Has anybody had a bowel cancer screening test come back positive? I sent mine back last week and got a letter today to say it was abnormal and I have an appointment next week to discuss having a colonoscopy. I take aspirin and Anagrelide for the ET, plus Amitryptilene for neuropathy and paracetamol and phosphate codeine for arthritis pain.
I haven't any symptoms, definitely not lost any weight, if only.
I've done the bowel screening test a couple of times before and it has been ok. However BOTH my parents had bowel cancer so it is a worry. I have mentioned this several times to my GP, but he has just said you don't have symptoms, come back if any siblings have it. (My brother has prostate cancer)
Of course it could just be something like piles as the codeine doesn't half bung me up!
So I'm going to be worrying about this for the next few weeks, just wondered if it was common amongst us that are on strong drugs.
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lizzziep
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Hi Lizziep sorry can't help you I have never had a bowel screening test but do think they are good thing to have . I can under stand you must be worried but has you have said it could be nothing to worry about but a good thing to have a few more tests . Who knows what meds do in our body's stay strong and hope the next few weeks go by fast sending you good wishes Poppy 6060
It's pointless telling you not to worry, because that's what we naturally do at these times, and the waiting certainly doesn't help.
Firstly, an abnormal reading doesn't always mean a positive for bowel cancer. Like you say, it could be piles - or even the aspirin! I'm not sure about the Anagrelide side effects. As for the combination of drugs, who knows!
Reassuringly, I had a friend who was called back for a colonoscopy - but nothing was ever found. I also had an 'abnormal result' for a cervical screening and had to have a repeat test which was found to be normal. So, it's not always a negative outcome. Having said all that, with your family history it is wise to be vigilant.
I've done a few of these but they have always been ok. A colonoscopy is a good idea, you are right it may just be piles from the codeine. Just remember the screening is a very early detection test and would pick up any slight bleeding which is a good thing. I hope you don't have to wait too long for the colonoscopy, the worry of waiting is often worse in these situations. I can understand your concerns given your family history but try to stay positive. Maybe you could have an earlier appointment if you can take a cancellation? Please let us know how you get on.
Thank you. Ne xt Tuesday is the earliest appointment available, that is just for them to take medial history etc. I'm not looking forward to the colonoscopy but want it out of the way asap! X
Yes, they're not the nicest things. I had one a few years ago when I had a stomach bleed. I do think that the thought of these things is always worse than the actual procedure. Get it done and get it over with then you can move on.
Hi Lizzilip. Yes my last test (done several over the years ) came back showing some blood, The screening people had informed my local hospital and I quickly received an appointment to go and see the colonoscopy nurse.
Like you I was a little concerned but not overly worried, so I had my consultation with the nurse, and an appointment was made for me to go in for the colonoscopy . I was nervous before the proceedure. But I have to say the staff at the unit were wonderful , and the respect and kindness shown by all was just great. All was well thank goodness. No problem.
So I just thank the very quick and professional way that the screening service set up the hospital appt. Nhs at its best.
So try not to worry ( easy to say I know) but this is a screening test that picks up the tiniest amount of blood. When it's all done you think , well thank you, that's a part of my body that I know is ok, cos it's been checked.
Thank you. I have had a colonoscopy before, quite a few years ago though. I'm hoping (obviously) it's something and nothing, but time will tell. Usually my days go far too fast but I bet the next few won't!
Hi Lizzie, I had a scare not after a screening test but just blood when I went to the loo. Like you I was very anxious and was told not to worry which is pointless cos you worry anyway. My symptoms were due to piles and all was ok. Every sympathy but I do understand what you are going through and send you a load of E hugs. Thinking of you Aime xx😺😺
Hi Lizzie there was bowel cancer in my family, so when one of mine came back irregular was sent for a colonoscopy, for them to find out that I had 8 pockets of diverticular disease, so now if I get a flare up of it I have to have a course of Antibiotics. There was no sign of cancer. My mother lived with a colostomy bag for 21 years and it was not that which she died of in the end so it could be numerous things from piles, diverticulitis, there is quite a few things that can make the readings come back irregular, so try not to worry to much let's hope they do it soon, even if it just to put your mind at rest.
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