2 week referral

[Bazmack48]

Following my abnormal FIT I received a two week referral to the colorectal people. I had a consultant ring me yesterday who went through my medical history. It was left as nothing to panic about, my previous scopes would be looked at and a letter sent to my GP with a copy to me. My poor wife couldn’t see how she could use the camera on my iPhone to do the colonoscopy! Only joking. No face to face appointments yet as the hospital has so many COVID patients it is not safe for an outpatients visit.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Bazmack48 ,Thanks for posting.

Are you having any symptoms, such as blood in stool, pain, weight loss, etc.?

Have your previous scopes revealed any issues, polyps, cancer?

Did you get a FIT because it was time for your regularly scheduled screening, but couldn't get a colonoscopy due to COVID? Or do you typically get FIT vs. colonoscopy?

So it sounds like when you spoke with the colorectal specialist, they had not yet reviewed your previous imaging from prior colonoscopy procedures, is that right? Have you ever been seen / had a colonoscopy by the colorectal specialist you spoke with yesterday?

Sorry that I only have questions - just wanting to get a bit more information.

This time of COVID sure is leading to interesting ways of communicating with our doctors!

Please keep us posted when you have a chance.

Thanks,

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Bazmack48 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Nicole, I had FIT via GP as I was having diarrhoea every day. Apart from dark stools and a poor appetite I don’t have any other symptoms. I was kept in isolation for three weeks in 2018 as I was having bloody diarrhoea at least thirty times a day and had lost 35kg in weight. I had many endoscopes , colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopy and even swallowed a radioactive capsule which they followed through my body. They found lymphatic colitis and coeliac disease. Previous scopes found diverticula disease, gastritis and duodenitis.

The consultant I spoke to had not looked at any of my records, I was under a GI consultant for my previous problems. I see a dietitian once a year for CD but nobody else.

Hope I have given you a few answers.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Bazmack48]

Thank you Bazmack48 for the response!

Did the GP (or colorectal specialist) say what was abnormal about the FIT? Would be useful for you to have those results of what was considered abnormal in the FIT.

Did they give you any instructions on what to do for the diarrhea? (Imodium?) Please do your best to keep hydrated - when you are having diarrhea, you can easily become dehydrated, and going to the hospital for dehydration in the middle of a pandemic is something I am sure you want to avoid! Some people use sports drinks and others even go for Pedialyte (the children's over the counter medicine - drink to replace electrolytes)

I hope you feel better soon and Happy New Year!

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Bazmack48 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Nicole, thank you again for answering. I can get access to my FIT results via my on line access. All I saw was that the result was abnormal, 2 week referral and 16.9. There is lots of other data there but nobody has explained it. I think I will wait for the letter as we have two members of the family with COVID. I do take Imodium and drink plenty of water, also keeping a diary of the food I eat. Found that pickled onions have barley malt extract in which is a no no with CD, they were listed as ok to eat.

Have a Healthy, Happy New Year.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Bazmack48]

Hi Bazmack48 ,

Thank you for providing an update.

I think it is a great idea that you are keeping track of what you are eating and drinking - and as you found, there are going to be foods that are on the "ok" list that your body will quickly let you know that they aren't ok for you to eat. Hopefully giving up picked onions doesn't mean losing one of your favorite foods

I respect your decision on waiting for the letter, and the very understandable worry about COVID, and I hope your two family members with COVID are recovering.

Given the extent of your GI issues and previous diagnoses (lymphatic colitis, coeliac disease, diverticula disease, gastritis, and duodenitis) - it could be valuable to do research on a specialist that has extensive experience in treating patients with your diagnoses. Are you a member of any of these groups on HealthUnlocked? You may find them useful:

healthunlocked.com/crohns-c...

healthunlocked.com/bowel-di...

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

healthunlocked.com/glutenfr...

Please keep us updated and wishing you some relief and answers in 2021.

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Bazmack48 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Nicole, we have just received the letter. It wasn’t what we were expecting, it is an appointment for colonoscopy on 15th. The paperwork states endoscopy but the leaflet attached is for a colonoscopy. Phone call has confirmed colonoscopy. COVID swab test appointment 3 days before and has to attend procedure alone. Normally I go with him as he is usually a bit wobbly after. As I do not drive I expect I will need to get a taxi to the hospital in order to pick him up. A telephone for pre op assessment will be on 8th. My mind is alll over the place.

We both belong to other HU forums and have done for almost 5 years.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

😂 This may be something to consider if the pandemic goes on much longer!!