positive bowel screening result

I’ve had it done and it’s easy, you had it done to rule out things, so get it done, it could save your life.

Do not do nothing. Get it checked

What's the point in taking the test in the first place if you don't follow up on result. You should go.

Hi, don't worry about having a colonoscopy. You can have a light sedative if you're anxious but the procedure is OK. I've had one and the doctor found a small polyp, which was removed straightaway, entirely painless. I watched the whole thing on a screen. It was a bit surreal looking at the inside of my colon but very interesting. You can't not have it done incase it's serious, but it's fine. Chin up xx

Sorry, but I have had a colonoscopy in the past and I found it very painful,
I wasn’t given enough sedation which was the problem, i now realise.
Also, the laxatives you have to take are really very extreme.
Fasting also for two days before.
If you decide to go ahead, ask for more sedation.

Yes. Defo have the test/treatment. My brother in law was taken ill in the States about 20 years ago and the doctors there diagnosed diverticulitis ….when he got home a week later …he took accompanying letter from the US doctor and had an appointment with his own surgery. They sent him for tests and he had bowel cancer ….he got immediate treatment ( private) and he’s never looked back. Ignoring won’t make it go away. Have your test ….I’ve had it done and it was painless!

Yes you would be silly to refuse treatment, but anyway at this stage you'll only be asked to have further investigation not treatment.
The investigation and laxative you have to take beforehand aren't pleasant, but they will probably find you are fine or just have polyps which they can treat at the time of the investigation. And if you've had regular bowel cancer checks they will be finding anything worse VERY early. Much better to know and get it dealt with if necessary.

It's probably nothing much, but my first husband died of bowel cancer aged just 44 because he was considered "too young" to have a malignancy. Having a screening test, such as yours, would probably have saved him. I've had 4 colonoscopies myself, and while it's a bit unpleasant, it's no big deal. Go and have it done. You won't relax until you do.

I know it's a shock but I have 3 friends whose bowel cancers were picked up this way. One had his treatment 9 years ago an op and chemo. One had stoma and subsequent reversal 6 years ago and one had a bowel resection and is doing well 2 years on. I have also 2 friends who went for tests on suspicion of cancer who had innocent polyps but it put their minds at rest. We all meet up often so I would say of course if you get offered treatment go for it. I know the tests and preps are far from pleasant but a small price to pay as the information gained will give the information needed for treatments. Wishing you all the best.

I've recently had a Colonoscopy and like you was shocked when i received the letter... My advice would be to have the procedure... I was terrified, 'beside myself', I've had several 'poo tests' and dreaded the result each time, probably more so now I am 73... There is no question that the preparation for the procedure is quite a saga and needs some thinking about (for me anyway as i am scared of anything medical')... my further advice would be follow all prep to the letter and if unsure don't hesitate to ring the number they give you as the folk on other end of phone are lovely. I have sent a thank you card to all the staff I had contact with, from the smiley woman at reception to the kind, caring nurse there for my exit chat as my care was exemplary, truly caring, kind, never rushing me and so understanding when i got upset. Its not a pleasant experience however it doesn't last long and you can pause the procedure if its too uncomfortable. I am so glad i had 'it' done... I cannot praise our NHS enough, it is truly an institution we should all be proud of... Finally our nurses need to be paid better they are AMAZING... Please have this 'done', you won't regret it EVER!!!

Please go for the colonoscopy,it's no problem and from my recollection it was quite a jolly affair. It is daunting at first but the specialist and the nurses make sure you are very relaxed. Best put your mind at rest. Good luck.

My friend died of BC at 51. She had been feeling unwell for some time and saw the GP several times. Each time they told her she was fine. After 18 months her sister got involved as she was experiencing so many symptoms and insisted she went to the GP with her. She also insisted she was referred to hospital for tests.

The hospital told her she had Stage 4 bowel cancer and there was nothing they could do for her. She lasted just a couple of months sadly.

Have the colonoscopy. It is fine and if anything is found, such as polyps, they can be removed there and then. Do not decline it. We are lucky to have preventative health care available to us. Refusing it will not give you peace of mind will it?

Please go for the test for ANY type of cancer. Its better to suffer an embarrassing exam than to die early . My oh was very dismissive of tests. Unfortunately we have just been told its spread with no cure now . go for the test , find out .

I had an unexpectedly positive test after Christmas. The colonoscopy was not nearly as bad asI thought. Just make sure you are at home the previous day when you have to take the “clearning out” medication. My colonoscopy was negative and I was told that the majority are. You should definitely have it otherwise you will just go on worrying. Best of luck

Ps you don’t have to fast for three days. They gave me a solution to drink to clear the bowels. If you go with the instructions, it makes the colonoscopy easier.

My brother in law had the same letter and was worried sick, when he went for the colonoscopy all was fine. I elected to have one done a few years ago as part of a screening program and it was ok. Id definitely go and get this checked out, you’ll probably worry more not knowing.

Please go and get the advice/ help you need. I lost both parents to bowel cancer and my mum had no idea until a bladder investigation showed the tumour .
A colonoscopy is the way forward and it will assess what is going on. Caught early you will be fine . Please don’t ignore the situation, scary as it seems. You will be well looked after. Good luck%!

Please don't worry about a colonoscopy. I had 2 last year. You will be given sedation, which will totally relax you. I found it fascinating to watch the screen and see what my insides look like. Similarly with an endoscopy last year. I would much rather have those than go to the dentist! You will be given some laxatives to use the day before to totally clear your bowel, so don't make any plans as you will need to be near a toilet.

Hi I had the colonoscopy without sedation and it was fine. I didn’t not want to drive myself home afterwards as if you’re sedated you cannot drive for I think from memory 24 hrs.
? Bit uncomfortable. but interesting watch on the screen and see what was going on. It’s not too bad , the results from it were fine luckily but definitely do go. If need the the sedative have it as most ppl do get it. Good luck.

I am thankful that we are sent free bowel kits to monitor if all is well or something may need attending to. A colonoscopy, if needed, I would jump at rather than worry myself silly with constant doubt.
Please don’t ignore this opportunity to take care of yourself.
I sincerely hope there is nothing to be concerned about but I do urge you to have this procedure done.

Please have whatever tests are offered. They won’t be as bad as you imagine them to be x

Please go Travelsafar. I’ve had two and would go again if necessary. We’re all so lucky that medical science has come so far. these procedures have saved so many lives!

volver3

I didn't have to fast for three days, only 24 hours.

Same here. Three days seems an awfully long time.

I had a colonoscopy a few years ago. Tried it without sedation and was a bit uncomfortable so had 1ml pain relief and 1ml sedation. Never felt a thing after that and was still alert and awake. The nurses were very supportive and kind. Had the result at the end of treatment. Nothing found and was diagnosed with IBS as had alternating constipation and diarrhea.
They tell you when they finish it if they've found anything so it's well worth doing. Don't delay it as if,sadly, they do find anything it's curable if caught early. Best wishes ❤️