The odds of bowel cancer at 33 and with a negative FIT test are probably so low as to be infinitesmal. Two years ago, at the age of 40, I had ongoing rectal bleeding for months, weight loss, trapped wind and occasional loose stools (maybe once a week) and the doctor said that at my age, the odds of bowel cancer were less than 1% and I'd be "the unluckiest person in the world" if that turned out to be the answer. Given that you are younger than I was and also have a negative FIT test and a small camera test, the odds for you are probably even lower.

I know that's of limited reassurance as it's hard to avoid thinking of that tiny possibility that it just might be.

Are you getting any support for your anxiety?

Don't feel guilty. I'm in a similar position, I haven't been diagnosed with anything as yet and await a colonoscopy. My mind is working overtime and I wake in the night fearing the worst, it's awful. I've used Dr Google which helps but doesn't help. It would be so lovely just to speak to someone and hopefully my appointment on Wednesday (22nd) will help. So many "worried well " people fearing the worst....the agony of the wait can be unbearable. I agree it's a horrible way to live, I'm now wishing I hadn't taken the two yearly screening test as I would be in blissful ignorance.....guess that's crazy 

Hi IreneX50,

I think the wait is definitely the hardest part & the not knowing if there is actually anything to worry about. Although I just know that if everything is ok this time I'll go & find something else to worry about & thus the cycle continues. That's why I perhaps need to try & get my head fixed.

Please do keep us updated with your appointment, I'm not sure why but there is definitely some comfort in knowing that others understand in some way this feeling. Good luck & much love x

Hi, I hope you are feeling better now and you found out the cause of your symptoms. Thank you so much for posting here, it’s the middle of the night and I’m posting here because I have a similar situation to yours. I suffer with health anxiety although this has not been diagnosed. I had a change in my bowel movements for about 4 weeks, including bleeding for about a week which has now stopped. I had a GP appointment, a physical exam, the GP said she isn’t concerned but asked me to do a FIT test. I have pain in my lower back which is something new for me. I feel so guilty for worrying when I know other people are much worse than I am. I also feel bad to speak to my husband about this as in the past I’ve often thought the worst when it wasn’t the case. Like you, if all these symptoms turn out to be caused by something else, I’m planning to see someone regarding my anxiety. I’m 41 years old and I have 2 children and it is very sad and scary to think I won’t be here to see them growing up. All I wanted to say is that your post helped me and made me feel I’m not the only one feeling this way. Thank you