90 year old, abnormal fit test

I am 90 years old and have had an abnormal fit test, my gp is referring me the the hospital and has done blood tests. My dr says it is difficult to perform a colonoscopy on someone my age, does anyone know why this is and what alternative there is to investigate this for me.

I went to the dr because I'm having constipation and diarrhoea and very uncomfortable.

thank you for reading this.

  • I had the ct scan today, they said I should hear results within two weeks.

  • dennis2411, how did you get on, I ask as my 80 year old husband had his stomach out in Jan, since then he’s had a FIT test that’s come back positive (21.5 if I remember right), he can’t have the prep drink as it would be to much for him, so his CNS stomach nurse has suggested a CTC scan with an enema. Is the scan just a normal scan? How did you get on, I hope it went ok and all is fine x Sue 

  • Hello SueCC and thanks for posting, 

    As he hasn't posted for a while, I am not sure if Dennis will reply so I am going to.

    I can't be sure exactly what is planned for your husband but a CT scan (computerised tomography) is a normal sort of scan, you can read about it at this link, Sometimes a contrast medium, given by mouth or into a vein is used in CT scans to show things up more clearly. This might be the plan with an enema beforehand to clear out as much of the bowel as possible. 

    CT scans are also used in a test called CT colonography which you can read about here. But with this, some bowel preparation is needed so I don't think this is what is planned. 

    I hope your husband doesn't have to wait too long to find out what lies behind the positive FIT test.

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over on Freephone 0808 800 4040. We are around weekdays, 9-5. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

  • Thanks for the reply Julia, most helpful, since then he’s done another FIT test that’s come back 63.3 so I’m starting to worry a bit now, as I said he had stomach cancer and total Gastrectomy in Jan, kidney cancer, kidney out 5 years ago, lymphoma, just done 12 radiotherapy’s. He definitely can’t drink the prep, a cup of tea every hour or so is about it, I’m glad that there’s something else that can be done though and thanks for replying x