Hi all.

I posted in the introduction forum about this but see the correct place is here.

Always suffered with IBS and later confirmed diverticular disease, however after retiring in early 2023 my tummy was much better.

Diagnosed with blood clots in the lungs December 23, probably from covid and put on blood thinners.

Anyway, blood test in May was clear full.

Started to get odd all over itch and feeling washed out by early afternoon so asked for further blood tests.

The one my doctor was concerned about was Serum Ferritin Level 23 ug/L Outside Range Reference Range: 30.0 - 275.0.

She prescribed iron tablets which I can not take as they cause massive stomach issues. However at the same time she gave me a FIT test kit.

The results came back Friday 13th! as 52.2 with a urgent two week suspect cancer referral request. My world fell apart.

I'm seeing my GP Monday and assume the referral will be made then.

I'm away over Christmas so hope they can get me in just after.

I have been going over and over everything and its doing mine and my wife's head in.

I have had for decades an actively bleeding pile just inside the exit of the tail pipe. It usually bleeds after constipation or stress but a short few days of Anusol fixes it for a very long time, sometimes months.

It had been active due to the iron pills causing constipation the day before I did the FIT test! I could not see blood then but I wonder if this could have slewed the results?

Then of course there is the diverticular that has been grumbling recently due to poor food choices in the festive season.

All good reasons to be hopeful that I don't have cancer after losing my first wife and mum to it in short order.

But then I keep coming back to the low iron and does that tell us there is something more serious wrong?

I'll know more tomorrow of course, but this is all terrifying me.

I'll have the test but that scares the hell out of me not only for what they might find but the process itself and any damage it might cause (I'm built with very narrow tubing) 

I also have a pathological fear of hospitals.

Anyway, don'[t know why I'm saying all this there seems only one course of action. 

I assume unless they offer something next week I won't be seen as stupid for putting things off until after Christmas, I need it for my mental wellbeing and if there is anything terrible then,, well I'd like to have this one in peace?

Thanks for listening.