Hi Richard - welcome to the forum. It's brilliant that someone with your expertise has joined. I've already read some of your posts & they're very reassuring for people who are fearful/unwell. 

I joined several weeks ago now after being put on the 2 week cancer pathway for possible colectoral cancer. Happily all came back clear - a colonoscopy still to do on 17th but hopefully all will be ok. I found the support here when I was initially panic stricken very helpful & I'm sure your responding to calls for help & support will do the same for others.

Thanks! ;) All the best x

Thanks for your kind feedback. 

I know that a lot of people can be left in the dark while waiting for tests and results. I’m happy to help.

I wish you all the best for your colonoscopy. 

Hiya

I am Jenny and i'm 37 years old

I have been having stomach pains for the last year on and off, i asked the dr about it and she said she thought it was ibs. She sent me for a tummy scan but the nurse said she couldn't see much due to gas build up in my tummy. I am a bit worried as i look and feel very bloated and i recent stool test revealed i had inflammation.

The Colon Dr sounded surprised that i'd left it so long to check but i assumed it was ibs after that diagnosis and had never had severe pain.

Anyway he has booked me in for a colonoscopy and im fretting like mad, i don't seem to have any of the traits of ibd from what i can make out on the internet..

Any idea's?

Jenny

Hi Jenny,

Sorry to hear that you've been unwell. I don't want to speculate about any diagnoses, but the stool test that was done was probably a test to look specifically for inflammation in the bowel.

Your symptoms don't necessarily have to be severe if you have IBD.

Obviously, the only way to check the findings of your stool test is with the colonoscopy. If you do indeed have IBD you may well need treatment.

Best Wishes,

Rich

Hi Jenny

I can totally identify with 'where you are' & your concerns. I had an awful time last year & had more tests (inc. a colonoscopy) than you can shake a stick at. Fretting as you say you are, comes with the territory I'm afraid & it's easy to say try not to fret BUT if you just take things day by day & try not to think too far ahead it is easier to deal with. Time does pass & each day is a day nearer to getting things sorted out. In my case things turned out well in terms of cancer which is obviously on your mind. I had an op. for something completely different & I'm now recovered. There is no reason this won't be your story too.

If there is an issue you are now on the road to getting it sorted out & that can only be a good thing. If you're worried about the colonoscopy my advice would be to go for sedation like I did. You won't remember a thing & you'll wonder why you allowed yourself to be scared. I'd have another one tomorrow if needed without being scared.

Hope this helps to ease your concerns at least a little bit - remember one day at a time. Enjoy whatever it is you are doing today & face tomorrow when it comes. Let us know how you get on.

Good luck. xx

Hi Jenny

I can totally identify with 'where you are' & your concerns. I had an awful time last year & had more tests (inc. a colonoscopy) than you can shake a stick at. Fretting as you say you are, comes with the territory I'm afraid & it's easy to say try not to fret BUT if you just take things day by day & try not to think too far ahead it is easier to deal with. Time does pass & each day is a day nearer to getting things sorted out. In my case things turned out well in terms of cancer which is obviously on your mind. I had an op. for something completely different & I'm now recovered. There is no reason this won't be your story too.

If there is an issue you are now on the road to getting it sorted out & that can only be a good thing. If you're worried about the colonoscopy my advice would be to go for sedation like I did. You won't remember a thing & you'll wonder why you allowed yourself to be scared. I'd have another one tomorrow if needed without being scared.

Hope this helps to ease your concerns at least a little bit - remember one day at a time. Enjoy whatever it is you are doing today & face tomorrow when it comes. Let us know how you get on.

Good luck. xx

I had my Colonoscopy which wasn't scary at all. However they did find a couple of polyps that will need to be removed, and obviously i'm hoping aren't cancerous. Im going on holiday next week so trying to keep it off my mind till after then.