May I ask what peoples symptoms were before having a colonoscopy in terms of pain or bleeding or anything else? Was your bleeding small or large amounts? I’m having large amounts of bright red blood. It’s not just when I wipe it turns the whole toilet bowl water bright red and sometimes there’s blood clots. Pain is severe in my back passage too like a burning stinging and that’s not when I go to the toilet that’s just all of the time. If anything when I go to the toilet I get a relief from pain afterwards for a short time but then it returns. Ive also been anaemic for a while. I’m only in my 30s so GP has been sending me away for quite a few months despite me going back over and over again but I’ve finally been referred for a colonoscopy and waiting for an appointment now. Thank you 

Hi Daisy,  hopefully you won't have too long to wait for the colonoscopy now you have finally been referred..

A small amount of blood in the toilet bowl can look very alarming being bright red means it's fresh and not old [ dark coloured] blood. Haemorrhoids can be internal and external and capable of producing blood when having a BM...hopefully you will get some answers after the procedure. 

For me it was a marked change in my bowel habits, accompanied by distended stomach, low down period-type pains  [ hysterectomy 45 years ago]  sensation of needing to pass motion even after a BM. Five positive qFIT results and referred to Colorectal Consultant. Appointment for colonoscopy last June which had to be cancelled.. follow up appt missed until Nov colonoscopy 17th Dec 24 ...20 week waiting list for results.  There has been no change,  multiple BM,  pain, loss of appetite,  blood ( not all the time) the feeling of needing to have a BM.. seven times since 10 am..now 4.15 p.m

Thinking of you..

.

Thank you for your fast reply. I’ve had blood tests which didn’t show anything and a rectal examine which again didn’t show anything. I haven’t been given any FIT tests. I do get period like cramps too but I can’t/don’t have periods as I had a womb ablation. Some pains in my left side but on my back not my front. I’ve lost a lot of weight but I have been trying to lose weight also so I don’t know if it’s just intentional weight loss. Very tired all the time but that is likely the low iron. Trying to stay positive that it’s something not serious such as Haemorrhoids etc.  

Thank you for sharing with me and I hope you are doing ok. Sending you hugs and positivity 

You're very welcome Daisy.. having a place to ask,  listen and support each other can make a real difference,  I think..

Hello Daisy

Good to hear from you.

Sounds like you're a few weeks behind some of us in your process.

Of course, we are not the medical pros, but like Eastend said, some of us find it super helpful and supportive to share our experiences on here. So with that caveat in mind, please might I gently suggest you don't get too far ahead or do yoo much research. There could be several reasons for your symptoms.

In your particular questions, the one I can particularly relate to is being anemic. I have lost weight, get cold more easily and get tired more. A few weeks now of iron tablets seems to have addressed a lot of that.

Whatever the outcome and process for your colonoscopy, we are here for you.

Take care

Hello Daisy

Good to hear from you.

Sounds like you're a few weeks behind some of us in your process.

Of course, we are not the medical pros, but like Eastend said, some of us find it super helpful and supportive to share our experiences on here. So with that caveat in mind, please might I gently suggest you don't get too far ahead or do yoo much research. There could be several reasons for your symptoms.

In your particular questions, the one I can particularly relate to is being anemic. I have lost weight, get cold more easily and get tired more. A few weeks now of iron tablets seems to have addressed a lot of that.

Whatever the outcome and process for your colonoscopy, we are here for you.

Take care

Hi James, been thinking about you today,  hopefully your appointment wasn't too overwhelming instead gave you some clarity and the support for the days ahead.. take care 

Thank you. I am grateful.

It wad hard. Realities kicking in, now they have proposed an actual plan, explained it all and that it will start soon.

It's still a pretty positive outlook and the oncologist was pretty confident of the treatment leading to cure. But it looks like a longer journey than I'd hoped. Likely starting with chemo in a couple of weeks. I'm very nervous, as I process this

Hi James...gonna gently remind you of the advice you gave earlier ...don't get too far ahead or do too much research

Each of us will react and respond in different ways,  even when having the same treatment and procedure...

Be kind to yourself,  one day at a time x

Thank you. Yes,good advice.

I know I struggle with being present, so the step at a time approach is hard for me.

Never easy but vital for your well-being.. mentally and emotionally and physically x

Hi, I have just had a phone call from doctor, stating that the FIT test was positive and I need a colonoscopy. After having strange bowel movements for some time, and a dull ache in my bum. I am terrified. My question is this, what mental thoughts, processes and actions can I adopt to stop me from worrying or thinking about my situation or indeed if the outcome is not good?

Hi anon...my advice would be,  do not ask Google, try to concentrate on one day at a time, thinking/worrying about a possible outcome is stressful and impacts on your physical and mental wellbeing.. when you have the results of the colonoscopy and are seen by Colorectal clinic .. then and only then can a diagnosis/prognosis/treatment plan be prepared and offered...

Until that time, be kind to yourself 

Hi James4000.. just to let you know we [ me n Tango] are thinking of you  sending gentle hugs  

Thank you so much, my dears. It means a lot to know we're out there supporting each other.

Had my visit to a different hospital today and a thorough meeting with a very well regarded surgeon. Concensus was they agreed with plan: so chemo starts soon for me. I think I'm starting to get the mental improvement of having a plan that I've heard people say. I'm daunted by it, and don't like the idea of a pic line (I'm not great with needles for bloods etc, simply because it tends to hurt me), but I'll get used to it. The surgeon today said there's a strong chance (he mentioned 90%) that for my case, it will shrink the tumour and the nearby lymph node, so that sounds very encouraging.

Leaving it there, one step at a time.

How are you doing? Any updates?

Hi James...really good to hear that you had such an encouraging meeting today.. in regards to the Pic line...you've got this  all part of the big plan and the beginning of better days ahead.. I think you are absolutely right,  once there is a plan, it provides focus..

One step at a time and the most important thing is: #positive thinking 

Stay strong,  sending gentle hugs x