Raised QFIT and urgent referral for abdominal pain, feeling very worried

[Ezra123]

Hi everyone,

I wondered if anybody could offer some words of advice or support- I’ve just had a call from my GP practice saying that the QFIT test I did last week has come back with elevated result of 23. I attended the appointment due to ongoing abdominal pain. I also have a history of back pain but that’s been going on for a long time….

Anyway, my abdominal pain has come and gone for awhile… I always put it down to my C-section as it seemed to start shortly after this .

I did do a Qfit test a couple of years ago which came back normal. But the last 2 to 3 weeks I’ve had some slightly loose stools and some more intense pain so I went to the GP thinking I might have a tummy bug that wasn’t shifting or something.

I did a battery of tests I was expecting everything to come back normal… anyway I’ve just had a call to say that my Qfit result is 23 and because of the pain I’m being referred on the urgent suspected cancer pathway.

She kept saying suspected cancer.… They also did a CA125 which came back as 40 (again slightly raised) but I actually had a pelvic ultrasound (and transvaginal ultrasound)) at the end of last year which were clear… so she’s not taking further action on that at the moment as it’s such a non-specific test… She wants to focus on the Gastro side. I’m in Scotland so we don’t have the two week wait but she said I should have a letter in 2 to 3 weeks.

I have two young children that completely depend on me. I’ve a really healthy diet and I don’t drink… I’m just completely Shell shocked. My children cannot lose their mum. They just can’t. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next few weeks.

Has anybody been in this situation? Thank you for any words of advice.

Most people referred for suspected cancer turn out not to have cancer - the system is designed to be as careful as possible.

So anyone with a FIT test result of over 10 will be referred but to put it in perspective, results can go into the 100s.

You and your GP are doing the right thing but please don't go into shock just yet.

Thank you very much for replying-unfortunately despite my best efforts I am now in shock. I think it’s mainly because I have young children. I’m supposed to be hosting a birthday party on Saturday!

I had a positive Qfit after being diagnosed with anemia. I live in Scotland and was given an appointment for colonoscopy within the 2 week wait time. Nothing abnormal was found so they then did an endoscope, again nothing sinister found.

There was suspicion I had celiac disease however the colonscopy ruled it out.

Try not to panic too much, I know its difficult not to.

Interestingly I have just had a hysterectomy 6 years on from my colonoscopy with similar symptoms to yours - I think my issues all along was due to fibroids which didn't show up until last year.

Thank you – that’s extremely helpful. I do need to try and talk myself down a bit to get through the next few weeks. I’m just so stunned from the phone call. Do you mind me asking what your qfit score was , and about your experience of the subsequent investigations, e.g. colonoscopy?

I'm in the same boat as you Ezra... Abnormal fit test last week, they haven't told me the level but I have an appt next week to see a specialist practitioner to sort out the colonoscopy.

To say I'm frightened is an understatement. I go from it'll be fine to it'll be terrible news almost hourly. Trying to hold it together as we've a lot going on at the moment and I don't want the wider family to know. Sending hugs to you...

I honestly can't remember what number it was, I just remember the Dr saying it had unexpectedly come back positive.

Colonscopy prep was probably the worst part, not such a nice tasting drink but it is needed to clear the bowel. Had conscious sedation, didn't have any discomfort and remember I slept a lot when I got home. They told me results on the day.

Endoscope was slightly different as I didnt have any sedation as we were in lockdown and I didn't have anyone at home that could drive me there and back so had to just go without, not nice, but I'm sure with sedation it would be easier.

I'm sure you will get a phone call soon with your appointment, I had my appointment 10 days after the referral.

Hi @Sketchthetrees , i’m sorry to hear you’re in the same boat as me. I’ve been shaking a bit since I found out so I’ve brought my work laptop into bed. Fortunately, I’m working from home. It’s a really horrible place to be. I keep thinking of my children and getting tearful. I’m going to have to be quite hard on myself for the next few weeks I think… I certainly don’t want my children to see me upset or anything. Please let me know how you get on?

Just a little update to say I have my colonoscopy booked for the 15th of May. I’m not scared of the procedure… It can’t be any worse than childbirth. But I’m terrified of receiving some bad news during it. Terrified is an understatement! If anybody has any top tips or wisdom I’d gratefully receive these.

This Friday for me @Ezra123 . Can't say I'm looking forward to it but it's got to be done.

How did it go @Sketchthetrees ? I’m sorry I’ve only just seen your post from 28/4. I hope it went … as well as can be expected. I also wondered if you’d had raised calprotectin ? I got my calprotectin result later than my others and it was raised. This doesn’t seem to mean anything specific though. Hope you are okay 👌

Mine is on 15/5… still a while to wait 😞

Hi @Ezra123. I am sorry that you are going through this worrying time. I find myself in the same boat (except breast lump). How you are feeling resonates with me so much. Just moments of absolute terror. My appointment is next week. Been here before, but it feels different this time (older? More anxious? Or maybe instinctively I know something is very wrong 😑)
Do you have some support from a partner/friends?

Hi @Stumbleine , sorry you’re in the same boat. It’s utterly utterly shit! I do have kind friends and family thank goodness. Still flip flopping between thinking “this whole thing is ridiculous, of course I don’t have cancer!” and “I’m going to die and my children will grow up without a mother”. I have also been to the breast clinic with a lump before and it was benign… if it helps, I had a gut feeling something was really wrong that time and it wasn’t! If I didn’t have young children, I think I would be a bit more nonchalant but my brain has been going to some very dark places. I found that keeping extremely and getting out is the best thing at the moment. I hope you’re appt goes well - only a few more days to wait xx

Hello - just updating for anyone who might find this thread in the future, and be in need of some encouragement. I had my colonoscopy yesterday and it was completely clear aside from a few piles 🙂

So pleased for you op!