Chronic anal fissure and a positive FIT test

[grebn]

Hi all,

I was wondering if I could share my current experience, to see if anyone has been in a similar position?

I've had intermittent issues with an anal fissure since 2012, most of the time it's been a bother for a day or two, then disappeared for months so I never really took too much notice (it was diagnosed in 2012, but as they considered it acute just prescribed high fibre diet and GTN). However, 10 months ago I had a bowel movement that I can only describe as feeling like I was giving birth to the death star, and since then it's been a daily, ongoing chronic condition (I've been on a waiting list for botox for 7 months now).

My doctor recently suggested I take a FIT test to rule out anything more sinister and it came back positive (197 ug/g). He did say not to take the test if the fissure had bled as it could give a false positive. On the day I did do it, the bowel movement was very painful, as it had been since he examined me a couple of days prior, but I hadn't seen any blood on the tissue for about 10 days. However, the pain on both these days was such that I was surprised not to see it then as well.

I was given a fast track referral for a colonoscopy. The reason given on my notes was being suspected of gower CI cancer. That of course has given me nothing but panic, even though I know it's standard NHS speak for red flag symptoms (like chest pains and heart attacks) but I am very rattled, and am a bit of a wreck at the moment.

My nurse and doctor both said a fissure could leave traces of blood that would be picked up by a FIT test, but the CRC specialise I saw said it was unlikely. Given the FIT reading was so high should I be correct to panic? If anyone has had similar experiences I would love to hear how things panned out!

I should mention my blood tests all came back normal (no anaemia or infection markers). My other symptoms are intermittent soreness and tenderness in my upper central abdomen (I had erosive gastritis a couple of years ago and this feels like a much milder version of that, and it's in the same place), a small amount of weight loss (about a stone over the last year I guess, but then I am eating less and walking more - cycling is not good for fissures!) and possibly more frequent bowel movements (I tend to go 2 or 3 times a day, problem is I can't really remember how many times a day I went before the chronic fissure as without the accompanying pain I didn't really take any notice). However, I've been a nervous wreck over the fissure and the FIT results for such a long time that I think anxiety could be responsible.

Anyways, that's my story!

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi grebn,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to hear that you have this going on but encouraged about what you're doing about it. I'm glad to see you are on the fast-track referral for colonoscopy. Is that going to be in the next week or so? The colonoscopy is absolutely the best way to get you good answers. You need to get the answers for a positive fit test as well as the soreness and tenderness in your upper abdomen. The colonoscopy should get you some good answers about that.

As far as the anal fissure and the positive fit test, the two could be related. You really can't rule that out. Maybe someone else on this site can comment on experiencing a high FIT test and what they did about it or what it turned out to be. And you are correct that anxiety could be playing a role in what you are experiencing as well.

I would focus more on getting the colonoscopy as soon as you can. Think about the prep that's required for that as that needs to be done well. I think you're doing well in the actions you're taking. I think once you get that colonoscopy, you'll have a good path to be getting well and feeling well. Another thing to think about is if there is a family history of certain diseases. That would be good information for your doctor.

I do wish you the best in finding out what's going on. When you get your colonoscopy and get those answers, please let us know what you found out. Is that type of information that can prove to be valuable to others on this site as well.

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.

[grebn in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Hi Tom,

Thankyou so much for your thoughtful and detailed response! I really appreciate it.

The colonoscopy is in 8 days time, so not long to wait at least. I'm still feeling very nervous about it which I think is natural, but I'm also aware of other things that could produce these same symptoms.

Thankfully there's no history of colon or bowel cancer in my family at all. In fact the only cancer in my family has been my nan who died at 82 having smoked all her life.

I will keep the group posted as to what happens!

All best,

Paul

[norfolkdumpling in reply to grebn]

I’m in literally the same situation but I’m a few days behind still awaiting appointment I feel awful

[grebn in reply to norfolkdumpling]

Hey, I'm so sorry you're going through this too. So is it a fissure with a high FIT test you've got? Any other symptoms?

[grebn in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Hiya!

Just to update folk on here who might be in a similar position, all clear - it turned out to be internal hemmeroids.

Paul

[Schnoodle2017 in reply to grebn]

that must be a huge relief!

I went to doctors after seeing blood during wiping. Happened several times this year. He examined me. Told me my skin is excoriated, very scratched and a minor tear in skin. He’s given me ointment treatment to use for two weeks. Been given a qFIT test as precaution as I can’t really tell if my stools look normal.