Abnormally high FIT test

[Thomastuchel]

I have had bowel and digestive problems on and off for a few years. This weekend I was in a lot of pain and cramping after seeing a GP I had to do a FIT test and a Calprotectin test. Anyway I handled them in yesterday morning and my FIT has come back abnormal my level is 400.

I have to go back to the GP tomorrow and am on 2 week pathway.

I knew something wasn't right, I'm in a bit of a flap so any comforting advice, stories or help would be appreciated.

I have been saying this feels more gynae than gastro. I have also been referred for a pelvic ultrasound. Last weekend I felt like the cramps were more period related. I have had spotting on and off all week and only in a morning when waking. I only started with heavier painful periods a couple of years ago, which I thought were peri related and I went on the pill to ease it. The pill has stopped my periods though. Other than occasional spotting.

My bowel issues probably got worse around the same time come to think of it.

But then I have had definite bowel changes in the last few months too.

Funny enough mine got worse during perimenopause but started getting bad a few years earlier when I stopped using a contraceptive implant.

So for me I was getting cramping similar to period cramps but on and off through the month, then my periods got worse and I noticed a pattern of mid cycle pain but then through the month would get cramps.

I had multiple ultrasounds and the only thing seen was a dermoid cyst, they found that in 2020 and only decided it needed removing when it got bigger in 2025, otherwise I may still not have known about the endometriosis.

I went to a private endometriosis specialist for some answers when people on mumsnet actually suggested my pain could be endometriosis related and I was getting nowhere with the nhs. The specialist sent me for an MRI and found adenomyosis and said he suspected possible endometriosis but it was called unspecified thickening. I had my surgery to remove the cyst and the bowel endometriosis was found as well as in a couple other places plus scar tissue. I am still waiting for a follow up to decide how to treat it but at least I know what has been causing these issues.

If the colonoscopy is clear, even if the ultrasound shows nothing, I would still ask for a referral to an endometriosis specialist to rule it out.

Mine was high and was found to be a 10cm polyp 😬 luckily they managed to remove during colonoscopy , although it took a while , I didn’t feel anything but can remember bits of it . Had a repeat check 6 months later and no re growth x

I went through the same about two months ago. high Fit test and bowel changes. No pain. They put me on the cancer pathway and after a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy, they found a 15cm polyp. I had to wait for a higher level surgeon to remove it because of size and position so another load of laxatives. That is the worst part. You really cannot move from far from the toilet. I was given intravenous sedation but was not aware of it and no real effects afterwards. After a short lie down able to go home but not drive.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

(I get pain in my lower left side sometimes from my diverticulitis ).

This week I've woken in a morning with wind and cramps when I need to pass gas or a bowel movement. They feel like period cramps. I'm wondering whether to get another gp appointment booked in, or just wait for the ultrasound appointment to come through.

If it were me I would have the colonoscopy first as thats likely to be done fairly soon and they tell you on the day if anything is found. Until then perhaps keep a daily diary of symptoms, pain level etc and then you have something to go back with once your colonoscopy is done.

I have recently been diagnosed with IBD and had to have a colonoscopy. A friend who has the same condition recommended sedation, as it can be painful when the scope goes round corners. I have problems with anaesthetic so just had very light sedation and used entonox. I was aware the whole time, and the Dr performing the procedure was telling me what was going on. I could also watch on the screen. I really would recommend light sedation, it makes the test easier and it’s all over very quickly.

A couple of family members who have had the procedure have told me it wasn't too bad and gas and air was enough. I am hoping to just have the gas and air, even the thought of light sedation scares me

I am like you, the idea of sedation I dislike far more than pain. They popped a cannula in just in case I changed my mind during the procedure and honestly this was the biggest annoyance as I think she hit a nerve and caused me pain for a couple weeks.

But I get the want to avoid sedation completely and although it was a little uncomfortable when they couldnt get the camera round, it honestly was less painful than my daily pain so for me I just watched the monitor. It was fascinating to see.

I don't want to watch it on the screen either! I just want it over and done with. I am really scared about the procedure but I keep trying to think lots of people have it done.

You usually see someone before, you could tell them you dont want sedation but you are anxious and they may be able to give you something to help.

I opted for sedation because I don’t believe in doing anything surgical without max pain relief. It was mild and I just felt slightly sleepy. Fully aware of everything. I found the prep and procedure was not half as bad as I was expecting. It was all clear. Hope you’re ok op 💐

I had high FIT and calprotectin and visible bleeding and all they found on a colonoscopy was a non-cancerous polyp (tiny in comparison with some of the ones on here - 1cm!)

Remember that about 90% of people have colonoscopies don't have cancer. And of those who do, some will be very early stage and it will be easy to fix. So try not to worry.

I still have symptoms now from time to time and have put it down to post-menopausal sensitive stomach to certain foods. I've since had an ultrasound too - about a year ago - and nothing was found on that either.

I had sedation - I wasn't going to but women have a lot to get in there and everything is squashed up so it's more likely to hurt. It's not a moral failing if you do, and it makes the consultant's job easier if you are not in pain.

Oh if that's the reason you don't want sedation don't worry - you don't have to hang around. Once you've had it and they've updated you with the results (hopefully nothing or a polyp they've removed easily) you can eat something and go.

I'm a semi-regular in endoscopy. They don't (and can't) make you have sedation if you don't want it. It is entirely your choice. Just be very clear that you want gas and air for pain relief. On your intake forms, they state that you can remove consent at any time - even during the procedure. If you tell them to stop they will stop and remove the scope. Obviously I'm not saying that this is something that you want to do but just reminding you your active consent is always paramount.

After the procedure they have to do a certain number of observations depending on what you've had done. If it's simple (not removing big polyps that might bleed lots) you'll probably only need one set of obs that they'll do straight away and then you can get dressed. They do like you to have a drink before you go.

I was in just a few weeks ago and the staff were lovely and completely used to people being anxious. It was very efficient - the only time I was really waiting was for someone to discharge me as they were short of people who could do discharges.

I'm worried it is going to be painful for me, I'm still having symptoms. The last few days I'm passing mucus and only small amounts of stool. It's painful to pass, when I was on a period it used to be painful to pass stool and this feels the same. I'm also constipated now, in the last few days I've only passed small amounts.

Im unsure whether to contact my GP again or not.

that sounds uncomfortable and I can tell it’s making you more anxious. But really you need the colonoscopy to get answers, your GP can’t really do any more. Make sure you follow the diet and bowel prep instructions carefully.

It's not helping that without me searching there's lots of bowel cancer posts coming up on social media. I am scared that's what is wrong with me. I've been saying for ages that I didn't think my symptoms are just IBS. Although looking back on my records I had a fit test done last August that was clear. I think because this one has come back so high it's worrying me more, and the bowel changes I've had. I know it can be many other things too.

Im a naturally anxious person and suffer terribly with anxiety.

Hi @Thomastuchelhave you had a date for your colonoscopy yet? I am waiting to hear about one after my FIT test came back at 160. I only had it done due to feeling tired a lot of the time, so the GP suggested it. Luckily all my bloods look good, which is reassuring. Have you had bloods done?

I am waiting for the date to come through for the Colonoscopy.

Just over a month ago I had a lot of bloods taken, all that came back abnormal was Bone profile and cholesterol is high.

The bloods were done for other symptoms not related to what I have now's

My colonoscopy was over a month after my Dr ordered it. So much for 2 week pathway! But they called me from the hospital and I think I might have been triaged as very low risk as I answered no to pretty much everything they said. You have some other symptoms so that might get you seen quicker.

My calprotectin has come back abnormal now as well. It's 144. So I have a positive FIT of 400 and Calprotectin 144.