Awaiting Colonoscopy

[Ltn2023]

Iv been having episodes of loose stools in the morning for a few months now. I have on and off very mild abdominal cramps also which are all over my abdomen. I am 37 F and went to the docs about these issues. He carried out a full blood count and two stool samples. All was normal apart for the the FIT test with came back with a score of 30. I have been booked in for a colonscopy next week and I am going out of my mind with worry. I have never seen any visible blood but I do get yellow/browish gel lumps which I am assuming is mucus. I also get intermittent pressure in my rectum area. I am very worried and suppose I am on here just looking for some reassurance.

[Helloit]

Hello Ltn2023 I know it’s scary waiting for answers but from my experience in May it really put my mind at ease when I eventually find out what has been causing my symptoms you’ll be in safe hands the anxiety is real though 🤍

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Ltn2023,

Thank you for posting with us. First off, I want to say I am proud of you and that I think you are all over this and looking for answers. A lot of people ignore symptoms and it gets worse for them. I did🤔. You’re not one of those. Also, I see you are young and that is a good thing as well. However, never accept a diagnosis based on your age. It doesn’t sound like this is going on with you and that’s good. You have symptoms and a diagnosis needs to be addressing those symptoms. I think you are on the right track.

I know when I was diagnosed, I did not have a visual of blood in my stool. It is protocol to have a FIT test just to confirm what’s going on. It is also great you’re going to have a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy is the gold standard for getting answers to what’s going on. Anytime there is blood in the stool or you’re having abdominal cramping or pain, the colonoscopy is one of the best ways to determine what’s going on. I am glad to see you’re having this done.

Some other good information to share with your doctor is if there are any hereditary medical issues going on within your family. This could lead to some further testing which could be beneficial.

I do wish you the best in finding answers. I think you are all over this and doing exactly what needs to be done. Don't worry. You are on the path to being well soon. I would focus on getting that colonoscopy done and doing the prep work properly. That's beneficial and it’s also something you can control. As a part of my surveillance, I get an annual colonoscopy and an annual CT scan. My advice on the colonoscopy is to move the prep work timing up an hour to an hour and a half. Do this the day before and the day of the procedure. This will allow you to get a good night’s sleep the night before the procedure and also allow you to head to the procedure without worrying about having to find a bathroom on the way. It helps me and maybe it’ll help you as well👍😁. I also add lime Gatorade to the mix to help with flavor and add some electrolytes.

I hope you get on the path to being well ASAP. Please let us know what you find out. Type of information that can be helpful 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.

[Ceelooo227]

Hi! How did it go for you? I think I have blood clumps in stool plus pressure in rectum and worried about my colonoacopy coming up. Thanks!