Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 1018 replies
  • Views 329571 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Positive fit test and colonoscopy result.

steveccfc
Offline

Hi,Id just like to share my experiences that ive been through over the last few weeks for the benefit of people who are going through the same thing.

Im a 50 year old male and I recently had a fit test result of 16. Not massively over but over nonetheless. Immediately I'm thinking the worse and I was convinced I had bowel cancer. I'd noticed blood whilst wiping on the odd occasion which I'd never seen before. My other symptoms were a change in my toilet habits and occasionally I'd get stomach pains. I'm going to sound like a hypocrite here but stay off Google as it sent me doolally! My anxiety was worsened as well by a work colleague who's recently had bowel cancer but has since made a full recovery. 

Just because your fit test is high it doesn't mean you have cancer. It could be lots of things. Believe me I was the world's worst at being anxious to the point that it made me I'll. Share your thoughts with family and this forum helped me as well.

I had my colonoscopy today. They were really nice and helpful and made me feel totally at ease. The pre examination drink was fowl but I split my drinks into quarter measures and had one every 15 minutes,then the other 4 a few hours later. Be warned though, don't stray to far from a toilet. My colonoscopy was ok, I had the sedation and barely felt anything. They found I had internal piles,4 polops that they removed and I also have colitis. Apparently the colitis can cause slight bleeding. It's quite enflamed down there which I now have to take suppositories for the next month to hopefully get it back to normal. 

Don't be Afraid it could be anything and you really need to have the colonoscopy to give you the all clear and peace of mind.

Good luck and thank you to the good people on here who helped me. 

Take care. 

Steve.

  • Offline in reply to Rana15

    Hi, yes this thread has had lots of supportive people on it.the FIT will only measure blood which has so many different causes and the data I think shows only 2% of people who have a positive FIT tests (ie blood found) have cancer..it is really hard not to worry i know till you find out any results...FIT  tests don't take long to come back and even if blood is found then it is only around 2 weeks before a colonoscopy is scheduled...best wishes, Helen 

  • Offline in reply to Rana15

    Im sure you'll be fine. No point in worrying about anything until you get your fit test result back. 

    I know how worrying it is though and sometimes you just want a reassuring reply.

  • Offline in reply to Helensr

    Thanks for replying  Trying to keep in mind even if it is positive doesn't mean cancer.

    So appreciate your time to respond and hope you are doing well yourself. Your journey sounded long but you took it all in your stride and I was incredibly impressed with how you handled it. 

    Can you remember how long it took for your FIT test to come back? X

  • Offline in reply to steveccfc

    Thanks for the reply and absolutely agree ref the over worrying. I do experience quite bad health anxiety so am most definitely on high alert.

    Appreciate your time to reply and hope you're doing well  x

  • Offline in reply to Rana15

    Hi Rana, 

    just wanted to echo what the others have already said it terms of trying not to worry too much- although I know it’s very difficult to not let your mind run away with itself! 
    Hope you get your FIT result back quickly and that’s the end of your worry, but also remember that even if it’s positive don’t panic. If you read back through this thread you will see that many people had positive tests but there was an innocent explanation. 
    Will keep my fingers crossed that you get good news very soon x 

  • Offline in reply to Thistle79

    Thank you SO much for your reply. Am definitely trying to distract myself and prepare for if it is positive and to try to not go to the worst place. 

    I had a colonoscopy in 2021 so know what to expect and maybe that's part of my issue. More the dreaded bowel prep

    Will try and keep calm. Appreciate you taking time to reply, cannot tell you how much it means to me x

  • Offline in reply to Rana15

    I remember only too well how overwhelmed you can feel when waiting on results/ appointments and how your mind just goes into overdrive. Definitely try and keep busy and distracted! 
    At least if they do decide to give you another colonoscopy you know what to expect as I think that can also cause stress and anxiety, bowel prep definitely not fun but it’s all bearable and worth it if it gives you reassurance and peace of mind. 
    thinking of you x 

  • Offline in reply to Thistle79

    Bless you.  Try not to think too far ahead.  I had an elevated FIT test and needed further investigation.  Thankfully I was fine. Diagnosed with Diverticula Disease.  I was so anxious leading up to it but the support I got on here was second to none.  Distraction is everything and as I’m sure you know yourself the prep is the worst bit    Have a gentle virtual hug and wishing you well   

  • Offline in reply to Rana15

    Hiya, im doing ok..2 years since my operation and all surveillance monitoring so far shows all is ok and no reccurence..was a bit of a journey but my operation was straightforward and recovery really quick..is hard not to worry I know bless you..waiting is just rubbish..my FIT test was back in 1 week so not too bad..do update on here when you hear x

  • Offline in reply to Thistle79

    Overwhelmed is definitely how I feel and I think it's the "being in the system" that I struggle with, as in now I'm in the process there's no choice. I have to go where the results tell me to which I really struggle with but I know I have to do so need to pull it together.

    I will absolutely take those kind thoughts, what a lovely thing to say x

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.