyp was found and removed. I am to have another colonoscopy in a couple of years.

The test itself wasn't much of a problem. I loved the sedation.

Try not to worry etb1, the procedure is painless and if I can put up with it anybody can - I am a real medical and hospital coward. I had a little polyps removed and the only after-effect was a bit of flatulence. I'm sure you'll be fine. The very best of luck!

Sorry Ethel the Idiot is my Sil!

I just would rather have them than cancer but I don't suppose I have a choice

More here *ethel8 - you can have mine too.

Ethel please contact your health centre or the hospital, most have volunteers who will take people to hospital, accompany as required. My friend does this.

It will not ease your waiting time but you would not be alone going to your appointment.

If you would like piles, I have some you are welcome to.

kitty who is the idiot is it your DH.

Oh poor ethel - do they have any idea how difficult it is to wait and wonder? It is no good telling you not to worry, but please remember that most often there is a simple explanation as pompa said gactivist have said. We will all be with you and walking beside you during this difficult time.

The Idiot had to have a colonoscopy and just had polyps Ethel

I hope to hell I just have piles, Ive made many a joke regarding piles (sorry Pompa no offence meant) but I hope I have piles this time and I will be soo pleased

my DD would go with me as she has done in the past for something else but now we have DGD the only person she leaves her with is me or the other gran who works more than me, so if Im not able to babysit then she cannot come. Im shaking as I type this I don't think I will sleep until its done

Etheltbags, don't worry they play on the very safe side, very few abnormal scans are due to cancer. I have had to repeat every test I have been sent, simple reason, I have piles, therefore difficult not to get a trace of blood in the sample.

Ring the hospital and let then know about your phobia, they may be able to make it easier for you.

My brother had several strongly positive results and had a colonoscopy - all was well. They think it was something he ate that influenced the test. They told him that black pudding and rare meat can give a false positive.

I have had 2 colonoscopies in my time and both in the dark ages when they did not use sedation as they do now. I found no problem whatsoever with either, in spite of the absence of sedation - so please do not worry about that at all. And there is nothing to be embarrassed about - they spend all day doing it.

I am sorry that you will have to deal with this alone, but, if my previous experiences are anything to go on, the staff know full well how nervous you might be and they respond accordingly with kindness and reassurance - that is certainly what happened to me.

I can understand that you are feeling anxious about this and that the 2 weeks must seem a long time for you. I send all good wishes and lots of strengthening thoughts to you.

it must be bad cos they didn't ask me to re do the test just to go for an appt. thank you grannyactivist. x

I had an abnormal result, so had to re-do the test etheltbags. I do know it can be alarming to be called in, but seriously the whole point of having the test is because bowel cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat if detected early and the screening process, as well as detecting disease early, picks up pre-cancerous conditions such as polyps, which again can be cleared up before they become serious.
If you check with your surgery they may have 'friends' who offer a lift and hand-holding service to people who would otherwise be alone. Let us know how you get on and come on here for a bit of encouragement if needed.