Absolutely terrified- change in bowel movement and positive FIT test

[Mummytheteacher]

looking for some positive stories/ advice please as I have terrible healthy anxiety and I’m struggling to manage it atm.

Went to the gp a few wks ago as I noticed a change in my stools- mostly a lot softer than normal (not diarrhoea) but have been experiencing more firm stools as well. I was diagnosed with gallstones whilst pregnant with my daughter so thought it could be related. Anyway gp asked me to do a FIT test which has come back positive and I’m beside myself with worry. I can’t stop thinking about my 2 young children and how their lives would be turned upside down if it was to be anything sinister.

i onky know of the results as I had 2 missed calls from my gp so went straight onto my nhs app to check results. Tried to call gp back this evening but was too late so they’ll be calling me back on Monday.

has anyone been in a similar situation please?

Yes I have. Diagnosed with thyroid problem and diverticulitis. Suddenly started having constipation, stools were normal , felt like everything slowed down was in incredible pain. Fast tracked for scan , no C. Its scary waiting. I had missed couple of calls from GP as at work. I totally spiralled. Sending strength to you. X

@Brightredtulips thank you for getting back to me. Did you do a FIT test too? I’ve managed to get myself into such a mess with worrying, i know I shouldn’t be googling either but it’s so hard not to.

Hi I don't have the same experience but just wanted to post some positive vibes. If you are 40+ the change can be down to hormonal changes, infact they could be down to literally anything. The positive fit test could be only slight positive but gp has to follow up on it. You could have a pile that's bleeding slightly or a polyp, a tummy bug may have left inflammation and caused the change, honestly there's a tonne of things before you should go to worst case. My 10 year old is going through the same tests, this coming week she's had 6 months of changes, GP finally following up.

Good luck tomorrow, I hope you get more information and have a great Christmas x

Yes I had similar back in October. Had a colonoscopy in November, they found a polyp which looked, and was, benign and otherwise all clear. Must have been an infection or something.

Most people referred for colonoscopies do not have cancer (over 90%) and of those who do, some are very early stage and easily treated.

Sorry for late reply. I've just noticed you asked me a question. Yes I did a FIT test. It was inconclusive. My husband actually had a positive one and his was related to ibs or something ,it was long ago, I'd just had our first baby....you can probably imagine how I I felt at the time but thankfully all was well. X

Same experience here. Change in bowel habits, positive FIT test in October. I'm 43. Fast tracked for 2 week cancer pathway and colonoscopy. Spent those two weeks making myself iller and iller with anxiety, and apparently my bowel is in excellent health and one tiny polyp. Turns out I had piles which I didn't realise. You only needed the minutest amount of blood apparently, I have cancer anxiety too, as a friend the same as me with kids the same age died of bowel cancer a couple of years ago. You're almost certainly fine but I imagine that won't be helpful
If you're anything like me and you'll worry anyway. But it's so common to get a positive FIT test and loads of people have had them. Sending positive vibes your way. Sucks to have it around Christmas.

Just found this thread and wondering en how you are doing now OP?