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.

Had black tarry stools and exhaustion from what I now know was anaemia from loss of blood.

Like others, the colonoscopy showed several large polyps and diverticulosis. They removed the polyps in two sessions, some were too large to remove on round one. All clear.

They could not find the source of the bleed, but suspect it was from one of the polyps. I had endoscopy to check if bleeding was in the gut. It wasn't.

Had an iron infusion after the polyps removed, and that made a huge difference. So far so good.

It is normal to be scared. I was terrified!, but the surgeon and staff were so good and reassuring. I was told the result off the record when I recovered from sedation, but pathology had to confirm and they did within two weeks.

I had a colonoscopy last year for rectal pain (including blood in stools a couple of times), pain under ribs (both sides) and 3 different calprotection levels (67, 120, 157), which the GP thought might indicate IBD. I’ve had IBS for years and years and anxiety that definitely exacerbates this so started to worry it had always been IBD but was now getting worse. Worked myself up into a right old state over it but the procedure was fine (had sedation, would recommend it) and they didn’t find anything sinister, my colon was completely normal! My symptoms have been put down to my IBS 🤷🏻‍♀️ They give you a report after the procedure, mine included some pictures of the inside of my bowel! 🤣 You might have some gastric symptoms afterwards, due to the prep irritating your stomach (I had Moviprep) but that will pass after a few days. I hope you get on OK 💐

Thank you everyone for your comments. I’ve had irritable bowel for years, it’s just the blood that is new. Good to hear positive stories. I go from thinking it’s probably irritable bowel to terrified I’ve got cancer and should have pushed for colonoscopy earlier.
I’m a first time poster so not sure how to reply to individuals.

Wonderful to hear you got good news at your colonoscopy.

Cocopops555 you will have good news as well. The waiting and anxiety caused by waiting is horrid, think it has just hit me big time. Still got to wait for some biopsies to come back but it will be fine.

I’m having my telephone appointment with nurse tomorrow afternoon. She is going to tell me all about the prep.
i had calmed down but now getting more scared as it comes close.

It will be fine. I was a nervous wreck preceding it as all the stories i had read etc just regarding the prep. You will be fine. I can honestly say the colonoscopy was not painful or uncomfortable compated to the camera down the throat. The nurse will reassure you and you will get answers very quickly.

I’d been bleeding for over 6 months when they put me on the two week pathway. I’d been anemic and think for years The bleeding by then was like a heavy period. Thankfully we have a strong family history of IBD and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I was relieved as it could have been so much worse.

@Cocopops555 Believe me when I say the prep is the worst thing - the drinks which are horrid - the actual procedure IME is not half as bad as you think it would be . I had one with a mild sedative . my mother had one without. If you can get through the prep - the thing itself is ( my experience ) is not bad . Truly not . So if you can try not to be scared - I was but when I came out of it I was rather pleased it had not been dreadful. No pain , modesty preserved - it was fine & so lovely that the consultant doing it said - "just going to take a biopsy - going round the corner now " . So I have micro colitis , my mother also had to have one - she had diverticulitis - none are cancer and containable. I am so happy I had it done. Truly in my case not painful at all - not even discomfort and so relieved to know the outcome .

I wish you well - try not to worry ( I did but would not if I had to have another one )

The drinks you have prior to take are definitely the worst (IME ) They are revolting. Get a straw and a glass of water and take them slowly.

Been given first appointment for a gastroscopy in a week, so things are moving.

Is it normal to be so concerned about what they're going to find in these tests? I feel like they're going to scan me and see that my entire insides are completely rotten!

Apologies @Cocopops555 was meant to post that on my other thread about this!

Hi. I'm due for surgery in 2 weeks after finding tumour in colon due to fit test and colonoscopy Symptoms were blood in poo. Nothing else at all.
Mri and ct all showing no spread.
Keyhole surgery and in hossie up to 7 days. Recovery/ no driving 6
weeks.
All this is life changing. I'm 52. Keep fit, eat a mostly plant based diet, don't smoke...
Consultant said it was just bad luck.
Bastard cancer.

You sound to be very healthy. What horrendous Luck. I’m 51 only experience blood for 1 day and went straight to the docs. Been having abdominal pains since I’ve been referred.
How long had you been having symptoms?
Did they find the cancer through a colonoscopy? Thinking of you xx

No problem! I’m thinking that I’m same. Start the prep tomorrow… just want to get it over now.

Symptoms were blood in poo. Probs 2/3 weeks till i had fit test
No other symptoms at all. Feeling very fit, running etc. Totally random

Yes. I had 2 week pathway and had colonoscopy and could see on screen bits that looked different. I asked the colonoscopisy if it wS cancer and she confirmed it

All the best OP. I've had about a dozen colonoscopies and the prep is the worst bit. I'd recommend drinking it chilled through a straw. Also, some vaseline or sudocrem on your bum to prevent soreness. Good luck

Really sorry to hear your diagnosis @raspberrytart I hope they've managed to catch it early

Good luck for tomorrow @Cocopops555

Thank you so much. I’m just on first lot of prep. Not too bad so far. Hope you are doing ok.

I had a colonoscopy done a couple of years ago. My calprotectin levels (which I’m fairly certain in the inflammation marker) were exceptionally high- 1200. I was absolutely terrified I had cancer as I wasn’t feeling unwell in myself, I was just having some (bright red) blood on wiping. I am younger than you (20s) and low risk for bowel cancer but I was still scared.

Turns out it was Crohn’s disease. I hope everything goes OK for you. For me the prep was definitely worse than the procedure, but I did have it done under sedation.

Good luck 💐

Thanks for thinking of me. Finished first jug of prep and not too bad so far.
Pleased to hear yours wasn’t cancer.
The bits you read about Crohn’s and colitis it’s diagnosed in younger people. Does anyone know if you can develop it in 50s?

Glad you are not finding the prep too horrid. It will work very quickly

I am 16 years clear of bowel cancer which I got at 31.

you CAN get it young but it’s very treatable. I’ve since married a consultant whose youngest BC patient is still in their teens.

It is much more likely to be something else though.

Just an update. Couldn’t have colonoscopy today as blood pressure was too high. So disappointed. Only solution is to go back to GP on Monday