Hi there, 

This is my first post on here, sorry it’s so long. At the moment I’m waiting for histology results on to polyps that were removed just under two weeks ago during an urgent colonoscopy. 

A bit of history:- This all started just over a year ago when I was getting sharp abdominal pains, rectal bleeding and changing stools. The GP put it down to me having to take naproxen for migraines or possibly gastritis. I was given omeprazole and just didn’t really think anything more about it. Then in June I was sent into hospital with an upper GI bleed, black stools and had an urgent endoscopy that showed a healing ulcer, yet again put down to naproxen. Following that I stopped naproxen but was still getting the original symptoms and the abdominal pain was getting worse. I went back to the GP and was put on a 12month waiting list for a colonoscopy. After suddenly losing a stone with no effort whatsoever I went back again and was put on an urgent 2week list in a different hospital. 

I had seen a couple of small polyps and then a large polyp on the screen and at first just thought “well that’s the reason for the pain then”, they removed the polyp, clamped the stalk and tattooed the area. I wasn’t too worried until during the colonoscopy the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed (I work in a hospital and definitely felt the tension rise in the room).  The dr said that they would send the polyp to histology but I would need to come back again in the next 1-3months which still confuses me. The nurse who had looked after me beforehand, who had been very jolly came to see me in recovery and was very serious, he kept saying “thank goodness you came in when you did”. 

It’s been 10 days now, the results aren’t in and the Sigmoid side is no longer so painful but there is still acute pain in the upper and opposite sides. I’m still struggling to eat and can’t have big meals, I’m losing weight but then I’m not eating so that’s not a big surprise. I’m trying to distract myself with work but the last 24hrs I’m starting to think more about what possible results might be. I think the continued pain is bothering me as I was optimistic that the polyp could be causing all of it. 

Has anyone got any advice on how to not worry before there’s a real reason to? I know the stats and that most polyps are not cancer, even though it was over 25mm in size. I’m still really grateful that I didn’t have to wait another 11 months  on the original waiting list.  I’m just trying to get through the next week really without letting it take over my life too much. 

I don’t think it helps that I lost my amazing dad to pancreatic cancer just over a year ago, only 6weeks after he was diagnosed. I’m not talking to my family about how I’m feeling as they’ve been through enough lately. I don’t want to worry them if there’s nothing to worry about. 

Wow , I really didn’t mean to write a post so long!