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Bowel Cancer Screening Test positive

(218 Posts)
Sillyoldbird Sun 11-Feb-24 12:57:13

I had a routine test recently which came back positive. I’m quite an anxious person when it comes to health matters so I’m not coping at all well at the moment.

There is a family history of bowel cancer (my brother was diagnosed10 years ago and was successfully treated) and I’m in the higher risk group being 66 years old so this adds to the worry.

I’m feeling generally quite well but have IBS so it’s difficult to say whether I have other symptoms.

I have to have a colonoscopy and there’s usually a two week wait, but have been told they’re running behind so may be up to six weeks, so I’m considering booking in for a private test as I can’t cope with the waiting

I wondered if anyone had any positive experiences they can share with me that would ease my mind?

I’d be very, very grateful.

Aveline Thu 11-Apr-24 20:00:11

Glad to hear it's over and nothing sinister found. What a relief. I hope your diverticular symptoms can be relieved now too.

Primrose53 Thu 11-Apr-24 20:04:07

Well done Doodledog. You will now join the rest of us who say the procedure is nothing to worry about!!

You were very lucky to have no polyps as most people do but there again, they just remove them there and then so, again, nothing to worry about.

Sleep well tonight.

singingnutty Thu 11-Apr-24 22:03:19

DH had had 3 colonoscopies so when I had to have one I knew more or less what to expect, although I had been in denial about symptoms. Unfortunately mine revealed that I had a partial bowel blockage and I had surgery at the beginning of March to remove part of my bowel, which was then joined up again as part of the procedure. I have been recovering since and have my follow-up appointment on Monday to find out whether it was a malignant growth. Fingers crossed it's now sorted! Not a nice experience but I needed to admit that I had problems - not easy! If anyone out there is worried, please see the doctor and get it sorted.

Doodledog Thu 11-Apr-24 22:31:11

I just had iron deficiency, no bowel symptoms, but as part of the investigations I had a FIT test which found blood.

Good luck for Monday, singingnutty. I hope you get good news. 🤞

Oopsadaisy1 Fri 12-Apr-24 08:23:53

Just had my first negative results for a few years, no Colonoscopy or Sygmoidoscopy for 2 yrs!

Unless of course I find I have a problem………

Doodledog Fri 12-Apr-24 09:04:35

I'm wondering what happens when I get my next routine test. They found angioecstasia (little veins) which they think are the likely cause of the bleeding. The nurse said that they can treat them with surgery, but they only usually do this if they are serious, and mine aren't, really. But the chances are they will continue to leak small amounts of blood, so my next and subsequent tests will be positive, even though not indicative of cancer.

I suppose I'll get to speak to my GP or the consultant in the fullness of time, so this will be a question for them.

Oopsadaisy1 Fri 12-Apr-24 10:06:31

Doodledog that’s a nuisance, you will probably have to go through the whole procedure again ‘just in case’ although if the veins aren’t too ‘far up’ you might get away with a Sigmoidoscopy, which is quicker and no bowel prep.

Doodledog Fri 12-Apr-24 10:20:15

Thanks, Oops. I hope I can have an alternative to the prep grin

Sorry, I forgot to say congratulations on your results! That must be a relief.

Oopsadaisy1 Fri 12-Apr-24 15:40:22

Unfortunately it’s an Enema, done at the hospital before you go down to have the procedure……..

Doodledog Fri 12-Apr-24 16:16:13

Oh. 😩

Callistemon21 Fri 12-Apr-24 16:18:56

Oopsadaisy1

Doodledog that’s a nuisance, you will probably have to go through the whole procedure again ‘just in case’ although if the veins aren’t too ‘far up’ you might get away with a Sigmoidoscopy, which is quicker and no bowel prep.

You have to have an enema but can do your own enema - not easy!

MissAdventure Fri 12-Apr-24 16:50:19

Easier than having what feels like Edward Scissorhands doing it for you.

HS62 Fri 12-Apr-24 17:40:09

I had a positive test result in October and was lucky to be put on the fast track list and operated on by mid January. Hopefully mine has gone now. Totally understand your an anxiety. I'm exactly the same. If cancer is aggressive you will hopefully be fast tracked. Also if there is waiting list for surgery ask appointments department to allow you to take a cancellation. If you decide to go private for colonoscopy its entirely a personal choice, as you are the one waiting and living with the anxiety. I wish you the very very very best of luck for your future health. Sent with love x

Aveline Fri 12-Apr-24 18:14:19

MissAdaventure eek! shock

Cheznous Mon 03-Feb-25 16:27:05

I'm not coping well at all , a nervous wreck in fact . For weeks I have been dizzy and last Friday fainted , I went to A and E and they found I have a low blood count. Sever anemia. I now have to have stool samples done. I am petrified.
Has anyone started with bowel cancer this way , haven't had other symptoms , I am late 70s

Primrose53 Mon 03-Feb-25 16:31:49

cheznous - my Mum was in her 70s when she was diagnosed with BC.

What I can tell you is IF it is BC then it is easily treated if caught early.

Fingers crossed for you. Xx

nadateturbe Mon 02-Mar-26 16:59:34

Thanks Doodledog. I've been given Plenvu. Wondered if it was OK.