Hi has anyone had positive fit test (mine 158)raised calprotectin (mine 117) then had normal colonoscopy! No real change in bowel sometimes slightly constipated sometimes on soft (not loose) no visible blood but had On going abdo pain (above navel ) and noise windy stomach for 18 months.
Awaiting date for colonoscopy been told will deff be within 2 weeks and frankly am bricking it!
Many thanks
Hello Georgie999 ,
Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected.
I'm sorry to hear about the anxiety - we definitely understand what you are feeling.
As hard as it is, try to not let the anxiety get to you too much. (I know that it is a lot easier said than done!). Our GI systems are very sensitive to stress and anxiety, unfortunately.
A positive FIT means you need a colonoscopy but it does NOT yet mean anything other than further testing is needed. Many times the cause of a positive FIT test is a non-cancerous condition, such as ulcers or hemorrhoids, or large polyps. Yes, colorectal cancer is a possibility but please do your best not to jump ahead to a diagnosis because you can really make yourself sick with worry.
We understand that right now you are anxious and worried. Many people in this group have "been there" and it turned out not to be cancer but inflammation or chronic GI condition.
You are doing everything you "should" be doing. Many people find that distracting themselves is helpful in getting through the time period in waiting for a doctor's appointment test results, etc. Some suggestions: binging Netflix, a self-care routine such as yoga, taking a bath, face-timing with friends/family, going for a walk, doing arts/crafts, writing down in a diary about how you are feeling, etc.
Did they let you know when you'll be getting a definite date for the colonoscopy?
It will be important to focus energy on being prepared for the prep, and maybe a good way to distract is to plan ahead for your prep and your 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 a specific over-the-counter laxative 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!
~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.
Thanks for your reply and helpful hints got colonoscopy next Friday will try to pull myself togetherness the next 8 days!
Georgie999 - you got this! Feel free to post and share how you are doing in advance on next Friday. We're here for you!
Hi Georgie, I understand how scared you feel. I’m only 45 and have my colonoscopy tomorrow. My bowel is distended we can see from a Ct and X-ray done last week. Done first part of my bowel prep and have rest in the morning. I have turned into a snappy monster to everyone and just want to run and hide. I wish you faith and send much hugs to you.
Thankyou for your kind words rainbow and good luck for later! Let me know how it goes . As for being snappy! I do seem to have grown a second head! On one had want it over to know what's going on on other scared what they might say.Take care x
How did it go rainbowblues ?😐
Hi Georgie I had 20 biopsies taken overall despite the bowel prep not working so great. A three week wait now till I see consultant with results. How you doing Georgie?
Sounds promising when they say don't suspect big c glad all went ok and hopefully all sorted when you get biopsy result keep us posted! Just had covi d swab so self isolate now till procedure Friday 👌
Covid Swabbed now you are on the home run Georgie. Remember the tips for bowel prep particularly the soft wet wipes they will be useful. I left my veg gardening book in the toilet so I could read about my March seed planting as a diversion. Good luck for the day. 20 biopsies is allot I guess my consultant is being through. Will let you know how I go. Georgie if you need to message any time please do and don’t feel on you’re own as you are not. 😁😁😁
Well all done boy does that prep work!! Anyway decided not to have sedation and got away with a couple of tugs on the entonox all looking good one polyp removed low down but said was an inconsequential find and did not look at all worrying so removed and sent off so no finding for positive fit test or raised calprotection . Thanks for your support was so helpful 😁😁
Great stuff Georgie I am so glad it went well. No sedation too that great. Fingers crossed that’s all for you now. Support given was because that’s what we do be there for others. Have a relaxing weekend my lovely 😊.
Hi Rainbowblues - when you are up for it, please give an update on how the colonoscopy went.
"Snappy monster" what a great way to describe how you were feeling. I'm sure those closest to you understand, or at least know that you are under a lot of pressure the night before a colonoscopy. There's a lot going on physically and mentally as your prep for a colonoscopy, don't be too hard on yourself!
We hope the colonoscopy went well - and are here for you.
~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.
Hi Nicole, well I have to say from the minute the anaesthetist started to put sedation in I was out of it. I woke up with my continual pain I’ve had for six weeks however no additional pain from the colonoscopy. I was in and out on way back home n 2.5hrs. My consultant said the bowel prep plenvue which is the strongest one had done a poor job despite my best efforts. Nonetheless he took 16 biopsy’s from the furthest part of bowel which was inflamed and 4 from the first part of the bowel. He will give me results in three weeks time and tried to reassure me he didn’t think it is anything sinister like big ‘c’. I will keep you updated. Thanks to healthunlocked and it’s members for being there. Deb
Hi Rainbowblues ,
I'm so sorry to hear that you are still in pain. While I am guessing you have some level of relief that you didn't wake up to the news of a large cancerous mass, you have been through a lot, and waiting for results is stressful.
I do hope that the biopsies will provide insight into the pain and symptoms you are experiencing and that your pain and symptoms can be treated.
Whenever you next have a colonoscopy, be sure to discuss with your medical team what you experienced, and that the bowel visibility was poor. They may have medical advice to give you to help you get through the prep and also ensure that they have a clear view of the colon.
Please keep us updated when you can. We're here for you.
~Nicole @ GCCA
Still in pain and having BM with laxatives and enemas. Going to get some spring sunshine supervising replanting of the hanging baskets in garden to take mind of the results wait and pain. 😁
Rainbowblues - it sounds like some sunshine and gardening will be a great distraction! Please keep us updated. We're thinking of you,
~Nicole @ GCCA
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