results of qFIT interesting

[Schnoodle2017]

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all doing well.

just to give you all a quick update. After ointment treatment for my anal area did the test and handed it into reception last Monday 27th March.

My results came back just now through my patient record online. Essentially it say “normal, no further action required.”

Interestingly the details state that there is Faecal occult blood test < 7 ug Hb/g Faeces.

It’s less than 10. So I’m wondering if it’s 1 to 9ug Hb /g does it mean a tiny amount of blood is present anyway?

I know, I should be relieved and it’s great news. I’m curious that’s all. Maybe it’s like that all adults will register a Ug number.

I have finally got an appointment for my abdominal scan for 27th April. Fingers crossed we don’t anything sinister there. The still hasn’t much chsnge in my stomach. Pain hasn’t become worse all this time.

we’re getting there!!!!

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Schnoodle2017,

Welcome back to Colon Cancer Connected. That is indeed good news and congratulations for that. I do like that you are questioning the fact that blood was detected but still determined to be “normal” and no further action required. I'm not too sure that I agree with that diagnosis. I would pursue that further because if there's any blood being detected, you need to know the cause. I have not heard anything about “all adults registering a Ug number” when it comes to a FIT test. I have not found anything that says that. So, please pursue an answer to that. Or ask to do another test to see how it compares to the first one. Maybe the original was a false positive? A second test result would be interesting to see.

Bravo on the appointment to get your abdominal scan on April 27th. That's a month out, but at least you're on the list to get it done.👏👏

I'm with you. No one fights alone. And you are correct, “we're getting there” and I wish you positive vibez in the process.🙏💪👍❤️

Please let us know at the end of April once you find out.

Thank you,

Tom

[tony11173]

Qfit is a marker, not a diagnosis. My qfit was under 3ug on 3 tests over 2 Years. I believe also it is more sensitive for lower colon issues like bleeding. My CTvirtual colonoscopy was negative but with continuing pain weight loss and anaemia i pushed for full gi scopes....Oesophagitis, Gastritis, fundic stomach polyps, erythematosus, hiatus hernia and diverticula disease was found. You need to advocate your health.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to tony11173]

Thank you for jumping in. Good point. It is a marker and you are absolutely right that you need advocate for your health. I hope everyone realizes that. I was in a good location when I got my cancer diagnosis. I realize now that not everyone is and needs to advocate for themselves.

You definitely got a ton of info from your scopes. I'm glad you pushed for that. I hope you are on a path to being well.👍❤️

[Schnoodle2017 in reply to tony11173]

I do have to point out and, I hope someone in the know can corrected me here. It has to be pointed out that in the past we couldn’t exactly request yo have tests, screening and what have you in the NHS (National Health Service). the culture appears to be leaning towards patients making request nowadays but, I personally don’t know how far that goes.

In my case, for instance, they won’t do a thing if a qFIT is below 10ug. The only time they would as if there are ongoing symptoms that haven’t been resolved after a normal qFIT test. As for my stomach, well, the ultrasound appt there. The NHS won’t anything more until I’ve had that. The system we have somewhat rigid due nationwide contributions instead individual health insurance.

Rest assured that I’m keeping an eye on things. I’m paying attention to bowel habits etc. Always looking for ways to improve my diet and getting into good habits I.e. eating fruit regularly. Thanks for your concern and one thing I will take from this is not to accept the first I get if I feel something isn’t right.

[tony11173 in reply to Schnoodle2017]

Yes, the point you make is important. NHS screening has criteria beyond that which patient has control. bowel screening age has reduced recently in England, i believe, partly because younger people can get bowel disease too. As i said qFIT is a marker and it may indicate a level of bleeding but it doesn't point to disease diagnosis. In my case the level of NHS support i received was appalling. Even my GP was overruled by a jumped up , nameless hospital representative. Thats why i found a private gastroenterologist who found the diseases i mentioned earlier. My functional IBS was infact 5 other diseases, 2 of which were potentially serious. Maybe i owe my life to the gastroenterologist. Of course, not everyone can afford the cost of tests but then again, it may explain why so many people get ill from from potentially preventable and curable situation. You mentioned u/sound. I actually got a virtual CT with qfit less than 3ug on NHS.!! I also had abdominal pain ...Maybe its the NHS region that decides who gets whichever tests !?? Good luck.

[Schnoodle2017 in reply to tony11173]

Quite likely; the NHS services are so patchy throughout the country. I’m sorry to hear about your NHS experience. It’s all too common that many people get treated poorly using NHS. It all boils down to who you see, who’s on you case team. Money is the overriding factor yet, if anyone is lucky enough to get a really dr. Consultant etc. they can move mountains near enough.

I thought about maybe getting private health insurance but, they are so tricky. Different insurance cover this, but don’t cover that. It’s a mind field getting insurance that is comprehensive.

One thing I have come to terms with is being confident enough to keep going to dr. if things are still not right. I don’t let things rest for long. 😉

[Schnoodle2017]

thanks guys. I’ll keep a close eye on things. The NHS, since April 2021, had lowered the age of people receiving qFIT test at age 56. They’re a four year plan to lower the to 50 to qualify for qFIT tests in the post.

One thing must be taken into account is that I definitely have and had piles for years now. I will keep an eye on things given the ug number. Glad I had this checked out.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Schnoodle2017]

Don't forget to let us know how that abdominal scan goes later this month.👍🙏❤️

[Schnoodle2017]

I will. I should find out what they pick up on the day of ultrasound.