Referral to gastroenterology - whats wrong help!

[Cornflake24]

Hi

Iv had blood in my stools for a little while and the GP finally did stoll samples and has now urgently referred me to gastroenterology, I have no idea what is wrong but urgent referrals during covid doesnt sound good!

Anyone else been in this position, honest truths on what it could be?

I'm also 8 weeks pregnant.

It could be something minor like a fissure or diverticula. Or some form of IBD like ulcerative colitis. Do you have any other GI symptoms?

Hard to say due to pregnancy, im bloated constipated and have random pains near my ribs but that could all be pregnancy related so hard to tell

I have ulcerative colitis and the treatments have gotten much better in the last 5-10 years.

They'll want to do a colonoscopy to see what's going on. Has that been discussed with you?

It’s scary I know, I also think gp’s are being a bit extra cautious just now. I have a colonoscopy next week after similar but also lots of pain & diahorrea for weeks nausea back pain and I’m hoping all is well am quite scared not that I’d admit it to family yet tbh

I hope you get good news op, thinking of you

@MissConductUS I have a call with GP tomorrow they haven't spoken to me yet.

@Crappyfridays7 its so strange how adding the word urgent changes things haha I could have more symptoms masked by pregnancy because yours sound very similar

Lots of things it could be.
If you are young enough to be pregnant then things like bowel cancer are less likely. Try not to worry until you see them.

@OhDearShirley im 31

There are certain results that trigger an urgent referral, not because they think you have something deadly serious, but because a small percentage of the people with the same result as you will have. The urgent referral becomes a safety net to mean that the few people who are dangerously ill don't have to wait. It also means the majority of people who have a less serious reason for their result get a moment of panic when they get fast-tracked! It is overwhelming likely that you are in the 'not deadly serious' group (of which there are an endless list of possible reasons for your symptoms) so try not to worry, as hard as that is!

Thanks all

Hope you get on ok op.

crappy Fridays good luck for next week.

Doctor couldn't tell me much just that they did two tests and both came back elevated. One was calprotectin and the other to check for blood within stool. Just need to wait on the hospital giving me an appointment

The stool results would fit with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis, as well as other things. IBD is much more likely at your age than cancer. My DH has Crohn's and scared himself witless googling and looking at forums, but he's very well controlled, healthy, well and lives a normal life. So try not to worry too much ( easily said, I know).

Referrals have been happening for many months now. Covid issues for referrals stopped in our area back in April/May.

It is standard for you to be referred to Gastroenterologist fir thus so they can carry out various tests. There are any number of reasons for blood in your stool but anyone seeing this should go to see their GP as a matter of urgency to rule out any nefarious problems.

You should keep calm and wait to discuss with the Gastro.