73 yr old nervous

[Daniel1949]

Fit test came back positive

Never had a colonoscopy.

Have one scheduled

No other symptoms

Nervous as hell

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Daniel1949,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to hear you're having these symptoms, but you are all over this. You are doing exactly what needs to be done.

So, you had a FIT test come back positive. That just means they discovered some blood in a stool sample. Please know that this could be caused by many different things. Blood in the stool is definitely something that needs to be checked out. I see you have a colonoscopy scheduled and that is absolutely the best way to determine what's going on. You're searching for answers so you don't have to speculate and the colonoscopy is the best way to do it. 👍

I don't think you need to be that nervous about it. You should go back and think about any family history of certain diseases that may be related to what you are seeing. Is there a history of colon or bowel cancer in your family? Because blood in the stool is a symptom that can be caused by many different things. Have there been any other symptoms that you've been experiencing? Anything like abdominal pain or radically different bowel movements.

We do wish you the very best in finding out what's going on and causing these symptoms. I do know you are you are getting the very best things done to get you answers. I personally am a colon cancer survivor and as a part of my surveillance I get an annual colonoscopy. I do look at it as a way of proving I'm still kicking cancer’s butt. Your colonoscopy is gonna get you some good answers and I'm proud of you for jumping all over this and taking action.

Please don't be “nervous as hell”. One thing you need to do is make sure you do the “prep” right. I have found that if you move the timeline for everything you need to do for the prep up at least an hour to an hour and a half can be beneficial. I also find that if I add some Gatorade lime flavor to the colonoscopy prep it does help with the flavor. I have found that doing thisis good because you won't be focused on finding a bathroom before you need to go to the facility where you're gonna have the procedure. Your need to “go” will be dramatically lessened by the time you need to leave for your procedure. The whole idea behind the prep is to clean you out so you can get a good colonoscopy scan and really see what's going on. It is what it is. It's also important to do it correctly.

So, all the best in having a great colonoscopy procedure and getting the answers you're looking for. I think you're doing great. I don't think you should be nervous. Please do let us know what you find out as this type of information can be beneficial to others on this site. If you have any other questions for me, please feel free to reach out😁👍. You got this.

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.

[Daniel1949 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Thank you for your answer

No other symptoms and no family history

thanks again

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Daniel1949]

That is two big positives. Very good reasons not to be so nervous. I wish you the very best with your colonoscopy and getting the answers that you're looking for.

[IzzyF1202]

Hi Daniel, please don't worry.. I had a colonoscopy after my FIT test came back positive. Bloods were all good.. I had been unwell for 2 months, lots of toilet trips, pains in my stomach, bloating, etc.. They found 2 x polyps and removed them.. They looked benign and I was advised I have colitis.. They took biopsies this was on 10th Dec and I have had a letter since from the consultant to confirm this after the biopsies have been tested... They tell you on the day of your procedure but you do have to wait for any biopsy results but they're pretty good with their diagnosis on the day.. The actual procedure was a breeze.. I opted for gas and air and watched the whole thing on screen. I didn't find it painful and took very little gas and air.. But everyone is different. I wasn't keen on the prep.. The taste of it and not eating for 24 hours.. But I guess a small price to pay to get some results.. They also found an ovarian cyst on a CT scan that was done.. I'm being referred to a gynaecologist for this. I don't believe I need treatment.. I'm feeling much better now.. I keep a diary of my symptoms and removed dairy from my diet, sleep longer, drink 2 litres of water each day and stick to organic food.. Hope everything goes well for you.. X

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to IzzyF1202]

Thank you IzzyF1202 for sharing your story. I need to ask my gastroenterologist about the gas / air mixture so I may be able to watch my colonoscopy. Up until now I always just get knocked out with the propofol. I find that to be a very relaxing feeling.

We are very glad to see you are feeling much better now. That's good news. That is a good idea to keep a diary of your symptoms. And it is true that a diet changes can be beneficial as well. We do wish you all the best especially with your next appointment. We hope that you will not need treatment as well. 👍❤️

[IzzyF1202 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Hi, you're very welcome. I asked my doctor about gas and air days before my procedure and he said a lot of people opt for that.. I'm based in the UK. To be honest I didn't fancy being asleep.. Some people tolerate gas and air well, some don't.. I guess it depends on how your condition makes you feel.. I am much better now. The results from my ovarian cyst are just back too and it's a dermoid cyst one of the most common and harmless cysts you can have. They also did bloods for tumour markers and they're clear too.. Big relief! The gynae consultant has made me an appt for me to go and see him.. But they'll only keep an eye on it but should I experience any issues they'll remove it. My colitis doesn't need any surgery.. It looks like I can manage it with food and better lifestyle. I will be seeing the gastro consultant soon to discuss. The whole process here has been quick and efficient and very thorough. I'm very impressed. This is through NHS and not private. Although I do have private healthcare if ever I need to use it.. I live in Manchester, UK but every health care provider is different in the UK. But if blood in FIT test you are automatically put on a 2 week pathway to get all tests conducted in that timeline. All the best to you! 😊

[Daniel1949 in reply to IzzyF1202]

May I ask what age group you are in

[IzzyF1202 in reply to Daniel1949]

Hi, I'll be 56 soon..