Hi hope you don't mind me jumping on your post. I've just seen your post Steve. I'm 50 and I've been having abdominal pains now for 8 weeks. I've also had weight loss, tiredness and my bowel habits have changed. I've just had a FIT test and that has come back abnormal. So I've been told I need a colonoscopy for suspected cancer. I've read this post and it has given me some relief but I am worried as you can imagine. 

I know exactly how you feel as does everyone else on here. You just need to remember that there's multiple things it could be. Using Google can be worse as well as it makes you more paranoid! I was the world's worst for it and it drove me round the twist.

9 out 10 people get the all clear so that's something you need to remember as well.

That is sounding positive. Fingers crossed for you when you get your results. Just a long wait for you now bless you xx

I’ve just googled that Amanda, that’s the same as Mart had at first, we called it a virtual CT but according to google it’s the same as you said.It’s not a problem having it as they only go in the bowel a little bit, put air in and take pics. The prep he had wasn’t so bad either, it was called Gastrografin and not much of it. I’ve just looked back on his notes and yes it’s the same thing. They can’t do anything if they find something though so it would be back to colonoscopy, let’s hope they don’t find anything. Good luck xx

Hiya...oh bless you..hope you feeling OK today..I see about the colonography which sounds much less invasive and easier to have done which is a positive.. do you know when that will be? 

I have been signed off work till 23rd Nov which is good.. I had a call at 5pm today from hospital to say they discussed my results today and CT scan shows nothing spread anywhere and looks all contained in polyp..they have sent results to Consultant to decide if can come out via colonoscopy or would need surgery and they've provisionally booked it for 21st Nov...such a massive relief.. altho obvs it is still malignant and I dread an operation but one lot of worrying is at least ceased xx

I think the chats are so helpful aren't they as people with same things and same worries which friends and family just don't have..so I've found this chat so v helpful and supportive.. really good news about your hubby's x-ray...yes cataract surgery they told me totally painless xx

Oh no not more prep lol. He wants me to have this one done so they can scan my bowel, stomach, liver, pancreas and kidneys at the sane time because when I said where the pain was he didn't think we would find anything in the bowel. I'm worried it's my liver now as I'm getting pain on my right side xx

No the surgeon who I saw said he was referring me urgently so hopefully I will get an appointment soon.

That is fantastic news that it hasn't spread anywhere else I am so pleased. Such a huge relief for you. Let's just hope the Consultant comes back to you soon telling you which way they are going to take it out. Just think in 4 weeks it will all be over and it will be out of you. Not long now for you xx

Hope you get an appt very soon..I think when they booked my CT scan it was about 10 days so tho a different procedure hopefully you'll hear soon..I have had a call today and as they describe me as young! (I'm over 50!) they said they will do surgery as I am fit and otherwise healthy.. they'll take lymph nodes out as well..they did say it does not mean anything more than polyp but it had such a wide base they think best to be safer.. is a real worry as is major surgery altho via keyhole..think will be in about 3 weeks time...will have another colonoscopy to put markers in but won't be a full one...means no sedation...oh what a roller coaster it all is!!! Xx

Good they going to be doing this to make sure where any pain comes from..so many things it could be I think but as I know v well is so hard not to worry and think the worst...fingers crossed all will be ok xx

Yes Helen I think an operation is best to make sure it’s all out and check the lymph nodes, keeping everything crossed there all clear. I think I read that they mark it by doing a tattoo on the bowels, I could be wrong though.

Amanda the drink my husband had was hardly anything so if it’s the same one as I said before it’s not a problem.

Lily, hiya and sorry you’re here. My husband didn’t have any symptoms apart from low iron on a blood test, as you would have read he has polyps but hopefully they’re ok just waiting for biopsy to come back. He had no problems having the colonoscopy but I’d say if you can have sedation have it. I’m sure you’ll be ok but while you’re going through the tests it’s hard not to think of all the worst things that can happen, stay with us and we’ll all help you through. Good luck xxx 

Tbh out if the two I would have preferred surgery. This way you know they will definitely get it all plus you won't be able to hear them talking about it which would freak me lol. They will be able to spend more time in there having a rummage with you having a nap so if that was me it would put me at ease. I bet you won't have to drink the prep for this other colonoscopy either as they won't have to go all around everywhere just into your bowel so you might only have to take a little bit of prep like what Sue has said to me. I agree about lymph nodes it's best to be safe. It is a worry bless you but it's all nearly over just keep thinking that. Once they put you to sleep you will wake up and it will all be over. Book yourself a holiday somewhere hot and enjoy you deserve it xx

Tbh out if the two I would have preferred surgery. This way you know they will definitely get it all plus you won't be able to hear them talking about it which would freak me lol. They will be able to spend more time in there having a rummage with you having a nap so if that was me it would put me at ease. I bet you won't have to drink the prep for this other colonoscopy either as they won't have to go all around everywhere just into your bowel so you might only have to take a little bit of prep like what Sue has said to me. I agree about lymph nodes it's best to be safe. It is a worry bless you but it's all nearly over just keep thinking that. Once they put you to sleep you will wake up and it will all be over. Book yourself a holiday somewhere hot and enjoy you deserve it xx

I think you're right as if was a colonoscopy I'd worry they missed something so I know probably best to have surgery but is a scary prospect.. yes they said just an enema for the short colonoscopy..not sure yet what the prep will be for the operation but I'll think they'll tell me at one of the pre op appointments.. would love to book a holiday but my pragmatic partner just says let's wait till after it all..xx