Hello and thanks for posting

I’m sorry you are worried about having a CT colonoscopy tomorrow especially after the pain you experienced with the colonoscopy and with the added stress of having health anxiety.

A CT colonoscopy is much easier on the bowel than a normal colonoscopy. There's no camera being pushed all the way round a loopy bowel, which is why people who found a colonoscopy painful usually cope much better with this test. It can feel uncomfortable as there may be some bloating for a short time, but it shouldn't feel painful.

I'm afraid I can't tell you specifically how long you may have to wait for your results as waiting times do vary in different NHS trusts depending on the hospitals workload and resources. But most people can wait up to 2 or 3 weeks.

There can be many reasons for a positive FIT test and most are unrelated to cancer. However it is only having a colonoscopy or CT colonoscopy that is able to take a closer look at the bowel to find out exactly what the cause may be. Often no cause is found for the positive FIT test, but this reassuring as cancer can often be ruled out.

I know it’s easier said than done but try and take it one step at a time until you know more. Some people find talking it through with family and friends and keeping busy can sometimes help.

I’m not sure if you are getting help with managing your health anxiety. If not, do speak to your GP about this when you get the chance. In the meantime. the NHS website has some information on managing health anxiety that may be useful to you.

I hope you know more about your situation soon. Give us a ring if you want to talk any of this over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene