Loose Stools and positive FIT test- Going out of my mind with worry

[Mummytheteacher]

looking for some positive stories/ advice please as I have terrible healthy anxiety and I’m struggling to manage it atm.
Went to the gp a few wks ago as I noticed a change in my stools- mostly a lot softer than normal (not diarrhoea) but have been experiencing more firm stools as well. I was diagnosed with gallstones whilst pregnant with my daughter so thought it could be related. Anyway gp asked me to do a FIT test which has come back positive and I’m beside myself with worry. I can’t stop thinking about my 2 young children and how their lives would be turned upside down if it was to be anything sinister.
i onky know of the results as I had 2 missed calls from my gp so went straight onto my nhs app to check results. Tried to call gp back this evening but was too late so they’ll be calling me back on Monday.
has anyone been in a similar situation please?

What is a FIT test?

I had a strange experience where 2 GP's disagreed on what a positive fit was. I think its really easy for our mind to spiral. I imagine the next step may be a fairly quick referral for a colonoscopy just to rule anything serious out. That happened to me in 2017 and again fairly recently. All was ok. I will keep everything crossed for you. Do you know the details of your result, ie the number

Do you know what your test result was in figures? It should say on the NHS app. I too have a positive but it's borderline so they want a retest and colonoscopy to be sure.

Hello @Northernsoul72 @Hedgepiggy thank you for replying. My result was 16 ug/g so fairly low but with the change in bowel movements and my heightened health anxiety I’ve managed to spiral and convince myself I’ve got bowel cancer. The waiting & not knowing is making it even worse so i appreciate your responses

I've just been through this. Positive FIT test, history of cancer. I had to wait 4 weeks for the colonoscopy which was so hard, I was so stressed and anxious. Had the colonoscopy and everything was absolutely fine. Squeaky clean bowel, not even a polyp.

I work in bowel cancer screening. FIT is a test for blood in the stool, people think it's a test for cancer.

At 16 I wouldn't worry. During Covid we were only routinely doing FITs instead of bringing everyone in for a colonoscopy, only those with a result over 120 were brought in for colonoscopy due to some guidelines at the time.

Most people tend to have piles, IBD or diverticulitis, so try not to worry with a result if 16, positive is over 10 so it's still v low.

@Godfreydahling so glad it was a positive outcome for you. The waiting & not knowing is so bloody awful, I’m trying to keep myself busy with my children but it’s hard not to keep thinking and worrying about it.

Hi @SPsmama thank you for your comment, it’s made me feel a bit more at ease. Do you know if the level measured is indicative of how high/low your chance of cancer being found?
While I keep trying to reassure myself that 16 is a low measurement , I can’t help but over analyse my other symptoms (bowel movement change, slight mucus in stool & blood a few months back when wiping which I’m sure was from haemorrhoids but I’m even doubting that now)

@Mummytheteacher to save your Christmas please listen to @SPsmama. I used to suffer from chronic health anxiety and I do understand, but you have been told by a health professional who works in that exact area that you are extremely unlikely to have a serious illness. You will kick yourself for ruining this time when this all blows over. I started taking Sertraline for my HA and OCD 2yr ago and I have never looked back, best thing I ever did. Big hugs cos I know it sucks but maybe think about speaking to your GP about your anxiety in the new year x

PS I don’t know your age but bowel movements do change over time, depending on diet change, time of the month, anxiety, age, you name it! Not saying it can’t be health related but I noticed many changes to my bodily function after approx 38yrs old (43 now and they’re only getting worse lol) x

I hope you got through Christmas ok. I had an urgent colonoscopy today due to a FIT of 70, bowel symptoms, high platelets and F calprotectin. I also have a family history of BC.
I was a patch of ulceration with no evidence of cancer so another positive story for you.

Please don’t stress too much because if it is something like colitis, the stress will make your symptoms worse.

The odds are very much in your favour.

My oh had a positive fit test last year, level was 36, his colonoscopy was clear. Sometimes haemorrhoids can cause positive fit tests and also how old is your baby? Hormone changes can cause loose stools.

@Mummytheteacher How are you? I have similar symptoms and need to phone my GP tomorrow.

@londonbanana
Hi. Absolutely fine. Still experiencing the same symptoms (change in bowel movements) but I ended up having my colonoscopy and they didn’t find anything, just a haemorrhoid. Did you speak to your Gp & have done a FIT test?