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positive bowel screening result

(114 Posts)
travelsafar Thu 27-Apr-23 08:49:10

Such a shock to get a letter yesterday saying the above. I have no symptons but i do suffer with constipation due to two of the medications i take daily. Sometimes it makes me bleed when trying to go to the toilet so i think this is probably why i have had a positive result. The thought of having the colonoscopy is quite scary, what would you do....i am speaking to someone next week from the hospital. Would i be silly to refuse treatment???

catta5 Mon 01-May-23 11:55:27

Travelsafar
I had the same thing happen to me .I spoke to my G.P and told her about the constipation and she cleared that and I had a course of iron tablets and the test was redone and it was fine .
Like you I had no symptoms and the thought that of the colonoscopy and the procedure was a no no for me. So do speak to your G.P first and if the hospital speak to you first just say you are speaking to your G.P.

volver3 Mon 01-May-23 11:39:10

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

Dillonsgranma Mon 01-May-23 11:37:57

A colonoscopy is ok. The worst bit is fasting for three days beforehand. You can drink lucozade though which hot me through. Mine was a polyp which was bleeding. They removed it and I’ve been fine ever since. Let us know how you get on xc

dizzygran Mon 01-May-23 11:37:18

I had one about 18 months ago - no problems found. Try not to worry too much its nowhere near as bad as you think. Your bowels have to be clear for them to carry out the procedure. A strong laxative when I had it done, but I think they give you an enema to use at home now and there is gas and air if you feel uncomfortable during the procedure. It doesn't take long and a nurse is there with you. Hope all goes well for you. Let us know how you are

PatriciaH Mon 01-May-23 11:35:57

Please have the colonoscopy. I had a positive result 6 yrs ago and the polyp that was removed as a result of the colonoscopy was malignant. They removed it there and then and sent it off to the lab. I dread to think what would have happened if I had refused. It is not the nicest procedure to have done but most hospitals offer sedation and gas and air. Good luck

JRTW2 Mon 01-May-23 11:29:43

I promise that the colonoscopy isn’t that bad. You are fully covered and the staff are lovely. It’s likely to be nothing. Remember that not having the test doesn’t change the diagnosis. It can make a big difference in how problems are treated though and their success

I recently had a cystoscopy and dreaded it. It was painless and over quickly. I can’t believe I worried. You will also get a pretty good idea of whether or not there is anything wrong at the time. Please go

pamelaJEAN Mon 01-May-23 11:26:06

I fully understand stand how scared you are, I was having stomach ache and blood in my stools, so knew something was not right, I contacted my Dr , she examined me and was sent a stool test through the post, the hospital contacted me and I received an appointment for a Colonoscopy, the night before I had to drink a sachet of Mango flavoured mix, and then drink a pint of water , the next morning another sachet of flavoured water (more like drinking a pint of salt water) by this time what I was passing was like having a pee through my bottom . My appointment at 1 ( 28th April) by that time I was so thirsty. The nurses were so kind , I decided to have gas and air, but didn’t really need it, I watched the procedure and honestly in my case felt no pain. They removed two small polyps and a much larger one. Still no pain. I am awaiting the results, but the dr and nurses didn’t seem unduly worried about them, so fingers crossed my results are clear. On returning home, still no pain, was glad to have a drink and biscuits. Please try not to worry about the Colonoscopy it was nothing to be worried about.

Froglady Mon 01-May-23 11:20:22

I would advise that you ask for sedation - then you won't know much about the test. It makes it so much easier.

Liberty Mon 01-May-23 11:19:22

A tip to make the unpleasant pre colonoscopy liquid…add clear undiluted lime juice, bottled not fresh. It doesn’t take the taste away but softens it somewhat.
Good luck.

MichD Mon 01-May-23 11:13:42

Definitely have the colonoscopy. It isn't too bad and it's over fairly quickly. I had a positive result, had the colonoscopy. I was fine, I had a benign polyp, which they removed, and I also have diverticular disease. I suffer with anxiety and was very, very nervous, they gave me a sedative and muscle relaxant. You'll be fine.

Lostmyglassesxx Mon 01-May-23 11:08:43

A colonoscopy picks up all sorts.. some of so serious. diverticula disease amongst others.. it’s not necessarily bigC . You must go ahead with it. It’s not the most dignified of procedures but you can have a mild sedative and then you won’t know much about it. This is why we have tests .. you must proceed !

nexus63 Sun 30-Apr-23 04:38:11

please don't refuse it, i was being treated for ibs and a colonoscopy showed bowel cancer, my brother went for one after a postal poo test and he was diagnosed with diverticular disease, i have had about 15 colonoscopies over the last 5 years, i find the worst part is the clear out of the bowel the night before, just a tip i found, put a packet of baby wipes in the fridge, they are easier gentler than toilet paper, i dispose in scented nappy bags.

jeanie99 Sun 30-Apr-23 01:27:57

Please do not be scared of the colonoscopy, I have had two over the last few years and an waiting for another appointment because of continuing issues. The technicians and clinicians are very professional and will make the test comfortable for you. Make it known if you prefer to have help with relaxing. I found the worst part was the liquid solution you need to take the day before the taste is terrible. Best of luck you will be fine.

NanaDana Sat 29-Apr-23 08:51:13

Very common for "people of a certain age" to be called forward for this type of investigation, myself included, and as in my case, it very often turns out to be related to piles. Nevertheless, it's a total "no-brainer" as to whether or not you accept the invitation. Of course you should. If you don't, at best you will spend the rest of your life worrying about bowel cancer, at worst, you may actually have bowel cancer, which if left untreated, only has one outcome.. As for the procedure, yes, it's a bit undignified, and was slightly uncomfortable for me, but no big deal. The big bonus was that I was given the all clear, and could then relax.

Oopsadaisy1 Fri 28-Apr-23 23:11:51

Pre cancerous polyps here too, one so big they debated about operating, I now go every year and each time tiny polyps have been found and removed. My Grandfather died from bowel Cancer, if only these tests had been available when he was alive.
I’m sure it has saved me a whole lot of grief. Please have the Colonoscopy.

FoghornLeghorn Fri 28-Apr-23 20:08:45

I had a positive screening last year, had a colonoscopy (which was a doddle) and had a 3mm polyp removed. The histology showed that the tiny polyp was pre-cancerous. I would never refuse a colonoscopy.

Shinamae Fri 28-Apr-23 17:10:49

DamaskRose

Please please have the colonoscopy OP. A family member died with bowel cancer, after a long and horrible two years.

My brother died age 49,20 years ago. I do have a colonoscopy every couple of years although not pleasant I would choose it over dying from bowel cancer…
I had a friend who died from cervical cancer because she was too embarrassed to have the procedure to check for it…

Penniejane Fri 28-Apr-23 12:46:56

Nannashirlz

Yes don’t put it off my dad had one and his turned out to be cancer and he ended up having a colonoscopy op I’m talking 50yrs ago and they have come along way since then days I’m waiting for my test results coming and because I grew up with my dad wearing bags it’s always in the back of my head that I could get it. But my dad if hear would say better to know than not know. But your bro should be helping you not scaring you.

My mother had crohn's disease, ended up with a bag and lived well into her 90s. She used to say attending to it was no more inconvenient than dealing with menstruation.

Nannashirlz Fri 28-Apr-23 12:16:06

Yes don’t put it off my dad had one and his turned out to be cancer and he ended up having a colonoscopy op I’m talking 50yrs ago and they have come along way since then days I’m waiting for my test results coming and because I grew up with my dad wearing bags it’s always in the back of my head that I could get it. But my dad if hear would say better to know than not know. But your bro should be helping you not scaring you.

DamaskRose Fri 28-Apr-23 11:20:48

Please please have the colonoscopy OP. A family member died with bowel cancer, after a long and horrible two years.

Grantanow Fri 28-Apr-23 10:10:41

Bowel cancer is deadly if let run. My dear cousin died from it. You should definitely have the colonoscopy.

harrigran Fri 28-Apr-23 07:53:25

I have had seven of these procedures as I had bowel cancer, they are not as bad as people imagine. Always better to have prompt treatment.

pascal30 Thu 27-Apr-23 16:41:22

colonoscopies are not nearly as uncomfortable as you think they will be,, and the staff are lovely..

Penniejane Thu 27-Apr-23 15:38:57

Blondiescot

The bowel prep is horrendous stuff! If anyone isn't easily offended and wants a laugh, have a look on the like of YouTube and find the clip of Billy Connolly talking about colonoscopies. It is hilarious - and spot on!

Revisited this video clip. I Laughed as much this time as I did the first time I heard it 🤣
None of us know the outcome of tests until the results. I'm just post 60 now & prepared for anything but I'll sure as h... hit it with all I've got if it turns out nasty. 😉

cornergran Thu 27-Apr-23 15:34:57

Been in the same position twice. I found the colonoscopies perfectly manageable without sedation although it was offered both times. Kitted out with what they called modesty shorts I didn’t feel at all embarrassed. The staff thoughtful and kind.

Regarding the bowel prep. Several different types can be prescribed. Mine were different each time and came with differing instructions. It’s not my favourite pastime but truly not that bad and is certainly an effective cure for constipation. Just stay close to a toilet while it’s working and you’ll be fine.

Definitely worth getting your results checked via colonoscopy, you’re probably right and haemorrhoids are to blame. Better safe than sorry though.