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Positive FIT test and weight loss

Frantic07
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Hi, I'm 41 years old,  I contacted my gp after discovering I had lost 11lbs in 2-3 weeks, I'm quite overweight but even when dieting I can't lose this amount so quickly, so obviously I was concerned. My gp was very thorough and ordered a chest xray (I'm an ex smoker and my mum died of lung cancer), blood tests and a FIT test and test for IBD. I've had the xray, all was clear, my blood test is next week and I did my stool sample. My FIT test came back positive at 31, I've not seen any blood in my stools. My bowels have always been a bit dodgy but I just believed it was IBS as it runs in the family and my grandad had crohns. Anyway I've been referred urgently for I assume a colonoscopy, so naturally I'm absolutely terrified. I've been very anxious about my health and death since my mum died 7 years ago. I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy 3 years ago due to my bowel trouble and apart from a polyp which they said was nothing to worry about, all was clear. I have been crying all day since I got the results and I don't know what to do with myself, I don't know how I'm going to get through these 2 weeks. I'm petrified it's cancer and I'm going to die. I have 7 children aged 21, 19, 13, 12, 12, 7 and 6 and I'm due to be a nana in October. How can I try not to worry so much? My anxiety is through the roof right now. Is my FIT result of 31 high? Does it make a difference what the number is in relation to whether its cancer or not. Thank you.

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    I don't think 31 is all that high. If you look around this site, you will see people who have results of 300 and 900 and so on. 31 is a positive result, but it's on the lower end.

    The result also just tells you that there is blood in your stool. It doesn't say anything about what is causing the blood. I think the risk is somewhat lower when you have a FIT like yours as opposed to a FIT of say 700, but either way, there are a whole load of things that could be causing the bleeding. 

    I am the same age as you and I think the risk of cancer at our age is fairly low. My impression is that something like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis or piles combined with IBS or even just another polyp would be more likely.

    At least your wait is comparatively short, although I know two weeks feels like forever when you are waiting through them.

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    Thanks for the reply. It's horrible the waiting isn't it? Regardless of your age if you had a positive test they should get you in ASAP.  I literally cannot function at the moment because I'm so worried about what the tests will say. The word cancer is bouncing around my brain and its taking over all other thoughts. My grandad had crohns but I was tested for that 3 years ago after a stool test showed inflammation in my bowel. The only worry I have is the weight loss, I can't think what else may have caused it as I been trying to lose weight my whole life, this is the one time I'm not overjoyed at losing almost a stone xx

  • Offline in reply to MargaretMary

    Thanks for replying. I know blood doesn't necessarily mean cancer but that coupled with unexplained weight loss is what's concerning me, I can't think why else I would lose so much weight so quickly. I think I may have a breakdown waiting for my appointment, I can't think of anything else right now x

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