I am terrified of colonoscopy results. Please help

[Turbo56]

Hello,

I have been so anxious and worried the past couple of weeks. I just turned 26 and I have been having blood in my stool and on the TP for about 5 months now, usually bright red blood. I went to a GI doctor late May who did blood work (complete blood count, inflammatory markers, etc) which all came back fine. I also had a FOBT done which came back positive. The doctor did an exam and said that I have an external hemmorhoid and an anal skin tag. She recommended Benefiber which I have been taking everyday and she just prescribed me a hydrocortisone cream. The doctor does not seem to be concerned that it is anything serious. However, I am so scared that it is something other than hemmorhoids (cancer). I have a colonoscopy schedule for the beginning of August and I am terrified of what the results will be. I cannot stop Googling and freaking myself out. Please help

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Turbo56,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to hear you are having to deal with these things yet I proud for you as you are handling them the exact way you should be. You observed symptoms and took action to figure out what's going on. You are looking for answers. Yes, you are young; but the symptoms shouldn't be ignored at any age and you are doing great. You are way ahead of the game and that's awesome. A lot of people don't jump on these symptoms.

You have a colonoscopy scheduled for beginning of August. With a positive FOBT, this is the next step. This will go a long way in narrowing down your issues and giving you some answers. Getting answers should be your focus. Googling can drive you crazy. Gotta focus that googling after you get some kind of direction from your colonoscopy. You may not have to google at all. In fact, google questioning your doctor is much better.

Yes, a positive FOBT , but there are many causes for blood in the stool, some are very treatable with medication, diet change, and minor procedures, and of course, there are more serious reasons for blood in the stool as well. For that reason, we always advise patients to seek medical care when they have blood in the stool.

We do wish you the very best in finding out some answers. You are doing exactly what you should be doing. Remember, do the PREP work well. You want the best colonoscopy you can get. I get a colonoscopy every year for surveillance purposes. I had a hereditary cancer, so I have to be watch closely to catch things early.

TIPS: Move the PREP timing up an hour on procedure day. This way things will calm down before you have to head off to to the actual procedure. I also sometimes add lime Gatorade to the mix for better flavor. You can actually add fluid, but not less if you need to thin it out a bit. Remember, nothing red.

Please let us know how it goes for you. That information can be helpful to other experiencing the same things.

All the best ... Thank You,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - 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.

[Mumofsix73]

Hello please do not worry you’re self I no it’s hard to say but I am a lady of 49 and I had a colonoscopy done on Tuesday just gone I had blood on stool then looser bowel movements positive fit result I had a small polyp removed which they said looked fine I have internal piles which was causing the bleed and change also they took a sample to rule out colitis if it isn’t that it’s ibs they said please do not worry

[nieldy in reply to Mumofsix73]

Hi just wanna ask what are your symptoms?

[Mumofsix73 in reply to nieldy]

Blood on stool,then a bit of bloody mucus,Diarrhea for 3 weeks,positive fit test

[nieldy in reply to Mumofsix73]

I hope you're doing fine now

[Mumofsix73 in reply to nieldy]

I am thank you how are you