FIT result 43 - should I be worried?

[JoyeuxNarwhal]

Had some rectal bleeding, plus always tired. Menopausal. No weight loss. Been more constipated since having a Mirena fitted but generally go at least every other day. Lots of green veg/chia seeds/linseeds etc.

Had blood tests which were satisfactory/normal range. Was expecting to be told fit was negative however apparently not.

Been referred on the 2 week pathway (although GP says currently more like 4-6 week minimum).

There's no obvious lumps and bumps outside so I'm guessing (hoping) it's internal piles?

Any help/experience/advice gratefully received.

Thread prompted by letter in the post this morning detailing referral on suspected lower GI cancer pathway. Seeing it in black and white was a bit

Colonoscopy on 2nd January. Happy new year

Didn’t want to read and run as I know how horrible this is, especially having the wait over Christmas.

I went through similar earlier this year - I’m not a doctor but although the point for referral is 10, the doctor said to me she’s had people referred whose scores were much much higher and they didn’t have cancer.

It is hard seeing it written like that, what I try to remember is that the GPs are limited in what they can see so if certain criteria are met then the referral is automatic.

Procedure is fine and the prep isn’t too bad really, hope you can distract yourself over the next couple of weeks and hope all goes well for you.

Similar happened to me in the summer - some rectal bleeding and FIT test of over 400. I was terrified during my 2 week wait (I couldn't work I was so anxious) I had CT chest/abdo/pelvis and a colonoscopy within a fortnight - I think I was lucky to be that quick. Turned out to be some sort of weird colitis and some diverticula - certainly nothing immediately nasty or malignant. They generally let you know what they saw after the colonoscopy before you go home. Hope all goes well for you

Maybe you have bowel polyps

Ive had 2 colonoscopies this year
And have another next yr..

The prep is worse than the actual procedure

Have u ever had 1 b4 ?

If not - the grade your prep.
If you cut fibre 4days b4 - it helps

Know how you are feeling OP, also saw that I am on the 2 week pathway after positive fit test with a score of 78 today and reading it written that way is scary. Good luck for the 2nd x

Only 5% of referrals on that pathway that are FIT+ convert to cancer so it's still very low likelihood it's something scary

Thank you that’s a reassuring statistic. How long did everyone’s 2 week referral for the colonoscopy take in reality. I know it’s doctors strikes this week and next week plus Christmas etc so am a bit worried I won’t get the test for ages

At the moment there's likely to be delays to endoscopies because the consultants are having to cover the wards, that plus the Christmas break may delay things a little bit 2WW are always a top priority and the real aim is to get anyone with cancer in treatment within 28 days and that should remain the same

@Rosienose sorry you are going through the same thing, hope everything is ok for you

@endlesscraziness that's really reassuring. I feel today like everything will be absolutely fine but at the back of my mind there's this "but what if it's not?" Other days it's the other way round!

Actually got all my prep stuff through the post today which surprised me! Spoke with the nurse after I posted on here yesterday, discussed sedation options etc and she told me they'd give me the result on the day as you said @spiggydit

I have had one before yep @worldwidetravel2017 - coming up for 5 years ago. No bleeding then, was to exclude coeliac. Everything was normal which I'm hoping for again this time. Was congratulated on my prep last time too 😇

Timing means I'm going to spend most of new year's day in the bathroom which I must say I'm not looking forward to!

Thanks all for the advice and support x

Have new years day again on the 3rd 4th 5th or something

I have to have another in jan - my third in 8 months

They keep finding polyps in me
So far most biopsies have come bk ok tho

I have fam history of bowel cancer
And an aunt with chrons
And an uncle with diverlictilitos.

I also have cfs.
And ibs
And a liver condition
Oh and gallstones
And abnormal / elevated ca125.

• this yr has been a lot

That does sound very hard going @worldwidetravel2017 It’s good they are consistently monitoring you, but can also imagine it been a you’re constantly up and down with worrying about it all.

Gosh @worldwidetravel2017 you have been through the mill

No bowel issues in our family afaik but there is history of other cancers. Ddad had stomach ulcers but I don't think they're hereditary?!

How have you found the colonoscopy’s? Have you been sedated or just gas and air?

I had sedation with IV fentanyl and midazolam and slept through the whole thing and had the best nap ever in the afternoon.

Light sedation 4 me

Was awake 4 both colonoscopies

Slept through 1 gastroscopy
And was awake 4 the other

If you have bowel polyp removal
Or biopsy
You often bleed when they remove them

I asked nov 30th
And was told u can bleed for up tp a week.

Has effected my feretin
And another 1 in jan 2024

I was sick with both colonoscopies prep

Worth it tho

Also if you had a colonoscopy 5 yrs ago it’s unlikely for a polyp to have developed into sinister in that timeframe

Did you not get a rectal examination by your GP to check for internal piles?

Yes I had an internal check by my gp, nothing obvious found. Positive FIT test

Maybe bowel polyps

I’m sorry you have been given this information just before Christmas and along with the strike it’s not the best time but hopefully you will get a quick appointment.

I was told a few weeks ago that my fit test was over 400. They got me in within 5 days for colonoscopy but it failed as it was too painful and they said inflamed and they said they would end the procedure and I would have to have it done by a different method. I’ve been waiting since 6th november for a new procedure. The hospital called Monday teatime to book me in and it was going to be in January. I told her what I was having it done and that I had a fit test of over 400. She mentioned that they don’t often do it via pill colonoscopy hence it would be a while. Then the lovely woman said that maybe I could get it earlier and can I come anytime to collect prep after new year. I told her I can get there anytime as I live across the road. Then I heard her talking to someone and said can you come in for the test at 7.30am Wednesday for the start of it but I need to collect prep by 12pm Tuesday to start at 2pm -hence why I’m up now
then return Thursday to finish the test and leave the equipment

I could have cried at how helpful she was and the idea of finally having answers and treatment. As I have lost 2.5st since oct- i can’t eat or drink properly due to the pain and suffering

so by thursday it will finally have a conclusion

@Biscuitmonster2318 how worrying for you, having wait so long for an answer, what a wonderful nurse to find a way to get you in this week. Good luck I hope today goes well and that you get a clear idea of what is going on by Thursday and that it’s very easily treated.

So sorry to read this
Thinking of u
Let us know how u get on

Yep. Nothing there apparently. Told I have a spot near my anus (definitely not a haemorrhoid apparently) which may have been cause of a fresh bleed but apparently fit doesn't/shouldn't pick up fresh blood and there was no visible blood on the sample.