Positive FIT test and scared

[Scared374858]

I have had issues with my stomach for 2 years. Bouts of gastritis, including bloating, nausea, burning pain in stomach. Had a gastroscopy 18 months ago and it was normal.

Symptoms continued so I did a home H pylori test which was positive. Took the antibiotics and felt better but then a month later the GP took me off the PPIs and it relapsed. Just saw a gastro consultant who wasn't worried but has booked me in for another gastroscopy end of Dec. He said to do a home FIT test as well.

I've just done the FIT test and it was positive! Now I'm worried about bowel cancer. I've contacted the consultant to see if he wants to do a colonoscopy or move up the gastroscopy but in the meantime I'm really worrying. I've had breast cancer before which doesn't help.

I know that a positive FIT test doesn't necessarily mean bowel cancer and none of my symptoms suggest it either, but am still panicking anyway! I wonder if I have a stomach ulcer and if bleeding from that would cause a positive FIT test?

Just wondering if anyone has any helpful advice or reassurance while I wait to hear back from the consultant?

Anyone?

Hi OP, I had a colonoscopy yesterday. This followed symptoms in October of loose bowels then really hard stools, some blood and on one memorable occasion stools that looked like different coloured pebbles on the beach!

I did an e-consult and the GP took me seriously and ordered stool tests and blood tests. Blood tests were fine. FIT 79 and calprotectin over 1200.

Anyway yesterday I had the procedure (started without sedation but it got very uncomfortable so they gave me the sedation, I think it's much easier for them too). Found and removed a polyp, it looks benign but even if it was pre-cancerous it's gone now and can't cause any more trouble. Also had biopsies for UC and Crohn's but I don't think I have those as I don't have any pain.

Please don't worry. I do think ulcers can cause your symptoms. My mum has had a stomach ulcer from medication and has had a positive FIT test (and anaemia in her case) and they found nothing further down to cause blood loss.

The prep wasn't that bad either, though it took hours to work and I was getting a bit worried I might explode.

All the best x

Thanks for the reassurance. Just have a long wait now to get the tests done 😔