Positive FIT test... Feeling worried...

[Wonderfulcheapfalafel]

Hi,

45 years old, Have had very low iron so taking ferritin for that but GP also recommended a FIT stool test. I didn't make much of it thinking it was probably a formality. However, results received today are 85... Normal is between 0-10.

Has anyone else had this? Just wondering what happens next? Surgery couldn't say much, just said I had to wait to speak to doctor next week.

Obviously Google just leads to articles about bowel cancer so feeling really anxious now.

Thanks in advance.

Your GP will refer you for a colonoscopy on the two week pathway. Know it’s worrying but most positive FIT tests are not cancer, but something else like polyps for example. Hope it all goes well.

Thank you for replying, I appreciate that.
GP actually called this afternoon and said they'd be referring me for a colonoscopy. They didn't explain much though.

Impossible not to worry but trying not to catastrophise at the moment! Not looking forward to the procedure very much either 😫

It's normal to worry, but the most likely outcome is a polyp which they'll very likely remove during the colonoscopy.

I've had several colonoscopies and one tiny polyp removed during the last one. No big deal. I am in the US so had sedation (that's standard here).

The prep can be challenging but I really never have a hard time with it, certainly nothing like the stories I occasionally read online!

If you have any questions about the prep I have a few tips to make the process easier.

Forget to mention that hemorrhoids can also cause a positive FIT test.

So really try not to catastrophize as it's far more likely to be something benign. Don't Google yourself into a panic!

I've not long had a colonoscopy after being diagnosed with radiation proctitis.
The prep is definitely the worst bit, get a straw and drink as much as you can each time. I was allowed lime cordial so drank that after each amount of prep.
My colonoscopy was in Glasgow and I was offered sedation which I took. I honestly didn't feel anything and wasn't particularly "windy" afterwards.
I hope it goes well for you and there is nothing serious found.
Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them 😀

Thanks so much for replying, been trying to keep busy this wkend to keep my mind if it. Expecting the letter from the hospital in next couple of days. I'm sure I'll have some questions, I'll come back if I do. Hope things all ok for you @catzrulz & @CulturalNomad

Hey there wonderful, I’m currently going through exactly the same thing. Wanna hold hands?
Spent the weekend being really scared after being told I’d been put on the 2 week wait for suspected cancer after a positive FIT. I have low ferritin and have been on iron tablets too.
I’m 46 and was told this morning that I need an endoscopy and colonoscopy. I hate the waiting!

Oh wow we're twins @TheCunkOfPhilomena !!! I just got my appointment time for the colonoscopy, end of next week. Still really anxious but just want to get it over with now. I'm trying to pretend to be normal but in reality it's all I'm thinking about...

Yes, get it over and done with! I should be seeing a doctor about prescribing sedation in the next week or so. I just want to think about something else but it’s a knot in my stomach that’s stopping me eating. I’m much better when I’m around others though.

@Wonderfulcheapfalafel Hi OP, I've received my FIT test result today which was 50.4 I just wondered what the outcome of yours was please? Hope you are okay x

Hi @MyBrownEyedHandsomeBoy ...

I can really remember how worried I was after getting this result and waiting for the colonoscopy, all kinds of things were going through my head.

However, I'm pleased to say that mine was nothing sinister. I had a small polyp removed on the first colonoscopy in April, but had to go back for another one in June to remove a larger polyp which needed a more specialist procedure, I have to go back to have a couple more removed in septmeber, but importantly, there was nothing cancerous.

I was told that there's a chance the polyps will turn cancerous eventually if not removed. I had no idea I even had them so I'm am so pleased that I looked into this... my only symptom before the FIT test was low iron!

I know it's impossible not to worry but it's far more likely to be something benign and much better to get it checked out.

Sending lots of vibes your way that yours is something uncomplicated too!

PS not sure if you've had a colonoscopy before but it's really nothing to worry about. The sedation makes it all okay, so defintiely have that! The prep is truly the worst bit x

Yes, thought it was hemorrhoids. Turns out it was IBD.

@Wonderfulcheapfalafel great update

Great news

Thank you @Wonderfulcheapfalafel I had a couple of polyps removed from my cervix about 8 years ago so maybe I have more in my bowel now? Who knows.. but yes I hope it's nothing sinister, hard not to worry isn't it but I don't have any other worrying symptoms. I have just been passing a lot of mucus and blood but it came on all of a sudden last week.
No stomach pain, cramps, sickness or anything like that so I'm interested to see what it is.
Thank you for your reassuring words x

My FIT test came back 200+ It was polyps. One large one and 2 others. I'd had a clear FIT test one year before!