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Original poster

Positive colonoscopy and bowel cancer stories

135 replies

Cocopops555 · 13/01/2023 20:39

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.

OP posts:
ilkleymoorbartat · 15/02/2023 20:23

So sorry to hear your news @Cocopops555 I've been thinking about you lots. I really hope they've caught it early. Really well done on pushing things that didn't feel right. I hope you get lots of support here and on other forums.

Thinking of you and sending Flowers

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 15/02/2023 20:31

Thank you i appreciate it.
I know nothing about cancer, lead a very lucky life. I’ve got to have a ct scan and mri etc. They said within 2 weeks. Can’t quite believe it, it’s like a dream and I’m looking down. My 2 teenage girls are absolutely devastated but trying to be positive for them. It’s really hard though.

OP posts:
Howdidthathappen1 · 15/02/2023 21:09

I'm so sorry to hear that - desperately hoping it's caught early and well done (if that's even the right phrase to use in this situation) for trusting your gut to push for the testing.
Use us to cry and scream at:(

NotMeNoNo · 15/02/2023 21:27

Two of my family have had colorectal cancer. My dad had a section of colon removed just before Christmas and despite being 78 has practically recovered from the surgery already - they rejoined the intestine, no stoma. My MIL had a rectal tumour treated with radiotherapy, it's probably taken the best part of a year to recover but she was quite frail to start with. If you are reasonably fit and it's been picked up early I'd hope you have the best chance.

corlan · 15/02/2023 21:46

Sorry you're going through this Cocopops. I had a colonoscopy last November which found rectal cancer. The first few weeks are the hardest until your doctors can analyse your scan results and come up with a plan for your treatment.
You won't know how you will get through these weeks but you will.
Best advice I had was not to google too much. It's so easy to catastrophise at this point.
I hope you get good results from your scans and speedy treatment.

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 16/02/2023 04:48

Thank you so much. I’m in shock I guess at the moment. It’s the not knowing, like you say I will have to be patient and get through the next few weeks. Really hard telling elderly mum and my children,
How old are you Corlan and what symptoms had you been having if you don’t mind me asking?

OP posts:
raspberrytart · 16/02/2023 05:40

Hi cocopop. Im just 6 days post colon surgery. When i had my op they discovred the tumour to be fairly close to my bottom so i now have a stoma bag which will be reversed once bowel heals.
Please dm me if you need to ask anything or happy to share on here also. Take care

JustDanceAddict · 16/02/2023 07:27

Really sorry to hear that, @Cocopops555 - hope the rest of the tests and treatment is swift and successful.

corlan · 16/02/2023 09:04

How old are you Corlan and what symptoms had you been having if you don’t mind me asking?

I'm 56 and I didn't have any symptoms. My cancer was found through the screening programme.

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 24/02/2023 14:58

just update. Got results today. Biopsy was inconclusive so got to go and have it again! Wait of up to 2 weeks.
CT scan looked clear.
no news is good news I guess.

OP posts:
raspberrytart · 03/03/2023 11:39

Any news?

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 03/03/2023 15:31

raspberrytart · 03/03/2023 11:39

Any news?

Going for some more biopsies tomorrow. Had to really fight to get an appointment. Nhs appointments cause so much unnecessary anxiety. Seeing consultant next Friday so hopefully will finally find out then. Thx for asking.
How are you?

OP posts:
raspberrytart · 03/03/2023 16:03

Cocopops555 · 03/03/2023 15:31

Going for some more biopsies tomorrow. Had to really fight to get an appointment. Nhs appointments cause so much unnecessary anxiety. Seeing consultant next Friday so hopefully will finally find out then. Thx for asking.
How are you?

Show quote history

Im ok. Stoma site is sore and im feeling washed out so pretty normal for post recovery id say.
I did get news that i dont need any further treatment so thats a massive relief

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 03/03/2023 16:57

That’s amazing that you don’t need any further treatment. Delighted for you.
How long do you anticipate the post surgery recovery will take?

OP posts:
ilkleymoorbartat · 03/03/2023 17:43

I hope you get some news soon @Cocopops555 and at least some kind of plan. It's so terrible that you had to chase them up, it's really not acceptable.

Did you have a CT colonoscopy in the end or a regular one?

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 03/03/2023 17:48

ilkleymoorbartat · 03/03/2023 17:43

I hope you get some news soon @Cocopops555 and at least some kind of plan. It's so terrible that you had to chase them up, it's really not acceptable.

Did you have a CT colonoscopy in the end or a regular one?

I had a normal colonoscopy. Having another one tomorrow but not the whole bowel. Don’t have to the prep but have do an enema instead!
Where are you at? Have you found anything out yet?

OP posts:
ilkleymoorbartat · 03/03/2023 17:52

I'm still waiting for my results@Cocopops555

Also having to chase them up. They said I should hear in 10 days, but it'll be 3 weeks on Monday and im chasing though my GP and the hospital. It's frustrating.

I hope you get some more news soon. How are you feeling? I hope you have some good support.

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 03/03/2023 18:19

ilkleymoorbartat · 03/03/2023 17:52

I'm still waiting for my results@Cocopops555

Also having to chase them up. They said I should hear in 10 days, but it'll be 3 weeks on Monday and im chasing though my GP and the hospital. It's frustrating.

I hope you get some more news soon. How are you feeling? I hope you have some good support.

I’m ok. You start to learn to live with the worry. I felt under pressure to go back next week whilst I wait for results. However lots of people have got covid and just don’t feel ready to share with everyone. Particularly as I don’t know anything.
I find the NHS systems horrendous. It takes 6 days to receive a letter. Everything Should be done electronically now.
Hope you get your results soon. Do you still have the same symptoms?

OP posts:
ilkleymoorbartat · 03/03/2023 19:55

It makes sense to tell people when you know a bit mor. It takes time to process such a big thing and you probably want to do that for yourself before informing others.

I really do think the wait for results and communication is really problematic. It sounds like you're managing your worries at the moment though, which is really admirable.

My symptoms come and go. I'm just hoping I hear something soon.

raspberrytart · 21/03/2023 07:20

Any results back yet?

StillWantingADog · 19/08/2023 16:57

@raspberrytart
@Cocopops555

would be keen to know how you’re both doing? Hopefully all is good or at least heading in the right direction

have found blood in my poo twice in the last week. After running (could be a coincidence). Obviously a call will go into the gp I’m just wondering if I’m likely to be referred straight for a colonoscopy or not.
No other symptoms, I’m pretty fit and healthy and 45.

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 19/08/2023 17:16

Hi it’s probably nothing. most peoples are Just polyps. I was diagnosed in feb. Had radiotherapy. And now in hospital after a 9 hour resection on Tuesday.
got a temporary ileostomy for 18
months. Waiting for the pathology on my lymph nodes.

OP posts:
StillWantingADog · 19/08/2023 17:30

@Cocopops555
thanks so much for your reply. That all sounds quite rubbish. Hope you’re out of hospital soon
hope the lymph nodes are clear for you and this is all a distant memory soon x

raspberrytart · 19/08/2023 18:39

Hi. I'm OK. Been waiting for a reversal and really mot sure when and if etc.

sh1tscared · 20/08/2023 16:34

I came looking for this subject. I have to have a colonoscopy this week. I'm reading about your FIT scores and they all seem really low compared to mine which is >200. Says blood was detected at a concentration of >200 ugHb/g.

Anyone else have this high a number?