Hi Jane,

I do not know how much help I can be but you are not alone in this experience. My husband also had an abnormal FIT test following weeks of passing blood with every bowel motion. He is now on the 2 week pathway and has a colonoscopy booked for the 28th. He is a little younger than you at 47 but the feelings are just the same. 

Like you as soon as I heard this my heart dropped and I have been unable to function properly in the two weeks since the results. I am not eating or sleeping and finding it hard to look after our young children. I have not had a full blown panic attack but I felt very very close to one a lot of the time. 

What has worried me was the fact that the Dr put him on the pathway even before the results of all the tests. (The bloods and inflammation test (Calprotein?) have come back fine). I do not know the number of the FIT test as he didn't ask and I am too scared to look on the NHS app. 

All I can say from the hours and hours of looking on the internet (I do not recommend this) is that the cut off level of reporting for symptomatic FIT testing is much much lower than that on the national screening test. Which means that in patients with potential or obvious bleeding (hemmoroid's or polyps) it is going to report blood being present. This could account for your two different test results. Was there a reason that you did a second test? 

Also, if you read through these forums you will read that a lot of people have positive FIT tests with much higher readings than your's and a large majority of the time they are from other causes. 

I am also finding it comforting to read that the majority (90% roughly) of people referred for a colonoscopy via the 2ww find that their issue is something less serious. I think because the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer are quite vague in the early stages, the NHS makes a priority of seeing people who 'may' have symptoms, no matter how slight, in order to get the fastest treatment for those small number who do get a diagnosis. 

I know this will probably not ease your worry or fears and until the colonoscopy results come through it will be a stressful time - I know this far too well, but please know you are not alone in what you are going through. 

Thank you so much for replying [@Lalaear]‍  I feel so much for you and your husband and completely understand what you're going through. It is positive to hear that the majority of people's colonoscopies reveal other causes of their symptoms. 
The reason why I had the second test was because I went to my gp a couple of weeks later because I have been seeing blood on the toilet paper (and sometimes in the toilet and on the poo). I've had piles for years and just wanted "reassurance" that this is the cause of the blood. The doctor examined me and said there are "a few small tags" around the anus but didn't really make much of them. She gave me the fit test to do, a blood test (having Monday afternoon) and referred me to the colorectal clinic (non urgent). My fit test results came back yesterday, and the rest you know.

I just want to wish your husband all the best for 28th. As has been mentioned, his age is a big plus and just try to think of the positives you've said to me in your post xx

I'm 30 so not at high risk but I recently done a fit test aswell which doctor said was to screen for bowel  cancer    but I haven't heard the results yet and I'm assuming they won't bother telling me due to endoscopy unit in my hospital booking me in for a gastroscopy.  No idea if sudden urgency is related to the fit test  so my anxiety is through the roof and my gastroscopy is on Monday.  Hope you get the answers  soon 

My colonoscopy showed ovarian cysts ! No bowel problems l had no idea l had them l ended up on the gynaecology oncology list they have been removed recently and fortunately are benign. Bigger surgery than expected due to multiple adhesions fortunately my oncology surgeon spent hours removing them everything was stuck down. I know you are not female but there are other reasons for bowel bleeding than cancer. The drs referral is a fail safe no one wants to miss a positive problem, l think it's good as you are bumped up the list and screened quickly they used to leave you listed for ages. 
l hope you have a good outcome like mine take care and try not to google as it just makes you think that you have everything. 
susie

Hello Andy, first I'd like to wish you well for your gastroscopy tomorrow and hope everything goes well. You don't say what symptoms you've had but your doctor obviously thinks it was appropriate to fast track so you can get the best treatment as soon as possible. As you haven't had your fit result I'd assume they'll discuss it with you at your appointments? If you have your nhs app and access to your medical records, the result may be there for you to view, but tbh I don't think I'd recommend this if you're feeling so anxious as I found the wording on mine very frightening and still can't get it out of my mind, even though my doctor tried to tell me it is "standard" wording. I've got my bloods tomorrow (decided to pay for a private test due to long nhs wait),  and feeling pretty anxious about that too. Thanks for your good wishes, will be thinking of you tomorrow x

Hi [@Alfieisastar]‍ , thanks for your reply. Actually I am female (ended up with a weird username as after several unsuccessful attempts with Jane I opted to use my business name - surprisingly it wasn't already taken lol). I suffer from chronic anxiety and just over a year ago I was convinced I had ovarian cancer, managed to get a face to face at the dr (had to push for this due to pandemic). I had an examination and a blood test and they weren't worried enough to refer me. Any "symptoms" I had now seem to have gone. As regards now, the fit test result has been a huge shock and knocked me for six. I'm clinging on to the hope it's due to my piles, which I've had for years but tbh my mind is racing. A normal blood test result tomorrow would be a positive, but I'm not even confident about that anymore. I'm going to try and see my doctor again this week as I have so many unanswered questions. So glad your outcome was good, if unexpected. Take care x

Hi [@Alfieisastar]‍ , yes it can be so frustrating can't it? I'm currently waiting on a colonoscopy which should happen within the next fortnight or so as a result of the positive fit test and this is what's consuming me at the moment. The ovarian thing was November 2020 and I can say the "symptoms" I felt at that time (mainly needing to wee frequently and then difficulty emptying my bladder) are no longer an issue. I am a long term chronic health anxiety sufferer so I guess that doesn't help lol. I'm going to get a blood test today and a normal result would be a slight boost to me at this time. I just want to fast forward to my colonoscopy (and yet I don't, if you see what I mean?). All will be revealed I guess.

wishing you well and hoping you get a satisfactory outcome soon with your GP xx