Bowel Screening Test Shows Traces Of Blood

[Magnolia1]

I've had ibs for many years & always dreaded turning 60 & having to do bowel screening, the FOBT result came today & showed traces of blood, now have to do a FIT test & am absolutely terrified, if it's positive I'll have to have a colonoscopy. I have a phobia about colonoscopies following a bad experience in my 20's, also terrified, of course, about the outcome. Just don't know how to get through the waiting.

[Linley]

Lets turn this around -its got to be good news that the NHS care enough to do these tests when you reach 60. Secondly, your 2nd experience of a colonoscopy(if needed) probably won't be as bad as your 1st as things have changed. Even though some people find the prep the worst part it is the most important so the bowel can be seen clearly. If you don't like the actual procedure tell the Gastro and I am sure they will help you. Thirdly, if and I mean if there are pre cancerous cells they can be successfully treated, so please do not fear it look at the positives. Good Luck

[Poorlypatient]

This happened to me eight years ago and I had to do another 2 tests which came back ok.I was frantic with worry during all the waiting but have been perfectly ok since.I have ibs for about 20 years and can only assume the blood was due to a fissure or something similar.hope things go well for you it is the waiting for results that is the worst.

[Magnolia1 in reply to Poorlypatient]

Thanks, you're right, it's the waiting that is the worst & the fact that its nearly impossible to speak to my GP to get any thing to settle the anxiety or to get a referral letter if it's needed for a BUPA referral, thankful I have this as where I live waiting times are disastrous.