Blood in stool tests.

[user1484615313]

How accurate are the tests I wonder.

[Kaylasmum49]

I think they are fairly accurate but you do get false positives and false negatives.

The false negatives do concern me tbh.

[Olympiathequeen]

Pretty accurate but of course they are just a snapshot of what's happening at that time. Doesn't mean a year later you couldn't develop bowel cancer, so always be vigilant

[charliebear78]

I did one of these,tested pos.
Told two Doctors and neither seemed concerned!?
(may be due in part to my age-38)

I have also since read that several things can lead to a pos result-bleeding gums,taking painkillers and being close to your period finishing or starting.

I am getting other tests done however but Docs just leaning towards IBS.

[Penfold007]

False negatives are a serious problem. My DH had negative test results but was diagnosed with bowel cancer a couple of months later. Apparently the tumour was already in situ but the tests aren't reliable. OP I'd be pushing for further tests if I was you.

[Kaylasmum49]

Penfold, that's awful about your dh! The false negatives do concern me, maybe some other form of testing should be used? How many people are going undiagnosed while thinking they are fine?

[user1484615313]

Penfold I'm sorry to hear about your husband. What a shock. Can I ask did he have any other symptoms. I'm actually waiting for a colonoscopy appointment. but I really had to fight for that appointment as they said I'm 39 and no blood was found in the stool when sent off to the lab. So further tests were not needed.

[Penfold007]

User14 we were on holiday and he was a bit constipated, came home and within a couple of days the constipation relieved it's self along with some bleeding. He assumed piles but spoke to GP who agreed with him but said she would be happier with second opinion. Thank goodness she did.
Surgeon and clinical nurse specialist have both said false negatives are a big issue but better than nothing.
At 39 it's very unlikely to be anything sinister but you are right to push for the colonoscopy. Good luck

[Kaylasmum49]

Penfold,

How is your dh now? Do you mind if I ask how old he is?

User14,

What are your symptoms that warrant a colonoscopy? Was it a routine stool test?

[user1484615313]

I went in with lower left abdominal pain. It had been going on for a year now. With no relief. Sent off for the stool test. Came back negative. But nothing is helping with the pain. So I pushed for the colonoscopy. I've also had an X-ray of the abdominal area for any blockages. Came back normal.

[Penfold007]

Kayla he's just turned 60, very slim,fit, doesn't smoke and hardly drinks.
He's almost eight weeks post op and doing well, just waiting to find out about follow up treatment. He's been very well looked after by the NHS and Macmillan and we are very hopeful.

[Kaylasmum49]

User14,

Has your gp mentioned ibs to you at all? I hope you don't have to wait too long for your colonoscopy.

Penfold,

Good to hear that your dh is doing well.

[user1484615313]

I've had ibs for years. But always had dhorea with it. Last October I stared getting constipation and has worsened ever since. That was another reason for me pushing for the colonoscopy.
Penfold. I'm glad your dh is doing well and makes a full recovery.

[charliebear78]

My Docs wouldnt even give me a fot as they said I wasnt in the right age range(im 38) I bought one online and did it-came back pos but since no Doc was worried I have talked myself out of worrying also.

Now however I am wondering if I should push for a colonoscopy?
I have had almost constant belly ache/bloating for over a month,burping and recently back ache.
They have however done a calprotectin stool test to check for inflammation so I guess will see how the results go-if they come back pos my consultant (i went private-though he still thinks IBS)says I will then need further testing.
Its been a horrible few months of worry.

[user1484615313]

Charliebear. I would say to push for the colonoscopy just for your peace of mind. But your symptoms do sound like ibs a lot. I think because mine was a change of bowel habits. That's why they decided to go ahead with the colonoscopy.