FIIT test, low iron, constipation, scared

[painintheargh]

NC for this.

Since having covid and changing my diet to lose weight last November I've had constipation. It's responded well to lactulose. No pain, no diarrhoea, no bleeding.
The GP tested for coeliac and a full blood count, liver, thyroid, hormones, kidneys, the full works. All fine except for an iron level of 8. My diet is rubbish on the iron front and the GP wasn't concerned about the iron and just told me to up my veg. Because the constipation has continued I've been asked to do a FIIT stool sample to check for blood which I will take to the GP tomorrow.
Im 46, pretty fit and do a lot of cardio exercise daily, I don't smoke, don't drink, I haven't eaten meat since 1990, my BMI is 21 and was 26 at its highest so my risk factors are low but im scared.

Does anyone have any experience of this who can offer any advice or handholding please? Im sure it's just that I don't eat enough and there's not enough food passing through my gut to make me poop regularly. I live on porridge, yogurt, fruit and soups. Very little in terms of stodgy high volume foods like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta. Portions of those are infrequent and small.

I'm a single parent of 3 with little to no help and terrified of cancer.

Agreed that wwt2017 has been an enormous help as you have too. I went through the thread and made notes from your comments which showed me what to expect at each stage and stopped me panicking. Unknowingly you all held my hand and gave me confidence.
In the face of fear and terror it’s not surprising you’ve had dark thoughts, OP, but happily you’re now past that. What good news that bread has been of benefit.
Fingers crossed that your gastric assessment on Thursday gets you nearer to a solution wwt2017. Six medical referrals since May must be eliminating possibilities plus you can be reassured that bowel and ovarian cancers are not to be worried about. If you don’t mind, would you keep us posted so we can be with you?

Eliminating things / dealing with symptoms / dealing with abnormal tests and results

Yes, and you’re pragmatic which is the best way to be. One day at a time.
🤝

pragmatic sometimes.. some days im just like ugh ahh.. the last 3 months been a lot

Its actually 7 medical referals
Maybe guiness book of records

Understandable. No one would feel otherwise.

Morning everyone. @painintheargh thanks so much for starting this thread. I’ve been reading it through the night as I prepare for my colonoscopy this afternoon.

Feeling very anxious and stupidly, more about the procedure than the results….Im also on my period 😩 so not sure how that’s going to be handled

Hope things go ok for you today @worldwidetravel2017

@ *Arty When I was at the stage you’re now at, I was totally stressed (but that’s typical of me).
Like you, I focused on the procedure rather than the results. One worry at a time was more than I could cope with.
Don’t concern yourself about being on your period. I was given a large pair of elasticated paper knickers with an access flap at the back. Use a tampon and the endoscopist will be none the wiser.
Keep going with the wet wipes, stop drinking two hours before your procedure and - here’s the biggie - have absolute trust in the expertise, professionalism and kindness of each and every member of staff you’ll meet. They know what’s going on in your mind. They do this every day.
In 6 hours’ time this will all be over. Honestly, I have a PhD in white coat phobia but it’s nowhere near as bad as you are probably presently imagining. I’m glad of the painkillers and that I opted for sedation. When I did become aware of what was happening (in the final few seconds) I felt discomfort, not pain.
Best of luck Arty. Here’s a hand hold.
Thinking of you today wwt2017.

@Tilluna thank you so much for your comforting words, you are right, it will be over and I hope that you are right and that people will be kind and understanding. Take care

@ Arty. PM sent.

Gastroscopy soon - they are worried theres a bleed in my stomach

@ wwt2017 that’s what my GP argued. In the next two weeks, a thorough examination will take place and you’ll hopefully have the situation resolved. Keep with us so we can support you.

Those of you who have had gastroscopies - did they give you any feedback on the day or another week or 2 wait 4 results or ?

The last 3 months have been
Problem - procedure - wait.

Also have any of you had the b12 injections?

I had immediate feedback verbally and in written form. I will have to wait 6 weeks for the results of the biopsies.
No, I haven’t been given iron tablets or b12 injections.

Thank you
Wonder if I will have biopsies of stomach contents (!) Etc hhm

Last time i had 2 wait 2 weeks 4 biopsy results after colonoscopy.
I cried on the phone when they told me it was ok

Still no period

They wont do gastroscopy if im preg - another 5 days of that maybe window yet

Hope you all have a lovely weekend

Hi all. I feel utterly ridiculous for posting here and jumping in like this but, I'm really struggling with my anxiety at the moment. I've had recent bowel changes, bloating and mucus. The GP prescribed Mebeverine for spasms and requested bloods and stool tests - including the FIT test. My bloods came back the other day. Everything was normal (apart from cholesterol: 5.8). I've had to repeat my stool tests today as I couldn't pass enough and my I returned my FIT test today.

In light of my blood results being normal is a bowel cancer unlikely?
I do feel pathetic but, as I've said my anxiety is terrible at the moment and has been getting increasingly bad for the last 3 weeks. I'm terrified

You can buy immediate bowel cancer tests - i have an unused one
As my qfit score was normal after polyp removal

The one i bought online was under 15 gbp and a test at home - immediate answer one..

See what your fit score is back as....

I don't know enough to say more
But bloating could be any number of things

I had bloating - asked 4 ca125 blood test 2 rule out ovarian cancer
Then had scans on ovaries

Re bloating -,. Id ask4 ca125 test
And rule ovarian cancer out as canbe silent

I think most people cry with relief, wwt2017. The worry and stress are difficult to manage. You too have a lovely weekend.
You’d be best to speak to your GP AlwaysFlappable. They know your situation and are qualified to answer your questions. Don’t suffer with anguish - make that phone call tomorrow.

Thank you @worldwidetravel2017 and @Tilluna. I've been spiralling lately with my health anxiety. I know this isn't the right place to ask but, I saw the thread and related to it. I'll call my GP later.

@AlwaysFlappable dya have nhs app ? Your qfit test / poop test .. will be back fast...
Let us know which number you get..

If over 10 - youll likely have an urgent colonoscopy..
But they may ' just ' find non cancerous polyps like i had

I have online access to my GP records. And I've already called them and the receptionist said nothing was back yet.

If it was put in as urgent - probably done by tues pm

Did you manage to book an appointment with the GP AlwaysFlappable?

Any news of ArtyFartyQueen?

How is everyone doing?

I had the gastroscopy first.

I was given a report for both procedures once I was out of the procedure room.

I had a gastroscopy when pregnant. The blood test said I wasn't (at 10 days post ovulation) but my period was then late and I was sure I was. They refused another pregnancy test in hospital where I was admitted for severe gastritis. I told the staff and still had sedation. Got out of hospital and found I was pregnant with dd1.

I'm still constipated although a less restrictive diet helps but then my stomach bloats massively and I felt rubbish. Any laxatives give me terrible cramps now so unless it's bad I just try a spoonful of lactulose instead of the 2 tablespoons I was taking.