IBS Worries

[Dh19]

I’m new to this forum and joined because I was worried when I received an abnormal FIT test result from my GP. I do have health anxiety and let my mind run wild not helped by Googling what was wrong ... lesson leaned you will always focus on the worst case scenario. I was convinced my bloating, cramps, pains in my left and right sides and loose stools were the big C.

My GP put me on the 2 week referral and tried to explain that an abnormal FIT didn’t mean the worse and was quite common.

My mind was in over drive thinking the worse which transpired not to be so. I had my colonoscopy today and my colon was perfect with a couple of piles being the only insignificant issue. The colonoscopy with gas and air was OK not something I want to repeat but not too bad at all, only a little pain when the air went in. The prep was ok too. The consultant and nurses were great, explained everything and were very kind. Nothing was a bother (thank u NHS)

The worry has disappeared and I can concentrate on getting my ibs under control.

Hopefully this post helps others in the same situation to not worry so much and that there can indeed be a symptoms which whilst unpleasant are not life threatening. Hope all have a very happy Christmas.

[fodder4me]

Thankyou for your post. I will be having a colonoscopy and endoscopy early in the new year. I am trying not to think about it. But like you. I am thinking the worst after blood in 1 stool sample. I am so anxious about these tests, and it is not helping to keep my IBS under control. I must try and think positive thoughts!

[Dh19 in reply to fodder4me]

I do understand it is difficult not to worry as I did the same initially but if you can think of the positives and that there are many benign explanations for the blood, pain etc. I have had a stressful year as many will have had so basically my IBS went into overdrive with all sorts of new symptoms. The important thing is to get things checked out. As my doctor said if they know there is an issue they can fix it.... it’s the unknown that is the issue. Stay strong, try to enjoy Christmas and once your tests are over you can get back to normal and hopefully not worry anymore. Take care.

[Quilt2]

Thank you for posting your story. I, too, have high anxiety regarding health issues and to tend to think anything must be cancer. I found it reassuring to read your report.

[Dh19 in reply to Quilt2]

It is difficult not to think the worse and as humans we tend to gravitate to the worst case scenario but in reality you are more than likely not to have anything serious. When we look at % we tend to ignore the 99 being well and think we all will be the one to be unlucky. One piece of great advice I received from a very nice doctor is always get things checked if you have a concern, it isn’t wasting their time and knowing is much better than the unknown. Honestly it works and I have become a much calmer person by taking control of a situation. Have a lovely Christmas

[Quilt2 in reply to Dh19]

Thanks! Wise words.

[Hidden]

I'm so glad all is okay and it's understandable that you were worried. Thank you for posting this as it will help others.

I'm on the Low Fodmap diet and it's the best thing that's happened to me as my IBS is well under control now.

Take care and have a lovely Christmas and New Year.