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Urgent OP colonoscopy referral

Amzd99
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Hi,

I am new to this forum so I am not sure how it works! 
I was recently admitted to hospital on the surgical assessment unit with query bowel obstruction, whilst in there I had a CT Scan with contrast. It found a non specific intraluminal radiodense rounded structure in my right colon. The radiologist has recommended an urgent referral for a colonoscopy to look at this further. 

however I am only 25 yrs old and the gastro team are slightly reluctant to do it and say due to my age they might not proceed as I am too young for anything sinister. My grandma passed away from stage 4 bowel cancer last month and I have symptoms myself. For the last month I have had a change in bowel habits, tired, no appetite, intermittent abdominal cramps (in the same location as my ct finding), blood in my stool and persistent bloating. They keep saying because of my age they’re sure it won’t be cancer but I really don’t feel the same.  

I have a phone call Tuesday to see if my referral has been done for the urgent OP colonoscopy. I have red flag symptoms plus my abnormal findings, I am not happy with them not investigating. Do you have any advice on who I can speak to if they simply refuse it due to my age? is it really possible for them to not follow the red flag pathway just because I am young?

thank you x

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to learn that you are experiencing symptoms that are causing you concern; I am also sorry to learn that your grandma sadly passed away. This must be a difficult time for you and your family.

    I am unsure who you are speaking to on Tuesday, whether it is your GP or a doctor at the hospital. I would think if you are going to be referred urgently to the hospital to rule out bowel cancer, then it is likely you would have a colonoscopy or possibly a flexible sigmoidoscopy (which is a camera test that just looks at the lower part of the bowel ), depending on your symptoms.

    When you speak with the doctor, if they do not want to refer you for a colonoscopy, you could ask what they think is causing the symptoms and why they do not think a referral is needed.

    There is a criteria that is followed by GPs when to make an urgent referral to a specialist which you can find on our website.

    I can understand you might be concerned of your risk of bowel cancer as this is what your grandma had, but this does not mean that you are necessarily at a higher than average risk, this will depend on whether or not you have other relatives who have had a bowel cancer and what age your grandma was when she was first diagnosed. Your GP would be the best person to discuss this with.

    I hope you can get some reassurance soon. If you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline we are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040,

    Take care

    Jemma

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