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.

See I'm worried re this

Last period ended jun 25th...

Ovulation late due to pcos so ovulated tues wed of week b4 this 1
..

My app.says window.2 preg test until next Wednesday...

I don't feel like period is coming

Assume your dd 1 is / was ok...

They told me they wont sedate me / won't do the procedure if preg..

Need a pos test result or a period soon

I'd had loads of morphine and other drugs while admitted so they gave the the option and I said I'd had so many drugs already that some midazolam wasn't go to make much difference. Dd1 was and is fine.

Update us on Wednesday wwt2017. By then you should know if you’re pregnant plus the experience painintheargh had should reassure you.
My immediate results indicated diverticulitis, the discharge papers advising eating apples, bananas and pears.
I’m not keen on fruit (just mountains of veg) so have them in a smoothie each morning. No doubt you’ve thought of this, painintheargh, but I’ll offer it anyway. I do so hope you can resolve the issues very soon.

Thinking of you today wwt2017.

Thanks everyone for a very informative thread.

Booked in for gastroscopy and colonscopy on Tuesday and all your tips have been very helpful.

This all started with blood tests showing odd results - low B12, low ferritin, high platelets, low iron. I had a Cystoscopy that was beautifully clear. Poo test was clear. Ultrasound was fine.

I’m now on the boring bland diet and start the moviprep tomorrow morning. More worried about getting to the hospital without an “accident” than the procedure itself - without exception every member of staff I’ve been in contact with has been so lovely.
Wish me luck!

Best of luck for Tuesday OllyBJolly. Everything so far has gone well. Hold that thought.
x

I had a gastroscopy the other week - slept through it

Colonoscopy- the prep is worse than the actual thing

Youll be okay..

Let us know how u get on

Wasn't too bad - largely down to the advice on this thread so thank you very much for that.
Endoscopy was much worse than the colonoscopy but that might be because the sedative had taken hold by the time they did that. I was only vaguely aware of what was going on. I do remember the panic when the throat spray went on and then the mouthguard inserted. Nurses were so kind- one stroked my cheek talking me through deep breathing.
Did have a few "accidents" when I came out of theatre and again the nurses were great - "don't worry, totally normal". (This is despite no bowel movements from around 10pm the night before and sticking religiously to fasting and liquid intake rules!).
Arrived at hospital 9.20 for 9.30 appointment. Taken within minutes to ward and less than ten minutes to go into theatre. I have no idea how long I was in for but I was going home at 11.50 - bit spaced out!
No diagnosis, told they took a number of biopsies and doctor will be in touch.
Thanks again to you all.

@worldwidetravel2017 how are you getting on?

Unfortunately very badly
Abnormalities on ct scan etc
Urgent mri

A big problem with something found on my liver
And various other big concerns & abnormalities

Oh and we did get pregnant from aug ovulation
Then sept early miscarriage

Had gastroscopy - stomach - early august - was apparently normal

Big high density thing / bad area / maybe cancer on my liver

Many other issues and abnormalities too

Nodes - too many etc

Need urgent upper higher gi - gastro

Urgent MRI to see liver stuff ct scan found

Could have liver cancer

How are u?
Any results?

How are u @painintheargh

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that and hope it's not cancer.
I'm doing ok but still get constipated. I've not had my iron rechecked and need to ask about that.

Hi all especially @worldwidetravel2017 I have spoken to you on my previous thread where you gave some amazing and reassuring advice. I am sorry to hear about your recent results and miscarriage. How are things now?

The other reason for posting here is that I am having a gastroscopy and colonoscopy on Saturday. I have taken note of the advice and ordered lemon squash/sudocreme and flushable wipes.
I have to start plenvu Friday evening and honestly I am now so worried about the procedures and results. I am having them as I have developed iron deficiency anaemia and a positive qfit of 29.
I go through periods of feeling calm and then absolute panic where I feel like I can't breathe.
I am so worried about being incontinent during the procedures (not helped as I work as a nurse at this hospital so will likely know staff).
I can't wait to get through this, we only have one toilet too 😭.

You are doing an incredible amount of exercise and I suspect you are just not fuelling enough. Have you been given iron tablets? Also, meat gives you the most iron, not veg and some things like spinach have something that binds the iron and makes it harder to absorb. If you are trying to get iron from veg, have some vitamin c with it and don't drink tea and coffee with or just after meals as they will all inhibit uptake.

With that fit score its likely bowel polyps

Try not to worry too much

Your score is not that high

Do consider asking gp for a ca125 test for inflammation

( bowel polyps cause inflammation but so do some other bad things )
.
Do consider asking for ct scan

My first ever ct scan was last month - i wish theyd offered / done one much sooner

Ca125 is normal as are all other bloods tests including CRP. Just ferratin of 6 and HB 100. I know once I have the scopes I will get some.answers. It is just waiting and wondering.
What is your next test/appointment?

Monday

So sorry to read your news worldwidetravel. Sending a hug and best wishes. x

Thank you

Very scared and tbh very angry but yea ..
All emotions are valid

Colonoscopy next Tuesday..

Private mri liver this fri

Going low fibre from tomorrow - 5 days early in prep

Monday liver bloods were just about relatively ok ish

I mean serum alt liver is a mild raise
But has been higher b4...

Cancer liver one is just within nornal- only by o.7
But normal none the less - just

Private liver MRI this fri due to liver left lobe high density.
NHS liver MRI dec

Nhs colonoscopy next tues

Got to have upper gi - gastroscopy again soon

@worldwidetravel2017 sorry to read your update, although you have more tests booked, you must still feel like you don't have many answers. Hopefully things will make sense with the results.
I took your advice re low fibre diet in preparation for my OGD & colonoscopy on Saturday. I am quietly losing the plot wondering what will show up.
If you feel up to it keep us updated, you have been through so much already. I cannot imagine how you are feeling day to day.

I’ll be thinking of you @worldwidetravel2017 and hoping for the best outcomes. x