Positive colonoscopy and bowel cancer stories

[Cocopops555]

First time post.
I have been referred for colonoscopy with the 2 week pathway. I found blood on wiping and been suffering tummy ache and trapped wind.
My fit test and “inflammation’ stool test came back as abnormal, with very scores.
I’m absolutely terrified of it being cancer. I’ve had constipation for past few years after having ibs for many years previously.
I’m 51 and just looking for some positive stories while I wait for colonoscopy. Has anyone any experience in this area? Many thanks.

My partner had to have a colonoscopy for the same reasons as you. His came back clear. They found several large polyps and took biopsies of these but all were ok. He didn't have a good experience when he was initially referred as they put the fear of God into him, so he was shit scared. But his was all ok - and most people are. Good luck xx

My partner is also a similar age to you - 52 x

Thank you so much. Did they tell him on the day his results or did he have to wait?

Hi @Cocopops555 I've only recently posted a similar story.

I've not seen blood but was identified in positive FIT test.

Im now on 2week pathway. Solidarity with you.

I was in same situation. Diagnosed with diverticulitis...not nice, but better than cancer. It's very common so try not to panic.

He was told his was ok on the day of the scan. He was told that he will probably have a repeat one in a couple of years. The largest polyp was sent off but that was clear. I am sure you will be ok but I totally get your worry. But I think it's something like 9/10 are fine xxx

Not day of the scan!! Day of the colonoscopy x

Likewise. Any number of coloniscopies, any number of polyps removed. None cancerous. They did tell me at time that they were pretty sure most were not cancerous, but they had reservations about a couple. They also said if cancerous it was not likely very advanced. Wishing you luck

It’s far more likely to be either Crohn’s / colitis or menopause related bowel issues than bowel cancer. I do understand the worry though. (Family history of bowel cancer with 3 of my close relatives dying from it). It’s a really positive thing you’re being seen so quickly and if - hopefully it isn’t- it is something sinister that needs zapping they can do that easily and quickly for you. My Uncle had pre cancerous polyps show up and they removed them and he’s had no issues since (many years ago this was).

Thank you so much.

Have you heard from the consultants yet @Cocopops555 I got the referral through really quickly and I'm speaking to the doctor on Wednesday

fingers crossed everything is ok for you.

you should find out on day of colonoscopy if everything is fine. If they find polyps they take a sample to send off but generally say if they think it looks dodgy or not.

waiting is the worst cause your mind just thinks the worst.

I was 32 when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer a couple of years ago. It is very treatable so even if it is the worst it doesn’t mean it is the worst.

my GP has always told me that constipation wasn’t a sign of bowel cancer. Has anyone any experience of this. I’m wondering if I’ve had it for a long time? But I’ve only seen the blood in the last 2 weeks.

Yes I got referral through quickly. Got to speak to nurse pre assessment on Wednesday and hopefully colonoscopy a week tomorrow. So just over 2 weeks.

That's great news it's so quick.

Im also running through all my symptoms in my head, I suspect it's hard not to. I've had trapped wind and gurgling stomach for over 18 months!

My fit test was 70. Which she said was not too high but the other test was 130! Not sure what That means.

Constipation can cause haemorrhoids which can give a false positive FIT test. And numerous other explanations, so not necessarily cancer. But totally understand how stressful this is and wishing you the best outcome.

Thank you for your support. I hope yours is ok too.

Constipation doesn’t necessarily mean cancer. It’s changes in what is normal to you.
my mum has suffered from constipation on and off for years and years.
I think the official line is change in bowel habit that lasts more than three weeks needs to be checked (but is still most likely nothing)

OH had similar, it was ulcerative colitis- not ideal, but he’s being treated

FIL had similar and it was a rather large polyp

Friend’s OH did have bowel cancer, but was successfully treated

fingers crossed for you, OP 🌸

Thanks for your message. I’ve got colonoscopy on sat so just got to try and stay busy! Really really anxious but just got to hope. Positive stories really help.

I had bleeding and a colonoscopy, they said on the day it wasn’t cancer. They could just tell.
Constipation that is new for you can be a sign of bowel cancer. Just remember that bowel cancer is treatable if caught early. Stay positive

I had a colonoscopy on saturday and a camera down the throat. No visable blood but a FIT test that was high and im extremely anaemic, so was put on 2 week pathway. Had telephone consultation on 19th dec then the cameras on saturday.

They removed things and sent off biopsies. I was told there and then what they had done and given paperwork which is going to be sent to drs. I was told by dr who did it that he felt very unlikely to be cancer but obviously biopsies would rule out.

Have to say the reality if it all has now hit me and I am an emotional wreck.

In regards to procedures, i didnt get sedated and to be honest didnt find the colonoscopy a problem at all. The throat one was more unpleasant.

I assume you have been told about the pre preparation. I had to take moviprep. Again heard this was horrid but again wasnt that bad. To me tasted like andrews liver salts or dissolvable codeine such as solphadine. Yes it works pretty quickly ( i took at 7pm night before and by last lot at 8.30 i stayed as close to bathroom as i could) but slept pretty ok.
I was totally clear when i had procedure.

Hope this reassures you, i know everyones circumstances are different.

I was referred as I was anaemic. The Dr requested a faecle sample and this was positive so I was referred on the 2 week pathway.
They were unable to complete the colonoscopy due to severe diverticulitis so I had a ct colonography.
Unfortunately this did show I had cancer.
I was operated on in March 2019 and had a Right hemicholectomy. They took 34 lymph nodes and they were all clear.
I’m almost 4 years clear.
x x

Great you have your colonoscopy so soon @Cocopops555

I hope you are managing ok.