Stool sample test - could positive result caused by endo?

[Nix123]

I’ve been suffering from what I thought was an endo flare up since Oct last year (previously had it on utero ligaments and POD) and my GP referred me back to gynae. Appointment wasn’t until jan so I paid to see her privately and she said it had returned but for a lap on nhs I have to wait until my nhs gynae appt to discuss (which they keep moving and is now 26th March!). I’ve been back to GP as pain in lower right area and hip is very painful a lot of the time. I had bloods done and they are ok but she also did stool sample. I’ve now been told I need to go in to see the doctor to discuss the result and obviously I’m quite worried. Bowel cancer does run on the female side of the family so I’m half expecting it to be thrat but I’d be interested to know if anyone with endo had a positive stool test? I’ve not seen blood in stool (had rectal bleeding during period only) and suffer ibs symptoms, mainly constipation and gas. I’m trying not to worry but it’s really hard not to!!

[Zuzz]

Dear Nix,

I’m not sure what they tested your stool for but if it was for blood then yes endo can cause positive results for blood as you might have it on your bowels. Don’t worry, it is most likely endo! It’s a shame GP did not explain to you properly what it was positive for.. I had colonoscopy and they found area which they first thought it’s tumour but then it was endo.. so you are not alone

Xxx

[Nix123 in reply to Zuzz]

Thanks for your reply. I went to see GP yesterday and she said it showed signs of inflammation, not massively high but still enough to notice. I asked if it could be due to endo and she didn't really know but has referred me to gastroenterologist. I remember having all sorts of bowel problems when I had endo a few years ago which wasn't connected but seemed to all dissipate after my lap and treatment. I've been told the wait for gastro is likely to be three months (*eye roll*) and my gynae appt is still two months away (*extra eye roll*). I'm going to go on an antiflammatory diet and see if that helps. I have always had IBS symptoms (again they went away after my last lap) and had a colonoscopy in 2014 which was clear. Hopefully it is all connected to the endo - just wish there was more effort from doctors in trying to connect all the dots!

[Rbdcrlm]

Hi Nix123,

I was diagnosed with endo because of positive stool samples. They originally thought I may have had Ulcerative Collitis and so went for a colonoscopy to diagnose, but my gastrointerologist found that instead it was endometriosis that had penetrated all the way through to the inner-most layer of my bowel wall. I need to get a bowel resection. I have rectal bleeding all through out the month, though particularly during Ovulation and menstruation.

I hope all goes well and it's not colorectal cancer. All the best x

[Nix123 in reply to Rbdcrlm]

Thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear about what you went through. I had rectal bleeding but only during period not other times. I’m hoping it’s all connected but thinking I’m probably going to have to pay if I want to find out anytime soon 🙄 x

[Rbdcrlm in reply to Nix123]

Out of curiosity, if you don't mind me asking, how are they currently treating your symptoms. I am relatively new the endo but I thought it there was rectal bleeding during period, that meant it is pretty deep in the bowel?

[Nix123 in reply to Rbdcrlm]

Well I’m beginning to think I’m not getting the right advice. I should have asked to be referred to a specialist centre I think but when I had it before but the gynae didn’t seem too concerned. She’s quite experienced or so I thought but I’m beginning to wonder. I didn’t really get much follow up at all after the last lap only to say they removed it from ligaments and POD. I’m on such a long wait list to see her again I don’t want to switch now. I have another scan on wed then I will go and see the gastro privately I think. Now I’ve had this result I’m hoping if I call up they might move my appt forward.

[duckeggblue]

Hi nix!

I’m the same - just had a stool sample result back saying raised calprotectin level that could suggest bowel inflammation - waiting to see gastro doc also. Same time I’m also on waiting list for a laparoscopy for poss endo! From what I’ve researched the symptoms for IBD and endo are similar and you can have both at the same time. Hope that helps a bit and doesn’t make you feel alone! X

[Nix123 in reply to duckeggblue]

Thanks for your reply! I found out the other day I have an ovarian cyst - functional though they think . But apparently this ovary is in my pouch of Douglas which is where I had endo before and is v near the bowel. So could explain a lot I suppose. I’m just fed up of waiting! Hope you get seen soon too xx