Positive FIT test has led to an urgent referral. Terrified

I am 32 and have suffered from IBS for a number of years. In the last year, since having my daughter, my symptoms have become much worse. I had blood tests last month and did the FIT test. On Friday the GP rang me as my test had come back with an abnormal result. He said they needed to make an urgent referral for a colonoscopy as they were looking for more sinister causes for the blood such as cancer. I'm so worried that I have bowel cancer. I have had a change in bowel habits in the last month and I've googled too much and scared myself. My family are very positive and are trying to make me think positively but I am just so scared. 

  • I have just been referred for an urgent referral as my fit test came back 52.60 ug/g 

    I have no idea what that means. The doctor said it was slightly higher then it should be. 

    I'm 34 and have a telephone consultation on Sunday. Not gonna lie, I'm *** myself. 

     

  • Hi [@MargaretMary]‍ thank you ! It was definitely a long wait. I did think it was cancer, it was one of those polyps that are more likely to be malignant. Really just thanking God.

  • Hi [@Ineedabreak]‍ I was due end of December and had the baby beginning of January. The colorectal department called me to cancel my appointment in end of Jan I was so annoyed, and then they canceled again in June so I took it up with the hospital PAL and they gave me a appointment immediately! It is not right to make someone wait like this just because they’re young. Clearly if they made me wait longer it would have been a different story. I wasn’t around here much as the baby was keeping me busy and I didn’t want to come here moaning about how I still wasn’t seen! I will advice anyone out there, if you have worrying symptoms please go get yourself checked don’t get fobbed off cause you’re young. I had symptoms from 29 and was seen at 31 ! Thank god the results were still good. 

  • I agree...  get checked any age.

    2 years wait is disgusting, so glad you got good news. xx

  • Hey Moggyxx, how did you get on. I have just received a abnornal FIT and need a colonoscopy. Freaking out. 

  • Hi Chris,

     

    how did you get on. I have recently had an abnormal FIT and need a colonoscopy and I am thinking the worst as I have health anxiety. 

  • Hello,

     

    how did you get on. I have a family history and personal medical history similar yoUrs. Will have a colonoscopy in the next two weeks and I am so worried it will be bad. 

  • Hi Marie17

    I had my colonoscopy last Friday and nothing sinister was found. No polyps or anything. The consultant noted mild inflammation of the colon and proctitis in the rectum (inflammation). He suspects these are what caused my slightly elevated fit and calprotectin levels. 

    I had a nasty dose of campylobacter in October which has done a bit of a job on my intestines it seems.

    I was a mental mess in the run up to the colonoscopy but so many things can contribute to fit results so try not to worry (I know it's easy to say!)

    Colonoscopy prep isn't as bad as you'll read.  My tip is to put a little lemon cordial in each glass of the prep mix and have a good box set to watch. Do not work on the prep day!

    Regards

    Chris

  • Thank you so much for your positive response. Glad to hear you had a positive experience and you are well. It is certainly hard not to think the worst. Thank you for the tips. 

  • Hey, I posted an update on 16th October but not sure how to link you to it. Here it is again

    Hello to anyone reading, updating my story to hopefully put some anxious minds at ease. You can read my first comment above RE symptoms etc but here's my timeline: 

    - 3rd September 2021 completed FIT test 

    - 8th September 2021 GP gave me result (23ug) and referred for 2WW cancer referral. 
    - 14th September 2021 offered telephone appointment.

    - 23rd Sept 21 had telephone appt. where they took symptoms, family history etc and ordered colonoscopy and blood test. 
    - 2nd Oct 21 received letter with blood labels to be conducted prior to colonoscopy

    - 4th Oct 21 went to walk-in blood centre. Bloods back the same day (via another appt.) and were fine. 
    -5th or 6th Oct 21 offered colonoscopy for 16th October. 
    - 13th Oct 21 had covid swab and given bowel prep instructions at hospital. 
    -16th October 21 had my colonoscopy. Was very quick and all clear. No polyps. I will be referred for genetic testing via my GP to see if I have bowel cancer gene. The bowel prep and procedure were really unpleasant, but manageable.

    I asked why my FIT was positive. Consultant said it could be IBS. I've read online that IBS doesn't cause bleeding, but perhaps that isn't well researched...