Still can't get a colonoscopy and blood was found in stool when I had a DRE. What should I do?

[WthrMtsfan712]

I'm now suffering from even more anxiety than I was before about the multitude of symptoms I've experienced since August of 2019. Because while I still can't get a colonoscopy at the present moment because I do have a physical obstruction that, unfortunately, would make it very hard for me to be able to get one right now, I did have a DRE performed. And unfortunately, blood was found in the stool. At this point, I just don't know what to do and am convinced that by the time I'm able to maybe, hopefully, be able to get a colonoscopy, that it's going to be way too late for me, especially since my weight continues to drop. Can anyone provide me with any advice? Thanks in advance if you can.

[mondlee6248]

Do you have any visible blood in or in your poop?? This thingy happen from 2019 till now??

[WthrMtsfan712 in reply to mondlee6248]

I don't have any visible blood in my poop, which is why I am even more concerned that blood was found in my stool when the DRE was performed.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello WthrMtsfan712 ,Thanks for posting and giving an update. I'm really sorry for what you are going through and the anxiety that it is causing.

Can you explain the physical obstruction? Do you mean that there's a blockage and they can't perform a colonoscopy or are you staying there is a barrier you to getting one (COVID, insurance, etc.)

Also, with the anxiety that comes along with your GI issues, if you haven't yet, please consider seeking out a therapist. We want you to be healthy both physically and mentally and with what you are dealing with now can really impact your mental health.

Please clarify and we'll do our best to offer advice and connect you with local resources if appropriate.

~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.

[WthrMtsfan712 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Unfortunately, due to the physical obstruction, which is apparently a uterine fibroid, I really can't get a colonoscopy done at the present moment. And because of where the fibroid is located, even getting something like a CT scan done wouldn't help, since the fibroid is basically blocking the view point of my sigmoid colon.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to WthrMtsfan712]

WthrMtsfan712 ,

Thank you for the clarification. Have the doctors given you a game plan? Will they be removing the fibroid or doing any procedures to shrink it?

When you are under care of multiple doctors for current issues such as the fibroid and the rectal bleeding, we always encourage patients to check with their doctors to ensure they are consulting with each other on your case. Ideally, this would happen anyway, but it can't hurt to check and make sure they are sharing results and comparing notes.

It sounds like your doctors coming up with a plan together will be key since the fibroid is preventing the colonoscopy, and you are being told that even a CT Colonography can't be performed.

I don't want to make any assumptions about your health care team but rather give a bit of a public service announcement that second opinions can really make a difference in terms of finding out what your options are. Even if you are happy with your existing doctor(s), a second opinion could be valuable.

I hope you get some answers soon and a plan from your doctors on next steps so you aren't just waiting with no plan on how your symptoms will be addressed.

Please keep us posted when you can and we'll be thinking of you.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[MOLLYMILO007 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Maybe if you can afford it go to see a private gastroentrologist and seek advise then ask for nhs treatment...its worth their fee of around 200 to get a second opinion quick rather than worrying good luck I totally understand how anxious you are feeling its the worse feeling...Good luck xx

[MOLLYMILO007]

Why dont they give you a colonoscopy with contrast instead it's like a xray xx

[Mell88 in reply to MOLLYMILO007]

Yes I was just thinking the same x

[MOLLYMILO007]

Yes my fit test was positive had a ct colongraphy like a xray didn't find anything at all all clear so don't despair ask for a ct colongraphy x