Hello there Joewa

I am sorry to hear you are about to undergo a colonoscopy and appreciate this must be a worrying time for you.

No one can say at the moment what is causing your bowel changes and constipation but hopefully the colonoscopy will give you some more answers as to what is going on.

A positive FIT test means that a certain level of blood has been detected in your poo sample that needs further investigation. There can be many reasons for blood in poo and it doesn't automatically mean someone has cancer. Things like inflammatory bowel conditions, polyps, piles and constipation can all cause bleeding but something more serious like cancer also needs to be ruled out.

I hope everything goes well for you on wednesday

Take care

Naomi

 Joewa hope you’ve had your colonoscopy now and everything was ok.  

Well that should have been seen on your colonoscopy!  It’s all in a days work to them but as the patient we need answers and reassurance 

Yep absolutely.  If i dont hear anything 2 weeks post scope i will call for results

I take it no news is good news.

If i called the consultants secretary are the results likely to be back within a week

I think it takes at least two , she can tell you if they’re back but not the results as far as I’m aware .  The waiting is so stressful 

Yeah. For some reason im having problems with post also. Wonder if they will phone me.

Does my gp get the results at the same time?

GP's can access some hospital databases, and those usually include test results. The thing with test result, it's all fine having them, but they need interpreted by someone qualified, so calling the gp early can lead to them saying yeah, but unable to give them because they're in no position to relay those results to yourself.  Then people worry their gp is being coy because it must be bad news, but that isn't the case. Think of it like xrays. Those xrays need a qualified radiographer to go over them properly, even if all looks well on first viewing or looks out of place. So maybe wait those two weeks so your not stressing out even more because your gp won't tell you.

Hello Joewa and thanks for the post

It can be a worry undergoing tests especially when something like polyps are found.

Unfortunately no one here can explain what this means for you but it sounds like the doctor has sent the polyps off to be examined in the lab and if there are any suspicions about these this will be discussed with you further.

Polyps are quite common and most will be harmless. If and when they need to be removed this often sorts out the potential for any unusual cells turning cancerous but often follow up if needed to check everything is okay.

Do speak with your own doctor about this and hopefully they can put your mind at ease further.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes

Naomi

Thanks

Thanks

So stressed with all this waiting.

If it was bad news would i know by now 

So stressed with all this waiting.

If it was bad news would i know by now 

 Joewa as far as I know results take minimum of two weeks . The sample needs testing and then reporting on.  I can truly empathise with you on the waiting. Unfortunately it’s part of this whole process and can’t seem to be hurried up.  I know it sounds trite and I honestly don’t mean it to , but I’ve found keeping busy and distractions have been a life saver for me.   Luckily it’s the time of year when it can be busy anyway.  Maybe download an app to help you relax especially at night  any I’ve found you have to subscribe which has put me off but I’m still looking   Sending you a gentle hug  you will get through this and all will be well    

Thanks

Hi there again Joewa

I'm sorry to hear how anxious you are waiting for these results.

As others on here have said it can take a good couple of weeks (or longer I'm afraid) for results to come back and this can be very unsettling for people.

Do try and keep yourself as busy as you can with other things to pass the time if you can. Exercise and making sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep and rest is important too in managing anxiety at times like this. As someone also mentioned there are sleep apps (including sleepio that is free for people diagnosed with cancer through Macmillan) that can help people struggling with sleep and anxiety too.

I really do hope you know more soon and that everything will be okay for you.

Take care

Naomi

Thanks. Still no results. Off sick from work and on medication for anxiety.

 Joewa  I doubt you will hear any for at least another week.  Would you not be better in work where at least there’s things going on and maybe others to keep you company ?  Sorry you’re going through this.  The waiting plays havoc with our normal rational thoughts so we can’t focus on anything else. 

Yeah, i have a good GP 

I really cantbe doing with this waiting.

Its affecting my mental health, first thing i think of in am and last thing at night.

I know there is people worse off than me.

Could the consultant chase up results although i doubt he would as he couldnt get oit the door quick enough with me and his bedside manner wasnt good tbh

He could check but I honestly doubt they’d be available yet. Can take weeks. Have you thought of speaking to a counsellor ? Might be good to discuss your anxieties with a trained professional.

Thanks, i already have mental health problems which this is exacerbating.

Im going to make an appt with my GP next week

Hello Joewa, and thank you for your post,

I can understand how stressful this must be waiting for your results.

Any biopsies that were taken by the doctor at your colonoscopy  will have been examined by the pathologist (the doctor who looks at the specimens under a microscope) A lot will depend on the pathologists workload. Any suspected cancer is then discussed in an MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) meeting.

Unfortunately all these steps take time. I can understand how frustrating this must be for the person waiting but it is also important that each case is properly reviewed. 

Whilst you are waiting you may find it helpful to look at the NHS website on tips to cope with managing stress. There is a website called 'Every Mind Matters' which might be helpful.

Try not to overthink it for now, you may find it helpful to keep yourself busy and your mind distracted whilst you wait.

You are welcome to ring and speak to the helpline nurses.

Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine