positive bowel screening result

I had the exact same thing last year. Turned out to be a slight bleed from haemorrhoids. The colonoscopy wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d anticipated - the bowel clearing solution taken the day before was the hardest part. But if sedation is offered, take it. Not only does it make the whole experience easier, but it makes for a better result because it relaxes the bowel. My SIL was told a couple of years ago that the testing kit are so sensitive that if you swallow even the tiniest amount of blood before doing the test, from say a cut lip or gum, or you suck blood off a pinpricked finger, for example, it can show up as a positive result. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it checked out - treatment options and outcomes are much better the earlier anything suspicious is sorted. Fingers crossed for you, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

I didn’t find the opening medicine too bad. In fact I felt really good after it did its job.

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!

The worst parts of a colonoscopy is having to not eat for 2 days and take the bowel cleasing medication and running to the toilet. Some people say it makes them feel sick. I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy on one session so cameras down/up both ends. You can also watch on a screen. I had the anesthetic which made it a bit more bearable but you have to have someone accompany you home and stay with you for 12 hours. Mine was clear but at least it was a load off my mind.

I was dreading the colonoscopy but it went so easily. High levels pain meds first if requested so go for it.
Made sure I was well cleared out first with extra laxatives as constipation an issue. Go for it.

I've had four colonosophys and the actual procedure doesn't bother me. I opt for sedation and really don't know what's going on. The difficult bit is the stuff you have to drink the day before to clear out the bowel. Just make sure you plan to be at home that day. I had two positive results from the home test but have been given the all clear after having polyps removed during the colonosophy.

I have had about 6 of these over the last 10 or so years as have had gut problems fir years.
The process is fine, the days before preparing are probably worse. I am always sedated but watch the tv with interest as the tube progresses along its journey. I have always been clear but my gut problems remain.
This time I am going to see a specialist because I may not have cancer which is wonderful of course, but something is wrong.
There is no need to worry, it doesn’t hurt and is quite interesting 🤨

travelsafar

Thank you for all the suppportive messages. I have just had a chat with a friend about it and she confirms it is not too bad as unbeknown to me she has had several of these tests and it is not painful just a little undigniifed. Feeling better about the whole thing now.

I didn’t find it undignified in the least. You are covered in sheets and just the bit they need to get to is exposed. Nowhere near as bad as having an internal when they put your legs up in stirrups and then remove the seat!!

You get to come home with a colour pic of the journey the camera makes too.

If there are any polyps in there they remove them at the same time. You will not feel a thing and with sedation you are aware of something happening but really couldn’t care less.

Do have it done! I've had one; I was lucky, as nothing abnormal was found but it's always necessary to check and if it is something 'nasty' it's much easier to deal with at an early stage. The medication beforehand does tie you to the loo!

Good luck to you both. Like Marydoll I have a friend who had no symptoms but whose tumour was removed after a positive test and a colonoscopy. She is alive, well and very grateful years later.

Oh & I've no hesitation regarding the colonoscopy. As a former registered Nurse I've attended many patients opting in or out of sedation. I haven't made up my mind.

I joined the forum yesterday & I'm owning up to this being the reason. I was just about to start the thread when I read your post which I could have written. A positive fit test result a few days ago with initial call next week. I've no symptoms apart from a dull ache lower left but had this on and off for years no investigations. This is your thread so I'm not intruding just wanted to say you are not alone. It's scary but I try to look on the positive side 🤦‍♀️and say one day at a time.

My husband has had two colonoscopies and has been fine. Please don't worry, remember it's routine. Good luck.

Yes. Why bother submitting the test if you then ignore any recommendations? The technology exists to help with any diagnosis, it’s a no-brainier to accept it.

Yes, do go, the sooner the better.

It might be haemmorhoids but best to find out asap.

Thank you for all the suppportive messages. I have just had a chat with a friend about it and she confirms it is not too bad as unbeknown to me she has had several of these tests and it is not painful just a little undigniifed. Feeling better about the whole thing now.

Go, go, go! Have it seen to ASAP!

I was in the same position a few years ago and had a colonoscopy. Nothing was found but a couple of polyps were removed as they can turn cancerous.

I did not want any sedation and was happy to watch on the screen what was going on.

Please do not cancel the colonoscopy.

Have it done ,I have had several first one, one polyp had a very early cancer in had yearly ones but now back to 5yearly .Prep unpleasant I don't have sedation but it's there if you do .

I forgot to say I agree with Volver, the worst was the cleaning out of the bowel with the powder they give you the day before was the worst part. Don't book any appointments and be prepared to stay at home. Thanks for reminding me Volver.. I'm afraid I did show myself up I was having a tube down my throat at the same time. As I came around from the Colonoscopy I could hear the nurses giggling and the DR . had a big smile on his face. It seems whilst under the influence I had said to the Dr I hope you did my throat first.
They assured me it was two different instruments and were very kind and supportive. As DH said only I could say such a thing.!!!!!

PamelaJ1

Definitely go, I found it was nearly as bad as I feared and then I got a negative result.
If you don’t go then you will worry about it constantly.

NOT NEARLY AS BAD AS I FEARED.🤦🏼‍♀️

I would say have the screening. I have had a colonoscopy for another reason and after taking the offered sedation it was not too bad.
A relation ignored their positive test and only lived 6 weeks after going to the doctor with very real symptoms.

I found myself in exactly the same position as you at the end of last year travelsafar. I had a positive result on the screening test and had to have a colonoscopy. Thankfully the outcome of the colonoscopy was that there was nothing unusual and there is no more action I need to take. The positive in the screening test could be down to many, many things.

I had the sedation, and the whole procedure was very quick. The nurses and the person doing the colonoscopy were very nice and understand how people might be stressed about it. The nurse who prepared me made me laugh. She asked:
Do you know why you're here, all about the camera? Yes, I said. And you know where we stick it? 😉

The stuff you have to drink the night before tastes dreadful, but that really was the worst bit, I found.

Please don't worry travelsafar. Even if you need further action, better to have found that out now than years down the line.

Let us know how you get on.

travelsafar
Are you drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. A must if you’re taking medication that exacerbates constipation.
You could look for a poop stool 😄 this is a stool that raises your knees above your hips for the correct position to empty your bowels.
And remember to completely relax. That’s a big help with constipation.

Please try not to worry (easier said than done, I know) - a positive result can happen for many reasons and doesn't necessarily mean anything serious. A colonoscopy isn't the most pleasant of procedures, but it will give a clear picture of what is going on. As others have said, if bowel cancer is detected early, it is very treatable. My MiL had it in her early 50s and is almost 92 now!