Extremely terrified. Sorry if TMI. I’m 38 female, I’ve always had a dodgy gut, certain foods make me have diarrhoea. In April 2023 they diagnosed IBS, I had loose stools (like mush) so they did a fit test which was negative. I had one episode of dark red blood on top of stool but I think this was before the FIT. I’ve carried on as normal but as time has gone on, the only time I have a “normal” stool is if I’ve taken Imodium. The rest of the time it’s mush. Over the last month or so, I’ve had more symptoms. Tiny bit of red blood when wiping, using the loo more often. Last week or so I’ve lost my appetite (no rumbling stomach or anything) and have lost half a stone without trying. this week, I have had diarrhoea (mush and also watery). Multiple times a day, anything from 2-6 times a day. Last night I woke at 4am with diarrhoea, went again at 8am, and it’s now 9.30pm and this is my 6th time. I have stomach ache. The kind you get when you have a tummy bug. Occasional sharp pain like with IBS. Urgency to go. Bad lower back pain (but had back pain on and off for years). Went to the GP and asked for a colonoscopy, he said I have to do a FIT test and if that’s positive I can be referred. I’m mildly anaemic and have been for years. Also low in folic acid and folate for years (on tablets). I’m dehydrated from the diarrhoea and not drinking much, so I suspect today’s blood tests will look better than they are (eg I will look like I have more iron than I actually do, as less water in my blood due to dehydration). He did a rectal exam and found a haemorrhoid but nothing else. I am TERRIFIED I have cancer and that it’s late stage. I’m widowed, and have young children, no other family. I’m scared I’ll go to sleep and not wake up. Or die before Xmas or on Xmas. I’m so anxious I’m even thinking about writing cards for my kids future birthdays. I know my level of anxiety is crazy. But so many people have bowel cancer with no symptoms. I have all the symptoms. I’ve just nursed a patient, 40 years old who’s only symptom was fatigue and now he’s dying of it. It’s really common these days and I’m terrified. I don’t know what to do. I’m poor, no chance of affording to go private. Waiting for FIT to come in the post so I can do that… but what else can I do? I feel like I need a colonoscopy but doc says the guideline is only after a positive fit (I looked it up and it says if high risk can refer regardless). I can’t sleep. I’m stressed. I cry all the time. I’m terrified of
6 my children. Any advise?