Very high FIT test result.

I’m sorry, what a frightening time for you. Perhaps the phone appt is to take a case history and gather information, before the procedure. Have you called the hospital to ask them about it? Xx

I think this is what they do now, at least in my part of England. You get referred to the hospital and they do a 'review' where they ascertain if you have been referred to the correct department and how quickly you need to be seen.

I hope tomorrow puts your mind at rest and you get a proper appointment soon

It does all sound scary nandalot, however I have always had a pre colonoscopy appointment which could certainly happen over the phone. You’ll know more tomorrow but if it’s too hard to wait until then please do give the hospital a call. One step at a time with these medical shocks is usually best. Sending a hug. Do keep in touch here, there will be a lot of support.

Poor you. I had to have a FIT test because of my iron levels being low and I was in a terrible state ( I’m like it with any test) so I can understand how you feel.I couldn’t eat and was dropping rescue remedy on my tongue to calm myself down. It was even worse when I realised I could look up my result as I was shaking every time I turned on my iPad. Let us know how you get on x

They will probably ask you about other symptoms.

The high FIT score doesn’t automatically mean cancer.

It’s also a a sensitive marker for diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, neither of which anyone wants but they aren’t cancer. Active IBD can cause readings of over 400.

FWIW, I have IBD but had been in remission for four years. I was called for a routine endoscopy (a chromoendoscopy) to check how things were. The dye triggered a flare up which has now been going on for year. In other words, while an endoscopy is a vital diagnostic tool it can cause problems in itself.

Don’t panic and be guided by the gastro doctor or nurse who conducts the interview.

I had a pre-op appointment over the phone. I suspect it is to reassure patients who might be scared to attend.

The nurse was very kind, and explained what would happen, asked what flavour of 'cleansing' drink I would like (!!) and was generally helpful. I was fine, so I'm sure that getting a call is not an indicator of anything sinister

Thanks for all the replies. It seems that it is likely the pre colonoscopy call that many of you have had. Just have to be patient and positive.

Yes I think this is how it works now. Also it all depends if it was a FIT given by the GP or the FIT test that comes through the post.
My DH was given a FIT by the GP and said he would receive a letter to attend a colonoscopy, but instead he had an appointment to visit a bowel clinic first, where he had his abdomen examined, they found a lump so he had a CT scan and colonoscopy. It turned out he needed his appendix out.
At least your on the pathway now and will have some answers soon. Good luck.

Hope all is ok after your phone call today

Yes, they do a pre-med chat before the actual procedure. My wife went through this a few weeks ago. Turns out to be diverticulitis, although she had no symptoms apart from a blood show. Given antibiotics to clear the infection. All fine now.

Nandalot - they will want to know a little bit more, before they give you a date for your colonoscopy. Don’t worry too much

May I ask what FIT means please.?

Faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) |

we do home fit test until it is too high

Nandalot,
Try not to worry too much, at least about being "very overweight and unfit".
I am exactly that too and needed a very necessary operation and it was fine. IF you need an operation or tretament, don't let medical staff delay any treatment you need because of your weight but, if necessary, look for another surgeon or doctor who will.

When I had a colonoscopy they did a telephone appointment first to make sure that I understood the importance of the "drain cleaning" medication that has to be taken beforehand, and exactly how to take it.

Please try not to worry.I hope the phone call will set your mind at rest. All the best,

"High readings don't always mean cancer: While high results must be investigated, studies show that over 96% of people with an abnormal FIT result do not have cancer."

from GOOGLE AI

Also, I know from my own experience which led to a discussion with a doctor - diverticulitis is very common in those over the age of 60, and this can also cause a high reading.

Don't panic - just put one foot in front of the other until you have the results from the colonoscopy.

I hope your telephone consult went well, Nandalot.

Thank you all for commenting. I can’t believe what happened today. By a mix of bizarre circumstances the phone call didn’t happen. It got to half an hour later. I was sitting patiently by mobile and landline. Unfortunately, the mobile didn’t ring but the doctor left a message and said he would try the landline. I think he probably did, but someone else rang at that precise time. I hurried them off but I assume that is when he called. I hoped he might call again but no luck. Will try and contact hospital tomorrow morning,

Oh that is disappointing Nandalot. I hope you get somewhere tomorrow.

Last summer I received a call from a nurse at my doctor's surgery. I had failed a fit test and they suspected I had cancer. I was very shocked and was called in the next day to check that there was no obvious lump or blockage. Again cancer was mentioned.

Within 2 weeks I had a CT colonoscopy and waited well over 2 weeks for the result only to be told by phone that though I didn't have bowel cancer they had found a fluid sac in my uterus and would need further tests, again "it could be cancer" 2 more weeks of waiting for the tests, 2 further weeks for a result so in all about 2 months of frantic fear and a lot of googling.
I would wake in fear wondering how some people were so brave but I was so scared.

There's nothing wrong with me.

Obviously something can be missed but all these tests are preventative care. With hindsight I am very grateful for the care I received and the kindness shown to me.

I do feel the "C" word was used to early, I've had colonoscopies before and it was never mentioned.

OP listen, this is frightening but as other posters have said it could be a sign of several different things none so serious and though nothing any of us can say to alay your fears, try hard to keep this in mind.

Be strong, sending love and a virtual hug.

Having typed the above I'm now worried that instead of making you realise it's a process and most people come out the other end with a positive result, I might have frightened you. I hope not as my intention was just for you to try to hold onto the fact that these processes can take time and you mustn't let your imagination run riot.
Good luck OP sending love xxx

Thank you, Lollipop1. No you didn’t frighten me. I found your post helpful. Also feeling better as have managed to contact a colorectal nurse and she is going to try and sort out my missed appointment for me. I have to contact again at beginning of next week if I haven’t heard. More waiting!

My hubby was put on the 2ww because ( and i'm sure this is right ) his fit test came back as 400.
He was losing blood everytime he went to the toilet ( number 2 ) it was the most scary time and we really thought he had bowel cancer.
The colonoscopy showed he had Diverticulosis. The bleeding slowed down and then stopped and he's been fine ever since x