Colonscopy update, large polyp found

[Yellowtaxi]

Evening,

Thought I’d update you all. So I had my colonoscopy and they found a 30mm polyp in the sigmoid area 20cm from anal verge. I was told I needed to have it removed by someone else due to the size and would be on the 2 week wait list again - well they’ve called and told me they can’t fit me in for 4 weeks! When I explained that my letter says 2 weeks she said that it also specifically said a particular consultant had to do it and he has no space for the next 4 weeks hence I have to wait.

So I’m still no nearer an answer and I have to have a second colonoscopy which means another bowel prep which was very unpleasant. I wish they’d took a biospy from it at least so I could get some answers quicker as to wether I should still be worried. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or have had something that size or similar?

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Yellowtaxi,

Thank you for the update. I am still amazed at some of the healthcare procedures and how they differ around the world. Ugh!!! I hate you have to be put through this drawn out situation. I have not idea why a biopsy wasn't taken, but then again I'm not a doctor. They had to have their reasons. Did you specifically ask why a biopsy wasn't taken during the original colonoscopy? I would hope you can have the procedure to remove the 2nd polyp before 4 weeks. Maybe there is another facility you could go to so it can be done sooner?

Also, it wasn't a complete wash as you had two polyps and one was removed and I'm sure sent to pathology. It shouldn't take that long to get those results. Perhaps ask about that?

You're doing what you can do to get answers. Maybe someone on this site will have some advice to speed up your second procedure.

Again, we do wish you all the best in finding your answers. I am definitely interested in how all this turns out. It can be very helpful to others as well.

Thank You,

Tom

[Alloagirl]

Hi Yellowtaxi, so sorry they have extended the wait. Unfortunately unless we have private medical insurance we cannot get a second opinion. Luckily you are in the system now and the polyp will be removed. I had four polyps the largest 5mm. The surgeon knew they were benign. So maybe they have to remove the whole polyp before sending to pathology. Did they take any other specimens ? Hoping the 4 weeks goes quickly and you have answers soon.

[Redroses21 in reply to Alloagirl]

hi was it a bowel resection you had

[Alloagirl in reply to Redroses21]

Hi Red Roses, wondering if you meant to reply to me . I did not need any surgery other than the colonoscopy. I did not have any cancer , luckily polyps removed before they had time to become sinister. Are you worrying about something. Best wishes.

[provenceshale in reply to Alloagirl]

what symptoms did you have that the doctor ordered you a colonoscopy? I'm interested in hearing about the various symptoms from different people.

[Alloagirl in reply to provenceshale]

Just a stomach pain and diarrhoea. She asked me to do a fit test which was high, so 2 week follow up came into play.

[Beatrice2012]

Hi Yellowtaxi. It is such a tense time, waiting. I have 30mm sigmoid tumour 15 cm from the colorectal ridge.

I had a colonoscopy 5 October. I thought the biopsy was an automatic process as the colonoscopy itself was quite painful - as was the sigmoidoscopy (to insert tattoo) - I wouldn't fancy doing that again.

At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital the process is to have all screenings done, CT-PET (with dye); MRI, Sigmoidoscopy; bloods etc. When all the results are in the MDT meet up to decide the best treatment path. You are then sent an outpatients referral (pretty quickly) to talk to the surgeon with the plan. I am expecting to hear any moment. There is a delay with histology results, I believe, countrywide.