I have had no real symptoms or was not aware I did. I went to the doctors with pain in my foot – tendonitis. They arranged for blood, FIT, and urine tests almost because I was there and took my blood pressure, which was low. I have lost weight, but not unintentionally – I have been trying to lose weight, so I was putting less pressure on my foot. (Generally this has not been that successful, but it is going much better with all this anxiety). Guess it will be easy tomorrow with the prep!

Tests came back – low vitamin D and positive for blood in stool. I have had low blood pressure and low vitamin D for years but never had a positive FIT test. I was tested once for H. pylori (a few years ago now), but that was negative, and they never said they found blood then, but they did find a hernia in my endoscopy test. I have Factor V Leiden and am/was on blood thinners (I don't like them because they cause bruising, and I don't always take them). The doctor said because of the tendonitis in the foot and needing to RICE, I should restart taking them the week before I handed in the stool sample for testing. I stopped taking them after results a week later! I was concerned about the amount of bruising, and I would have to stop them for the procedure anyway. 

Of course, since I was told I needed the colonoscopy, I am considering everything as a negative symptom. I am absolutely petrified. I have the laxative day tomorrow, which I am also dreading, and the procedure is on Wednesday. The anxiety I am sure is making things worse, but all this came totally out of the blue. Can anyone give me some reassurance? I know that is a big ask! For those who may not know what Factor V is, it is a blood clotting disorder that is a genetic condition. and makes my blood more likely to clot (thrombophilia), so of course having the colonoscopy has a risk in itself. They discovered that when I had a DVT several years ago now. (and that was really scary as well). I am not young – I am 71 and am trying to convince myself 'what will be will be', but not at all successfully. All I want to do is cry. Typically today is a bank holiday as well, and the weather is fantastic but I really can't put this behind me and sit in the sun to increase my vitamin D levels. I have not told my son as I don't want him to worry before Wednesday (he is taking me to the hospital).