Mystery - Had a colonoscopy, biopsies taken but doctor said bowel looks normal. What are the chances of the biopsies showing something despite this?

Hi all. F43 here. I’ve had IBS type symptoms, going from constipation, diarrhoea, lover left stomach pain, mucus etc for as long as I can remember. Earlier this year I ended up in hospital with a very upset stomach, intense pain and lots of bleeding, going from fresh red to dark. They put it down to Diverticulitis and didn’t give me any follow ups.

Last month, I had another flare up and did a Calprotectin and FIT test, which both came back abnormal and this time the doctor referred me for an urgent Colonoscopy which I had last Friday. Well, first the bowel prep took 9 hours to kick in and secondly only 75% of my bowel was clear and the pain during examination was horrific. The doctor said my bowel looked normal but took some biopsies.

What are the chances of the biopsies showing something up even if my bowel looked normal? What would cause the bleeding and flare ups and abnormal tests yet my bowel looked normal?! It’s so confusing and I work in a lab in a hospital yet I’m still stumped lol.


Thanks for reading 

  • Hello Avocado25

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some ongoing problems with your bowel health over the last few months. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about what may have caused the symptoms you've described. 

    It's good to hear that you've already had some initial investigations and that nothing of immediate concern was shown during the colonoscopy. Hopefully, the biopsies the specialists took will give them more information about the health of your bowel and they will be able to give you some answers and reassurance. 

    If it would help to talk things through with one of our nurses, you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. 

    I hope you have some answers soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator