Can't see that this can not be cancer

[NorthernDancer]

Not me, but DH, who left his symptoms until he had a routine FIT test and now has a colonoscopy next week. We don't know how positive his FIT test was. It just says 'abnormal' on his NHS app, but his symptoms over the last couple of years include irregular bowel habits, abdominal pain, back pain, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue and regular, and fairly serious, rectal bleeding.

At 70 I suspect he is a bit old to be developing IBD and i can't find anything else that matches his symptoms.

I'm hoping for reassurance, but am not expecting any!

I don't have any advice to share as just posted a similar post about my own DH, but I hope you get answers soon and am thinking of your husband and you too.

Is he on statins?

I just wanted to say some of the most aggressive cancers can initially be without symptoms and the wait for results is the hardest so look after yourself too.

Not on statins, although GP wants him to be. Only medication is 75mg aspirin, BP tablets, although BP has always been in normal range, and tablets to help him pee.

I've read your other post. Solidarity.

I'm sorry to hear he is unwell and hope you get some answers soon, does the aspirin aggravate it all.

If he has only had two years since his last FIT test, if it is cancer, it is unlikely to have progressed quickly. Bowel Cancer is notoriously slow growing.
Once you have a diagnosis, go to the Bowel Cancer uk forum. They are so reassuring with lots of positive stories. Lots of good advice too.
Good luck.

That's a good question. He's been taking it since 2008.

It can irritate your stomach, was it prescribed and he has something to protect his tummy.

Prescribed in the beginning. He buys it now with GP's approval. He doesn't take a PPI with it. That's never been suggested.

However, your post has made me think. Thanks

For completeness (I'd forgotten I'd posted), the colonoscopy was clear, but he still has all his symptoms, including rectal bleeding and is refusing to go back and see the GP. However, whatever it is, it seems it is not cancer, which is a blessing.

It isn't too late to develop IBD OP, my GP suspected I may have recently developed it at the end of last year, aged 68. Lots of horrid gut symptoms, stomach pain and rectal bleeding. FIT and Calprotectin levels though the roof. But when I eliminated gluten all the symptoms stopped. I do already have autoimmunity though (IBD is autoimmune) so it did make more sense especially with very high Calprotectin. Perhaps your DH could get that tested? Just to see if there's inflammation.

Thanks, that's helpful. I have long thought that he has intolerances, particularly to dairy, so you could be on to something,

Hello, I had an abnormal FIT test the result was really high, change in bowel habits and blood in my poop for a while. I had been to the doctors a few times over the years previously and been diagnosed with hemorrhoids. I was terrified after my FIT test as I had also lost 10 pounds in weight. Anyway Colonoscopy just showed a large polyp that had to get removed in surgery later as it was so large. No cancer. Hope this gives some reassurance xxx