Hiatus Hernia and Positive Fit Test

[Loopyl00]

Hello, I’ve been having reflux issues since the summer and had an endoscopy where they found a hiatus hernia. However as my reflux symptoms haven’t improved upper stomach / chest and stomach discomfort they did a FIT test which came back positive (24) for hidden blood. Waiting for a colonoscopy. My poo is changeable between soft, normal and sometimes constipated. Doesn’t look an unusual colour. Some days I go once, some days more. Freaking out it’s a sign of bowel cancer?

I’m 45. Anyone have any thoughts?

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello Loopyl00 ,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. Sorry to read about your reflux issues, that must be very uncomfortable.

Having positive FIT results can cause a lot of anxiety, and I would recommend doing your best not to get ahead of being sure you have colorectal cancer. I know this is really difficult to do - and so we recommend that you put your energy into getting the colonoscopy scheduled (if it is not already) and preparing for the colonoscopy. A positive FIT is not a colorectal cancer diagnosis, but we do know that it can cause a great deal of anxiety.

It would also be good to ensure that you have a list of all medications that you take, including over the counter items, and any other notes that you think would be important for your doctor to know. (Especially if you are going to be seeing a different doctor for the colonoscopy than the doctor who gave you the FIT.). This list could include any such as any food allergies you have, things that you've noticed trigger bowel issues, etc. Since you mention that your bowel habits vary, tracking that and keeping a journal may be useful.

Finding out if there is a history of cancer in your family is a good idea as well. Between 5-10% of colorectal cancers are hereditary.

The FIT identified that there was blood in the stool. The positive result could be caused by a stomach ulcer, hemorrhoids, other inflammation. A positive FIT can also be due to a polyp, a pre-cancerous polyp, or colorectal cancer. A positive FIT means you need a colonoscopy to determine the reason for the positive result, but sometimes there are false positives, meaning that the FIT was positive, but there is no cancer.

As I mentioned above, the #1 goal now is to get the colonoscopy, and depending on where you are in the world and how COVID has impacted your area, the waiting time can vary. Were you given a sense of how long it would be before you would have the colonoscopy?

Here are some tips to get you through your colonoscopy:

1. Once you get the prescription for the prep that you'll drink, follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Your doctor may give you a prescription, or they may tell you specific over the counter laxatives to purchase.

You want to have the cleanest colon for the doctor to be able to see everything with no fecal matter obscuring the way. We like this tool that Kaiser Permanente put together (with drawings!) that shows food to avoid and foods to eat leading up to when you actually start drinking the prep: wa.kaiserpermanente.org/htm...

2. Get prepared to prep! Many people say the prep is the worst part of the colonoscopy procedure as a whole. Depending on what your doctor prescribes, it may be a lot of the same drink with the medication mixed in (such as Gatorade) vs. a smaller volume of prep that you drink, and then separately drink a certain amount of liquid of your choice (excluding something like a red Gatorade which could stain your colon for the test).

a. In addition to picking up your prescription, buy yourself some supplies:

*Toilet paper (necessary!)

*Wet wipes (never flush wipes even if they say flushable, the last thing you want is a clogged toilet when you are in the midst of prepping for a colonoscopy),

*Magazines

b. While you are going through prep, many treat themselves to buying a movie or series they've been wanting to see.

3. If during your prep you have any concerns or don't feel well (nauseous, etc.) call your doctor to let them know what is going on.

4. Most places will require you to have a family member or friend drive you home (you can not drive for the rest of the day), most places won't want you taking a taxi or Uber home alone. Bringing a family member or friend who can take notes on what the doctor tells you when you are in the recovery area will be key - you most likely won't remember what they say.

Good luck and please keep us posted. We'll be thinking of you and hoping for good news. Please do let us know if you are scheduled or if not yet, when they expect that you'll be able to get the colonoscopy.

~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.