Positive FIT test

[Sueleen13]

I had right sided iliac fossa pain (discomfort on the right hand side of tummy) constipation was suggested but I was asked to do a FIT test which came back as positive. I was sent a referral under the 2 week scheme. Spoke to a triage nurse who suggested a Colonoscopy but I am Terrified of the discomfort on my right side as it has not got better so have asked for Virtual Colonoscopy but will this be as thorough as a regular colonoscopy. Any help very appreciated

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Sueleen13,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to hear you're experiencing the abdominal pain. I am glad to see that you're being proactive in getting it checked out. You bring up a good observation about the virtual colonoscopy versus a regular colonoscopy. The virtual colonoscopy involves taking some low dose radiation so the procedure can see details not only in your colon but also in other areas in your pelvis. The radiation is lower than getting a regular CT scan. This may be a good procedure to determine the pain that you are experiencing.

However, a question you need to ask is can the virtual colonoscopy determine why you tested positive for your FIT test? That positive means there is blood in your stool that was detected. That can be caused by many different things.

The virtual colonoscopy can see a lot of things but one of the things it cannot do is take a biopsy or remove something. If something is discovered with a virtual colonoscopy, you will have to have a regular colonoscopy to deal with it. Are there any hereditary issues in your family concerning health care? Anything from hemorrhoids to ulcers to certain diseases or even cancer? This may give some insight as to the possibility of finding something that may need to be removed.

Another thing to think about is the insurance. The first colonoscopy may be considered screening due to the symptoms you're experiencing. If something is found, the need for a regular colonoscopy may be deemed diagnostic by the insurance company.

You said that you were “terrified of the discomfort on my right side as it has not gotten better so you asked for a virtual colonoscopy”. Are you actually terrified of the discomfort a regular colonoscopy would cause or is it the pain you are experiencing on the right-hand side of your tummy? Both procedures do require the prep be performed but you would be avoiding the sedation and the effects of that.

We do wish you the very best with either of these procedures. It will be interesting to see which one will be chosen. 🤔

With my cancer history I get an annual colonoscopy, annual CT scan, annual blood work and an endoscopy every three years. Next time I visit my doctor I am going to ask about the virtual colonoscopy and see if that is a possibility for my surveillance. I know during my cancer fight I got a lot of CT scans, so I believe they're trying to avoid any increased radiation in my life. 👍😁

Thank you for bringing up this interesting topic. Please do let us know what you decided your procedure is going to be. Also, let us know the results of the procedure and what you find out as it is this type of information that can be helpful to others on this site.

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.

[Sueleen13 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

thank you so much for your reply, it was very comforting informative and helpful. I’m scared of the colonoscopy as I fear it touching the what feels like an inflamed area close to the caecum. I’ve not been examined by a consultant just sent directly for the scan so I requested the Virtual Ct scan out of fear. I’m in the UK btw age 63

[bantam12 in reply to Sueleen13]

Personally I would go for the conventional colonoscopy as they can take biopsies at any sites that look inflamed or suspicious and remove any polyps that might be lurking in there, if you go for the virtual scan and it shows something dodgy you will then have to go for the conventional one so better to do it all in one go rather than risk having to do it twice.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Sueleen13]

You are on the correct side of the body where you are experiencing the pain. Indeed, that area I would think the colonoscopy would be the best way to look at it. If you do a colonoscopy under full anesthesia like I do, you won't be feeling any pain from the scope being in that area and you will get some good pictures of what's going on😁. My first colonoscopy was when I had a tumor that needed to be dealt with. The colonoscopy scope could not even get past the obstruction. I don't feel any more today or any less today from the colonoscopies I get that are all clear. I've had polyps removed also. They all seem the same to me.

Did you know someone that had a bad experience with a colonoscopy? Or do you not deal with anesthesia very well? I believe the prep work between a regular colonoscopy and a virtual colonoscopy are pretty much the same. You need to be cleaned out either way.

I know when I get a colonoscopy the anesthesia is propofol. I find it to be the most relaxing experience when they first start to give you the anesthesia. Then you will slowly go into a deep sleep and wake up within the hour. You will feel a little groggy afterwards. I do look forward to that deep restful sleep😴. You do actually get to see some really nice color photos of what's going on inside of your colon. Last time my colonoscopy took about 15 minutes from applying the scope to finishing with the scope. That was a good scan with nothing sinister to report. Personally, I don't have any issues with the colonoscopy. Now I would rather just get a CT scan and be on my way, but the CT scan cannot reveal certain things that the colonoscopy will. That's why I get both annually. Believe me, I've asked to do just the CT and my docs said no.

I do wish you all the best in making your decision. I hope that whatever you choose to do will turn out well for you, give you the information you're looking for, and put you on the path to being well.

Please let us know what you decide.

Tom

[Sueleen13 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

thank you so much for taking the time to explain, it is really helping me and I think I will just go for it and opt for the Colonoscopy. Thank you again and I will post again with any updates. Sue

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Sueleen13]

I think that would be a good choice. It's probably the best way to get all the answers you're looking for and one procedure.

Now I do have some colonoscopy “prep” advice that I have obtained over my vast colonoscopy experience. That is kind of sad to say but it is true🤔😂.

The idea of the prep is to clear you out so they can get the best look at what's going on. You'll be told when you can have your last meal and what liquids are acceptable and when is the last time you can have some liquids. You'll have to start the prep the night before and then you'll do a second round of prep the day of your procedure.

1. I have found that moving the timetable up an hour to an hour and a half is beneficial both the night before and the day of that you'd be doing the prep. The prep will make you “go” and require you drink a lot of liquid during the process. By moving the timetable up, you'll be getting to the point where you won't have to “go” and you can get a good night's sleep. The day of the procedure you will have to drive to the facility where the colonoscopy will take place. So, moving the timetable up for the morning prep will allow you to get past having to “go” so often and you won't have to be looking for a bathroom as much before you get to the procedure.

2. When actually drinking the prep, it requires a lot of liquid. There are different kinds that can be used. If it needs to be thinned out, it is OK to add more liquid if you want to. You can also add flavor to it if you find that to be beneficial. I happen to like lime flavored Gatorade. I do mix some of that in with the prep and it tastes much better. It is important that you don't add anything that is purple or red in color. So, keep things on the clear side.

3. If you need to take some meds, they do allow you to do that. They will ask you when the last time you took those meds.

You'll be fine. You got this. 🧡

[Sueleen13]

yes I will I think. Thank you