Colonoscopy by consultant

Hello; I wonder if someone could please help answer a question for me. Back in March, several polyps were found in my bowel including one large one; I was brought back a week later and the large growth was removed piece meal. I also had several biopsies taken of my bowel wall because blood tests showed I had inflammation, and the whole reason I went to a gp in the first place was ongoing pain in my right side and back. I was brought back in July for a surveillance colonoscopy and mentioned I haven't ever received any biopsy results; I was told they polys had turned out to be adenomas. In the colonoscopy itself, there was some growth where the large polyp had been; the person doing the colonoscopy told me she wasn't sure if it was some of the original polyp left behind or a new growth; she also told me I will need a colonoscopy every 3 months. I've just had the phone call to book me in for another colonoscopy as expected roughly 3 months after the last one and been told that this time, a consultant will need to do it. I'm not sure why. Is this something I should be worried about or is it quite typical? 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you need regular colonoscopies.  Polyps can be very common with one in four people developing them usually after the age of 50. They don't often turn in to cancer but if some type of polyps called adenomas are not removed then they do have the potential to turn in to cancer. You can read more about this polyps on the NHS website here 

    By doing the colonoscopy every three months then any further polyps can be removed and you can be effectively monitored.

    I can't say why you are being seen by the consultant. It may be that they need a more experienced set of eyes reviewing your polyps particularly with your on going pain and the previous doctor being unsure whether it is a new growth or the original polyp.

    I would be reassured that you are seeing someone in a more senior position who has probably got more experience then their junior colleagues.

    Make a list of questions when you see them so you feel that all your questions are answered in full.

    Try not to read too much in to it all.

    I hope this helps. Of course your more then welcome to give the nurses a ring on the helpline it you want to talk any of this through.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the Best,

    Catherine

  • Thank you, Catherine, that's reassuring. I'm not yet 50, don't smoke and eat very little red meat - the last time I was in for a colonoscopy, the person carrying out the procedure quizzed me quite a bit about what I eat, my habits etc. 
     

    I will have my questions ready and hopefully, it will all become clear.