Hiya

Sounds like you not too long to wait for tests which is really good...not sure what prep you got but the advice re how to take is good...v best of luck and let us know how you get on..agree with Eve and so hard to focus on anything other than worry rather than facts but do try not to worry too much..take care Helen

And I do agree re sleep...mine is rubbish!! Altho I have Amitriptyline for migraines and it really does help with sleep..to some degree..I hope will be ok once I have surgery and hope yours will be better once you get tests and sorted

Hello. Forgive me for derailing the conversation. I have had minor traces of blood on the toilet paper for years now (I used to have fissure problems but they mysteriously cleared up some time ago). Nothing in the toilet, just on the paper. I have been to my GP about it (probably about a year ago) and he had a look but never actually had a feel around. Nevertheless he seemed unconcerned and said he thought I probably had internal hemorrhoids. Should he have had an internal feel? I always felt like he should have but he's the doctor so I assume he knows what he's doing. 

Stay off Google for your own sanity!!!

Thanks for the reply. Should the doctor have had a feel inside at the time though? Or is that not necessary? And if I have internal haemorrhoids wouldn't I automatically get a positive FIT test result?

Also, if I have another thread because in the last week (4/5 days now) I have had stomach issues (mainly mild cramp-like pain that comes and goes, and loose stools, no other symptoms). I have been to my local walk-in (couple days ago) and was checked by a doctor (he had a prod around my abdomen) and he reckoned I had mild gastritis and have been given Omeprazole. 

Hi Jeremy, I don't know what the GP should do but you can buy FIT tests from eg Amazon..which might be something to think about perhaps to put your mind at rest..when I had the nhs test I also bought an Amazon one to confirm the result..which it did to be fair 

Steve 

Thanks for this. As I write I'm so scared. I'm 37 with two amazing young children.  I've always had IBS type symptoms for years. 

In the last year particularly  since the summer I've developed cramping more regular stools and had visible blood twice in about  6 months.  It eased for a month or two but since Christmas  I've been struggling with cramps again and even more regular stools and discomfort as well as bloating and gas. 

In September I did a FIT test, bloods and ultra sound which all came back fine and specialist said probably just persiatant  indegestion. 

Today I've done a positive FOB test at home.  

Specialist Haa been away all Christmas  and I'm so scared. I just keeping thinking I'm going to have cancer and die and my children will have no father. I know that sounds extreme but whatever is going on in my body is so abnormal  I can't explain it as anything else. 

I should say I'm going through a divorce since the summer so everyone keeps saying it's probably just stress  but I'm sure it isn't. 

I'm awaiting a private colonscopy app which I can confirm until Specialist is back next week. 

 LegalMark  I totally understand your concerns and worries. You’ve done everything it’s possible to do regarding your symptoms and unfortunately now it’s down to waiting until you get in touch with your consultant and get the various tests organised  He/she may want to repeat your blood tests and also the FIT test   Stress does play havoc with our health , especially the digestive system   Perhaps your diet has changed which could account for some of your other symptoms  the blood could be from piles or anal fissure which causes acute pain following bowel movements.   

I hope you can keep busy and plenty of distractions until your appointment comes through  Take comfort in the fact many people have positive FIT tests but not necessarily have cancer    I hope you can get some distraction from the worry and anxiety    Good luck  

Hi .Mark, sounds like you really worrying...but does sound to me like you've none of the really worrying symptoms of anything really bad so no weight loss, tiredness, pain, consistent blood or change in bowel habits...and Sept FIT test was fine.

I know the FIT tests are incredibly sensitive and can show positive from piles and all sorts of things...good to get the private colonoscopy to find out what's going on and do take Steve's advice re how to take the preparation and do def follow guidance over diet and Senocot etc..

Do try not to catastrophrise as so many things cause symptoms you describe.

If anything found...as they did with me then they'll get things uunderway quickly...

Best wishes Helen