Hi, just wondered if I could ask some advice on collecting a stool sample. I’m sure this isn’t a task anyone would enjoy doing, but I guess reactions usually range from seeing it as an inconvenience to quite gross. Unfortunately I have severe contamination based OCD (for context, the specialist service said I was ‘too anxious’ to see them…). The idea of collecting a sample is pretty terrifying for me, but I know it has to be done. I can’t be the only one who has been through this with similar problems, so I just wondered if anyone has personal experience and feels able to comment? If you can share any strategies that helped you, whether physical or mental, I’d be so grateful.

Also, on a slightly different note, I had a chaser from the GP less than a week after them requesting the sample. I know they have to safety net, and that this is a good thing, but I was surprised at how soon they chased as I think I’m statistically very low risk. Should I be at all concerned, or do they tend to chase up after a set period of time regardless of risk level (outside of the 2 week wait category)?

Thanks in advance for any help.