Hi I just wanted to drop a message in to say I'm going through a similar thing! I had lose stools extreme high calprotectin levels then I randomly went back to normal now I can't go toilet I have bleeding and mucus and im reliant on laxatives. I haven't been seen yet my Dr put my referral through as a non urgent due to theothe calprotectin levels dropping alot but said he couldn't ignore the fact the level was still high ( first one 1500 second one a few weeks later 654 and Jan this year was 145) due to Covid still waiting and my anxiety is through the roof and I'm fearing the worst as I've had these problems for 18 months on and off!

I hope you get answers and that it's not anything too serious

Hi Frankii

Please try not to worry although I know it's much easier to say that. I also have high anxiety and know how scary all this must be for you. I'm glad to hear you are being monitored a lot and they are doing stool samples to check your calprotectin levels. I was told by my GP that there was no point for a stool sample at the moment because they won't test it due to the risk of COVID in the stools. I am also undergoing some scary symptoms and like you have suffered for a while. On and off I've had rectal bleeding for the past two years. I was told I hàd external piles over two years ago when my DD was born because the pain from them put me in hospital not my labour pains. since lockdown my piles have gotten worse and are not responding to treatments. The Dr has done two lots of blood tests and I've had two examinations since March this year. They can still feel ànd see them . My worries come from losing weight back in March without trying to and that has completely freaked me out. I have also had a change in bowel habits and my stools have gotten thinner and looser this past week. I've had a lower abdomen scan which came back clear because I also suffered with pain in my abdomen and had high liver levels showing on my blood tests. I was convinced I had ovarian cancer or something wrong with my liver then but it was fine. I guess what I'm trying to say is please don't fear the worst. Often our minds can jump to the worst case scenario. I'm trying CBT to help my anxieties but I also know that until I get some answers about my current symptoms I too will worry about everything. 

Happy Birthday! Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Thought I would drop you a message to let you know how my telephone appointment with the gastroenterologist went. He was pleased I had listed and timelined all my symptoms and said in his opinion cancer is unlikely. He thinks the bleeding is from the piles but with the other symptoms of weight loss and a change in bowel movements he wants to rule anything suspicious out. He has ordered a colonoscopy and put it through as urgent so I get seen quickly. He told me the results from my stool sample as well which was completely normal although I have no idea what they were looking for with that. Have you had any more luck or heard anything further?

Hi! 

I've only just seen this but thankyou!

I'm so pleased for you that tests turned out normal! Fingers crossed for the colonoscopy as well.... good they are doing it quickly for you!

Yes slight progress on mine my appointment has been triaged which means theyve actually looked at it now so I may get an appointment soon hopefully....

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that....you always let your mind go to the worst place don't you 

That's great news I'm so glad they have looked at it got you. You may find the ball starts rolling very quickly now.

I had a phone call from the hospital yesterday and have a telephone pre assessment booked in for Thursday morning. I also have a date for the procedure now and it's less than two weeks away. Very nervous about the actual procedure now having got this far but at least it will hopefully rule things out and help ease my anxieties a bit if it's nothing more than piles.

Well I got a positive fit test and now afraid beyond belief. Will have to wait and see what the consultant decides to do.

Hey Lil C do keep updated on how it all goes! Really hoping it’s just piles causing your symptoms. 

Hey Ed I know tmi but how does the blood loo when you bleed? My one seems to be a very deep red shade a little  mucasy, but I can’t be sure if the blood is so dark because the stool gets mixed in. So scared.

Of course I will let you know how I get on. My telephone pre assessment was very informative and I'm not looking forward to the bowel prep at all but at least I will know one way or the other soon. 

Sorry to hear you are so scared . Please try not to worry although I know it's hard isn't it. You are pregnant aren't you ? Have they checked for piles? Pregnancy definitely makes them worse and the positive FIT test would pick up blood if you are bleeding from piles or a tear (fissure) . I know it's impossible but do try not to worry . The consultant will have more answers for you soon I'm sure . 

I bet you can’t wait to get it over and one with. Yes I’m pregnant which makes things a little harder for me I guessing regarding a camera test. I’ve had these symptoms well before I got pregnant which worries me more. I Already know the fit test is going to be positive/high I could see the dark blood. 

What are your symptoms if you don’t mind me asking?

Of course not,

I've had bright red bleeding on and off since my DD was born . Recently it's gotten worse. I do have an external pile and skin tag so Dr thinks bleeding is down to this. I have lost weight though without trying and had a change in bowel habits. Lots of loose stools and going more often. My hair is falling out but not sure if that's stress or related. Dr has run blood tests ... All clear and done stool sample checking for IBD I think ... Also clear. Sharp stabbing pain in abdomen on my left hand side...no lumps can be felt upon tummy examination.  Lower back pain. Had a referral to a gastroenterologist who wants to rule anything suspicious out so colonoscopy booked in for just over a weeks time.

I'm so sorry to hear that! But also remember it can be some thing not as scary like IBD or even polyps which don't always turn into anything sinister. I know myself it's so much easier said than done but try not to let your mind go to the bad place it could make you so poorly going down that road.

Always here to talk xx

I'm so sorry to hear that! But also remember it can be some thing not as scary like IBD or even polyps which don't always turn into anything sinister. I know myself it's so much easier said than done but try not to let your mind go to the bad place it could make you so poorly going down that road.

Always here to talk xx